Each Christmas season, mistletoe (Viscum album) is commonly connected to festive kisses, although this herb is also recognised to have been used in many Celtic religious celebrations. Unlike American mistletoe (Phoradendron leucarpum), which is believed to be more toxic, European mistletoe has been studied and trialled to identify its healing abilities.
European Mistletoe Health Benefits - Mistletoe Injections, Herb Extract, Herbal Tea
European mistletoe was first used for its supposed health benefits by the Druids and Ancient Greeks, who used the herb as a 'panacea' to heal all types of conditions. Indeed, mistletoe has long since been widely used as a herbal treatment for a range of different health problems, including to provide relief from headaches, arthritis and symptoms associated with the menopause. There are several ways in which European mistletoe has been used to treat patients, including as an injection, by IV, by mouth and as a herbal tea.
Does Mistletoe Help Treat Cancer?
During the early 20th Century, German philosopher Rudolf Steiner believed that mistletoe injections could help treat cancer. According to Bratman (2007), although mistletoe extracts have shown anti-cancer effects in test tube studies, human clinical trials reviewed in 2003 lacked scientific rigour, thus failing to clarify its effectiveness. However, as identified by the US National Cancer Institute, mistletoe is not only one of the most widely studied complementary cancer treatments, but is also among the most commonly prescribed therapies for cancer patients within certain European countries.
While the jury is still out, as to whether mistletoe has effective anti-cancer properties for the human immune system, the National Cancer Institute highlights that mistletoe extract has been shown to:
- have effects on the immune system
- kill mouse, rat and human cancer cells in the laboratory
- protect DNA in white blood cells in the laboratory
- protect cells exposed to DNA-damaging chemotherapy drugs in the laboratory
Possible Health Benefits of Oral Mistletoe
Unlike injectable mistletoe, there have been few research studies relating to the health benefits associated with oral mistletoe. However, according to Bratman (2007), very weak evidence does hint at possible health benefits relating to diabetes, colds and flu. While a commonly held belief is that oral mistletoe may reduce hypertension (high blood pressure), this is not backed up by any scientific research.
Side Effects of European Mistletoe - Is Mistletoe Safe?
Safety issues associated with European mistletoe typically relate to the type of health product being used. While serious side effects from mistletoe treatments are rare, the National Cancer Institute has identified common side effects of mistletoe products to include:
- soreness/inflammation at mistletoe injection site
- headaches
- fever
- chills
According to Bratman (2007), hepatitis has been linked to oral use of a mistletoe product, although severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis are rarely seen. Mistletoe should not be used to treat women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as those who are suffering from severe liver or kidney problems.
As highlighted above, there is insufficient scientific evidence as to whether mistletoe has genuine health benefits for cancer sufferers. While injectable mistletoe is currently utilised as a complementary cancer treatment in European countries, this has not been approved by the US FDA.
Sources:
Bratman, S. (2007) Complementary & Alternative Health London: Collins
US National Cancer Institute
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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