Mistletoe

MISTLETOE | MUERDAGO

Mistletoe is an enigmatic, branch-hugging evergreen that somehow lives between worlds. Suspended in midair, rootless and parasitic, yet filled with life-giving compounds and mythic power, mistletoe has been considered everything from a symbol of peace to a cure for cancer. It's a plant that doesn’t just grow- it chooses where to land, attaches itself to trees, and survives off their essence, all while staying green through the dead of winter.

In ancient Europe, mistletoe was revered by the Celts, Druids, and Norse peoples. In Celtic Druidic tradition, European mistletoe (Viscum album) was considered a sacred plant of the sun and the oak- especially when found growing high in oak trees, which was a rare and holy occurrence. At midwinter solstice, Druids would harvest it with golden sickles during ritual ceremonies, catching it before it hit the ground. Why? Because it was believed to hold life-giving properties that could heal infertility, protect against evil, and even resurrect the dead.

In Norse mythology, mistletoe played a starring role in the death of the beloved god Baldur. The story goes- every living thing on Earth swore never to harm Baldur, except mistletoe, which was overlooked because it didn’t grow in the earth. Loki, ever the trickster, used mistletoe to create a spear and killed Baldur. The gods wept, and from that sorrow came the tradition that mistletoe must never be used in violence again- only in peace and love. Hence the tradition of kissing under mistletoe, symbolizing reconciliation, healing, and tenderness in the dark months.

Medicinally, mistletoe has an equally fascinating story. In Traditional European herbalism, it’s been used for centuries to treat epilepsy, hypertension, nervous disorders, and circulatory issues. It was especially valued as a calming nervine and heart tonic, often used in small doses by skilled practitioners. Viscum album contains a complex mix of lectins, viscotoxins, and immune-modulating compounds, which in large amounts can be toxic- but in small, precise doses, can stimulate immunity and balance autonomic functions.

In the 20th century, mistletoe took on a whole new role in anthroposophic medicine, a system of holistic healing developed by Rudolf Steiner. Mistletoe extracts were formulated as an immune-modulating cancer therapy (known as Iscador, Helixor, and others), used particularly in Europe and especially in Germany and Switzerland. Studies show it can stimulate natural killer cells, improve quality of life, and complement conventional cancer treatments, though it's still considered alternative in many medical systems.

In North American Indigenous medicine, species of American mistletoe have been used more cautiously, often for ritual purification or bowel cleansing, but they’re considered toxic if misused. Mistletoe’s strength and mystery have always demanded respect, caution, and reverence.

Energetically, mistletoe is a threshold plant- living between life and death, light and shadow, earth and sky. It teaches balance, boundary work, and the importance of ritual and intention. It says, You don’t have to grow like everything else. You don’t have to root where others do. You can still be vital, powerful, and wise. It’s no accident mistletoe is green in the dead of winter. It’s a plant of evergreen medicine and spiritual resilience.

Medicinal Uses of Mistletoe

• Immune System Modulation
  Mistletoe extracts stimulate natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages, and cytokine production, helping the body balance immune function—particularly in cases of chronic illness or cancer.

• Supportive Cancer Therapy
  In anthroposophic medicine, mistletoe injections (e.g., Iscador, Helixor) are used alongside conventional cancer treatments to reduce side effects, improve energy and mood, and support immune defense. Some research shows potential to slow tumor growth or improve quality of life.

• Lowers High Blood Pressure
  Traditionally used to gently reduce hypertension, especially when related to nervous tension or circulatory stagnation. Its effects are mild and cumulative rather than fast-acting.

• Calms the Nervous System
  Used as a nervine for treating anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and neuralgia. Mistletoe helps tone and regulate overactive nerves, particularly in sensitive or chronically stressed individuals.

• Helps with Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
  Historically used in small, careful doses for epilepsy, tics, and seizure-related syndromes. It was believed to stabilize nerve function and reduce neurological overexcitement.

• Regulates the Heart and Circulation
  Acts as a cardiac tonic, helping normalize irregular heartbeat, reduce palpitations, and improve peripheral circulation, especially in those with cold hands/feet or sluggish blood flow.

• Menstrual and Hormonal Support
  Sometimes used in traditional European medicine to regulate menstruation, reduce heavy bleeding, or ease menopausal symptoms, particularly where the cycle is linked to emotional stress.

• Supports Autoimmune Balance
  Because of its immune-modulating properties, mistletoe is sometimes explored in the management of autoimmune conditions, although this use is experimental and must be highly individualized.

Preparations Commonly Used

• Tinctures or teas (in very low doses, by herbalists)

• Standardized injectable extracts (like Iscador or Helixor, used by physicians trained in anthroposophic medicine)

• Topical preparations (occasionally used in folk medicine for joint pain or inflammation)