Herbal Supplements For A Healthier Life

Botanical & Identity

Botanical Name

Viscum album

Common Names

Mistletoe, European Mistletoe

Plant Family

Santalaceae (Mistletoe family)

Part Used

Leaf and stem; berries used cautiously (toxic if misused)

Taste Profile

Bitter, slightly sweet

Energetics

Cooling, drying, regulating
Mistletoe

Summary & Classification

Short Summary

Mistletoe is a powerful immunomodulating herb known primarily for its use in integrative cancer therapy. It helps regulate the immune system, supports cardiovascular balance, and stabilizes abnormal cell proliferation. Traditional uses also include hypertension and nervous system disorders

Herb Actions

immunomodulator, nervine tonic, hypotensive

Herbal Category

immune support, cardiovascular support

Medicine System

traditional european medicine

Active Ingredients

Viscotoxins
,
Lectins (especially Viscum album agglutinin)
,
Polysaccharides
,
Alkaloids
,
Flavonoids
.

Chemistry & Effectiveness

Active Ingredients

Mechanism of Action

Lectins and viscotoxins stimulate immune cell activity (macrophages, NK cells), induce apoptosis in abnormal cells, and modulate inflammatory cytokine release. Also exerts mild hypotensive and calming effects.

Modern Applications

Used in integrative oncology (especially breast, ovarian, and lung cancers), hypertension, mild epilepsy, anxiety, and chronic inflammatory conditions.

Traditional Uses & Preparation

Traditional Uses

Historically revered by Druids and European herbalists for treating epilepsy, hypertension, and as a sacred plant of regeneration and protection.

Preparation & Usage

Injectable extracts standardised for lectin content (clinical oncology use), cold infusions of leaf for hypertension and nerve conditions. Oral ingestion of berries is NOT recommended due to toxicity.

Recommended Dosage

Cold infusion: 1–2 g leaf in 150 ml cold water, steeped 12 hours. Clinical injectable doses vary by protocol (strict medical supervision required).

Safety & Warnings

Contraindications

Avoid unsupervised use in pregnancy, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular instability. Not suitable for oral use of berries.

Drug Interactions

May potentiate effects of immunotherapy or immune-suppressive therapies. Close monitoring needed if combined.

Pregnancy & Lactation

safe

Side Effects

Rare: fever, inflammation at injection site (clinical use), allergic reactions. Self-administration of unstandardized mistletoe preparations is not recommended.

Scientific & Source Info

Scientific References

– Büssing, A. (2000). Mistletoe: The Genus Viscum. – Kienle, G.S. et al. (2009). Clinical studies on mistletoe therapy for cancer: A systematic review.

Sourcing Notes

Use leaf and stem preparations from verified sources. Standardised mistletoe injections (e.g., Iscador®) are prepared under strict clinical manufacturing guidelines for safe oncology use.

Product Linkage

Used In Products

Hi-Blood capsules

Hi-Blood 120’s

R440.00