MISTLETOE

(Viscum album, V. flavescens; Phoradendron flavescens; LORANTHACEAE)

Part used:

Leaves, ripe berries, and young twigs.

Therapeutic action:

Nervine, antispasmodic, tonic, slight narcotic, diuretic, emmenagogue, and emetic.

Mistletoe is highly valued for its nervine and antispasmodic properties, used in any trouble caused by weakness or a disordered state of the nervous system. It will quiet, soothe, and tone the nerves, lessening cerebral excitement and influencing febrile conditions. It is useful in female weakness of the generative organs and will incite uterine contractions. It is a toner for cardiac (heart) affections, because it possesses non-injurious properties that can be used instead of the powerful whipping action of digitalis or bromides.

Medicinal uses:

Hysteria, epilepsy, uterine hemorrhages, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, heart troubles (especially in typhoid fever), blood pressure, convulsions, delirium, nervous debility, fits, nervousness, chorea (St. Vitus' Dance), cardiac dropsy, and cholera.

Preparation:

Decoction, fluid extract, infusion, powder and tincture.