A European Favorite

Mistletoe (Viscum album) is a parasitic plant that feeds on the aboveground trunks and branches of hardwood trees, usually oak and apple, but can affect hundreds of other species to a lesser degree. European Mistletoe (Viscum album) is a full parasite, meaning it gets all of its nutrients from its host, unlike the mistletoe we know as holiday decor, that is only a partial parasite. Mistletoe has bright to dark green waxy evergreen leaves and sticky white berries. It tends to grow out from its center, giving it the appearance of an eerie green cloud, hovering in the branches of its host tree. One or two individual plants don’t seem to drain the host too much, but if an infestation occurs, Mistletoe can be lethal to its host plant.

Because it can have this eerie appearance, and for many years, people could not explain its origin, Mistletoe became steeped in myth and folklore. The Celts would gather Mistletoe during specific phases of the moon. In the Middle Ages, it was thought to be an aphrodisiac with the power to bestow fertility. In Europe, Mistletoe was hung in doorways to ward off witches. Mistletoe even found its way into Norse mythology, becoming a fateful poison arrow. 
Later, Mistletoe was used in European traditions as a balancing, immune boosting herb, often to support the physical heart and healthy blood pressure.  

Precautions: Not for long term use. Not for use in pregnancy except under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.