Holistic Health Herbal Medicine The Health Benefits of Mistletoe Popular Complementary Therapy for Cancer By Lindsay Curtis twitter linkedin Lindsay Curtis is a health writer with over 20 years' experience in writing health, science & wellness-focused articles. Learn about our editorial process Lindsay Curtis Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Meredith Bull, ND on November 15, 2020 facebook linkedin Meredith Bull, ND, is a licensed naturopathic doctor with a private practice in Los Angeles. She helped co-author the first integrative geriatrics textbook, "Integrative Geriatric Medicine." Learn about our Medical Review Board Meredith Bull, ND Updated on January 20, 2021 Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Health Benefits Possible Side Effects Dosage and Preparation What to Look For Mistletoe (Viscum album) is a member of the Viscaceae plant family. European mistletoe (Viscum album) is harvested for its leaves, stems, and berries to make herbal extracts, teas, and injections. Health benefits that have been attributed to mistletoe include improving cardiovascular health, relieving stress and anxiety, and boosting the immune system to help fight off colds and respiratory problems. It is also a popular complementary therapy for cancer treatment in many parts of the world. Also Known As Other common names for mistletoe include: Viscum All-heal Birdlime White-berry mistletoe Verywell / Laura Porter Health Benefits Mistletoe use has been studied in several health conditions. Anxiety/Stress Persistent, ongoing anxiety has a negative impact on day-to-day life. Mistletoe may have actions that help calm anxiety. Studies suggest that mistletoe can be effective for reducing depression and anxiety in cancer patients. A good night’s sleep is important for your physical and mental health and can go a long way in helping manage anxiety. Mistletoe has long been used as an herbal remedy for improving sleep. The chemical components in this herb may promote the release of neurotransmitters, like dopamine, to support restful sleep. 14 Natural Ways to Get a Better Night's Sleep Cancer Care According to the National Cancer Institute, mistletoe is one of the most widely researched alternative therapies for people living with cancer. Research suggests that mistletoe may stimulate the immune system to help fight cancer. Mistletoe extracts have anti-cancer activity, as mistletoe inhibits cancer cell proliferation (spread) and even kills existing cancer cells in an experimental laboratory setting. Research also suggests that mistletoe can be effective for improving the quality of life of cancer patients. It might also improve blood counts and even reduce the size of tumors. Some studies show that mistletoe can reduce symptoms such as nausea, loss of appetite, pain, fatigue, and depression/anxiety following chemotherapy treatments. Cardiovascular Health Atherosclerosis, a condition associated with chronic hypertension and several other conditions, can lead to vascular diseases, such as heart disease and kidney disease. Mistletoe may help prevent high blood pressure, helping prevent coronary heart disease and strokes. Research shows that mistletoe has antioxidant effects, which improves circulation and protects the heart and the blood vessels. Mistletoe might also help regulate heart rate. Immune System and Respiratory Health Support Feel a cold coming on? Mistletoe may help. With its antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, mistletoe may boost and support the immune system, helping fight off illnesses. Though there is not much research on humans, mistletoe has been proven to calm respiratory conditions like asthma in animal studies. Inflammation The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties of the plant make it a candidate for helping treat chronic inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis. Inflammation is the body’s response to infection, injury, or disease—but misdirected inflammation is a feature of many autoimmune conditions. Humans have been using mistletoe tinctures for hundreds of years to help reduce inflammation both in and outside of the body. Research suggests that mistletoe extract might also soothe gastrointestinal issues caused by inflammation and improve digestive health. Diabetes Mistletoe has been used for generations to help balance blood sugar levels. Some research supports mistletoe’s potential in treating diabetes. Research on animal models shows that mistletoe reduces blood glucose levels and stimulates the production of insulin in pancreatic cells. And one study suggests that mistletoe extract may protect liver cells from free radical damage. Further studies are needed to understand mistletoe’s role in balancing glucose levels in humans. Possible Side Effects When used in the recommended amounts, mistletoe is rarely associated with side effects. Possible side effects—generally experienced when the dosage is too high—include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure or dizziness. Injectable forms of mistletoe, such as those used as a natural supplement for cancer patients, may cause pain and inflammation at the injection site, but have not been associated with severe side effects. Mistletoe is not recommended for use in children or for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is important to speak to a healthcare provider before using mistletoe, particularly if you are on any prescription medications. Mistletoe may interact with many medications, including anticoagulants, antidepressants, and medications used for treating heart disease or high blood pressure. Only European mistletoe can be used therapeutically, as American mistletoe is unsafe. Don't consume raw mistletoe of any variety, as it can be poisonous and may induce vomiting, seizures, slowed heart rate, and even death. Dosage and Preparation Due to the potency of mistletoe, it is better to start with small amounts to reach the desired effect. Mistletoe is available at health food stores and online as a liquid extract, dried herb, and in pre-prepared tea bags. Follow all recommended dosages on the labels of commercially available mistletoe products. Dried mistletoe that is used to make tea is recommended at no more than 10 grams per day. Mistletoe tea recipe: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried mistletoe herb in one cup (250 mL) of boiling water Steep for 5-10 minutes Consume no more than 1-2 cups per day What to Look For Follow all mistletoe product label instructions carefully, as only small doses are recommended to achieve effects. Only use European mistletoe. There are mistletoe dietary supplements and homeopathic remedies available at health food stores and online, but most scientific research has focused on injected forms of mistletoe that are not approved as prescription medications in the United States. Safety Tips for Nutritional Supplements A Word from Verywell Mistletoe is more than just a symbolic token of the winter holiday season. There are more than 1,300 identified species of mistletoe throughout the world, and European mistletoe has been used for centuries for its health benefits. Scientific research backs up the anecdotal stories of positive health effects, but you should discuss any herbs and supplements that you plan to use with your doctor. While adverse effects are not common with mistletoe use, even mild acting natural substances can have side effects that you could be predisposed to if you have a health condition that contraindicates use. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Beshay EVN. Therapeutic efficacy of Artemisia absinthium against Hymenolepis nana: in vitro and in vivo studies in comparison with the anthelmintic praziquantel. J Helminthol. 2018;92(3):298-308. doi:10.1017/s0022149x17000529 Kienle GS, Kiene H. Review article: Influence of Viscum album L (European mistletoe) extracts on quality of life in cancer patients: a systematic review of controlled clinical studies. Integr Cancer Ther. 2010;9(2):142-57. doi:10.1177/1534735410369673 Xie W, Adolf J, Melzig MF. Identification of Viscum album L. miRNAs and prediction of their medicinal values. PLoS One. 2017;12(11):e0187776. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0187776 National Cancer Institute. Mistletoe extracts (PDQ®)–patient version. Updated August 18, 2020. Loef M, Walach H. Quality of life in cancer patients treated with mistletoe: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2020;20(1):227. doi:10.1186/s12906-020-03013-3 Klopp R, Schmidt W, Niemer W, Werner M, Beuth J. Changes in immunological characteristics of white blood cells after administration of standardized mistletoe extract. In Vivo. 2001;15(6):447-57. Karagöz A, Kesici S, Vural A, et al. Cardioprotective effects of Viscum album L. ssp. album (Loranthaceae) on isoproterenol-induced heart failure via regulation of the nitric oxide pathway in rats. Anatol J Cardiol. 2016;16(12):923-930. doi:10.14744/AnatolJCardiol.2016.6780 Orhan DD, Aslan M, Sendogdu N, Ergun F, Yesilada E. Evaluation of the hypoglycemic effect and antioxidant activity of three Viscum album subspecies (European mistletoe) in streptozotocin-diabetic rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2005;98(1-2):95-102. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2004.12.033 Fikenzer S, Laufs U. Response to Letter to the editors referring to Fikenzer, S., Uhe, T., Lavall, D., Rudolph, U., Falz, R., Busse, M., Hepp, P., & Laufs, U. (2020). Effects of surgical and FFP2/N95 face masks on cardiopulmonary exercise capacity. Clin Res Cardiol. 2020. doi:10.1007/s00392-020-01736-4 Khan T, Ali S, Qayyum R, Hussain I, Wahid F, Shah AJ. Intestinal and vascular smooth muscle relaxant effect of Viscum album explains its medicinal use in hyperactive gut disorders and hypertension. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2016;16:251. doi:10.1186/s12906-016-1229-3 Bock PR, Hanisch J, Matthes H, Zänker KS. Targeting inflammation in cancer-related-fatigue: a rationale for mistletoe therapy as supportive care in colorectal cancer patients. Inflamm Allergy Drug Targets. 2014;13(2):105-11. doi:10.2174/1871528113666140428103332 Patil S, Anarthe S, Jadhav R, Surana S. Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity and in - vitro antioxidant activity of Indian mistletoe, the hemiparasite Dendrophthoe falcate L. F. (Loranthaceae). Iran J Pharm Res. 2011;10(2):253-9. Gray AM, Flatt PR. Insulin-secreting activity of the traditional antidiabetic plant Viscum album (mistletoe). J Endocrinol. 1999;160(3):409-414. doi:10.1677/joe.0.1600409 Onunogbo CC, Ohaeri O, Eleazu C. Effect of mistletoe (Viscum album) extract on the blood glucose, liver enzymes and electrolyte balance in alloxan induced diabetic rats. American Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 2013;3.143-150. doi:10.3923/ajbmb.2013.143.150 Huber R, Schlodder D, Effertz C, Rieger S, Tröger W. Safety of intravenously applied mistletoe extract - results from a phase I dose escalation study in patients with advanced cancer. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2017;17(1):465. doi:10.1186/s12906-017-1971-1