Mistletoe? Yes, That Mistletoe!

Mistletoe, or Viscum Album, is a plant that attaches itself to trees, such as apple, oak, maple, elm, pine, and birch. It is native to Europe and Western Asia, with medicinal uses dating back to ancient civilizations.

 

The biologic extracts from this plant have broad applications in the field of oncology that have demonstrated consistent safety and effectiveness when used with the established treatment protocols. Otherwise, the plant is poisonous.

 

Its Applications in Medicine

European mistletoe (Viscum album L.) is a medicinal plant that has been used as a treatment for cancer for more than a century (1Trusted Source) and is one of the most widely studied and evidence-based, naturopathic medicines prescribed for cancer patients in Europe.

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It is thought that mistletoe stimulates the immune system to fight cancer, may improve symptoms, and reduce the side effects of cancer treatments.

 

Mistletoe has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, and some research suggests it may act as an antiangiogenesis agent. This means it may prevent the spread of cancer by stopping the growth of new blood vessels, cutting off fuel supply to tumors.

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Mistletoe can help alleviate some of the common side-effects of radiation and chemotherapy, such as fatigue, nausea, and difficulty sleeping.

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Mistletoe Therapy can be used in malignant and non-malignant tumors for stimulation of bone marrow activity along with conventional treatments to offset the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, such as nausea, vomiting, and lack of appetite. It can also be used to diminish tumor-related pain and to reduce the risk of tumor recurrence.

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How Mistletoe is Administered

Mistletoe is injected under the skin of the abdomen for most patients.

It typically causes some harmless localized inflammation, including swelling, redness, tenderness, and itching, up to the size of a silver dollar.  

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The maintenance treatment is given three times each week. Your first mistletoe injection will be done at our offices so we can demonstrate safe and proper injection technique, as well as observe you for any allergic reaction. Allergic reaction to subcutaneous mistletoe is extremely rare. All subsequent injections can be administered at home by you or a trained caregiver.

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Benefits from Mistletoe Therapy

• Activation of the immune system and the production of defense cells

• Stimulation of programmed cell death (apoptosis) in cancer cells and blockage of angiogenesis (new blood supply)

• Protection and stabilization of the DNA of healthy cells against damage caused by cytostatic drugs, such as chemotherapy

• Improvement in general well-being

• Reduced fatigue, particularly during and after chemotherapy

• Reduced nausea during chemotherapy

• Improved appetite

• Improved sleep

• Increased energy

• A more positive outlook, more courage, and initiative, less fear

• Less sensitivity to pain, so fewer painkillers, and sedatives are needed

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Possible Side Effects

• A slight increase in body temperature (many cancer patients have a lower than average body temperature and often feel cold)

• Fatigue

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Is Mistletoe Appropriate for Everyone? 

No. this therapy is not recommended for anyone with an allergy to Mistletoe or anyone with acute inflammatory disease, autoimmune disease, high fever, pregnancy, Myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis,  or uncontrolled hyperthyroidism.

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Is it Safe to Use Mistletoe Therapy while Receiving other Treatments, such as Radiation or Chemotherapy?

Yes.