Especially in the western world, mistletoe is often used as a popular decorative element for the holidays. Kissing underneath it is also done. However, the said plant deserves some serious attention because of its amazing medicinal properties. In fact, its use for the treatment of various health problems dates back to ancient Greece.
A lot of people know that mistletoe is a toxic plant. While this is true, it’s important to note that there are many different species of the plant, and a lot of them are beneficial. Eastern mistletoe common in the US is not safe for medicinal use, but the kind that’s found in Europe is used for therapeutic purposes, especially in extract form.
Unlike most other herbal extracts, the kind obtained from mistletoe is injected. However, you may also come across mistletoe in the form of teas and tinctures, which are certainly easier to employ than the injected kinds. So without further ado, here are some of the well-known perks offered by mistletoe other than being an iconic holiday decoration:
It Helps Lower Blood Pressure
Traditional healers recommend mistletoe to their hypertensive patients in order to control high blood pressure. You don’t want your blood pressure to be constantly elevated because it can damage the arteries as well as the heart itself. Paired with proper eating habits and regular exercise, mistletoe can help ward off high blood pressure.
It Promotes a Good Night’s Sleep
Fortunately for individuals who are suffering from insomnia, they can save themselves from the many nasty effects of lack of sleep by taking some all-natural sleep aids that are free of side effects. One of them is a strong cup of mistletoe tea which helps calm the nerves and encourage a good night’s sleep.
It Keeps Snoring at Bay
If you share the bed with someone who snores loudly, it is said that offering him or her mistletoe tea can give you much-needed sleep. Traditionally, mistletoe is used to help inhibit snoring. It’s also beneficial for the culprit because snoring can actually keep him or her from having the kind of sleep that’s restful and refreshing.
It Relieves Physical Symptoms of Anxiety
Just like what’s mentioned earlier, mistletoe is capable of relaxing the nerves. This is exactly the reason why the plant can be very beneficial for individuals who are suffering from anxiety. Mistletoe is also known to help alleviate symptoms associated with anxiety, such as tremors and ticks.
It Eases Upper Respiratory Problems
Mistletoe is also administered for relieving the symptoms of various problems concerning the upper respiratory tract like coughing and wheezing. It also known to help ease chest tightness and breathing difficulty associated with the upper airway’s inflammation and swelling.
It Lowers Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
For many years now, traditional healers rely on mistletoe in lowering blood glucose levels. Scientists of today, however, are just discovering the anti-diabetic potential of mistletoe through a series of investigations. They found out that mistletoe also helped encourage the production of insulin by special cells in the pancreas.
It Reduces Pain and Swelling of Joints
One of the most revered healing properties of mistletoe is its ability to control inflammation. This is the reason why individuals who are bugged by painful and swollen joints can benefit from the intake of mistletoe. Thanks to the herb, it is possible for them to remain physically active and productive.
It Helps Lower Cancer Risk
Last but not least, one of the most popular uses of mistletoe medicine-wise is cancer prevention. Experts say that the herb is capable of causing cancer cells to exterminate themselves. Numerous studies say that mistletoe is also very good at reducing the unfavorable side effects of chemotherapy, a common form of cancer treatment.
