Botanical Overview
Viscum album, commonly known as European mistletoe, is a hemiparasitic shrub in the family Santalaceae. It is native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. The parts used medicinally include the leaf, stem, and berries.
Energetics
Viscum album is considered cooling and moistening in temperature and moisture qualities, with bitter and astringent tastes. Its energetic directionality is descending, and its tonic effect is amphoteric, primarily influencing qi and blood.
Primary Actions
- Immunomodulatory
- Hypotensive
- Anticancer
- Nervine
Indications
Western
- Hypertension
- Arthritis pain
- Cancer support
- Nervous tension
Syndromes
- Hypertension
- Osteoarthritis
- Cancer adjunct therapy
TCM
No established traditional indications documented.
Ayurveda
No established traditional indications documented.
Unani
No established traditional indications documented.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Key phytochemicals include lectins, viscotoxins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and polysaccharides which contribute to its immunomodulatory, cytotoxic, and hypotensive effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Standardized aqueous or fermented extract, 1-3 mL subcutaneously, 2-3 times daily
- Oral tincture (1:5 in 40% ethanol), 20-40 drops, 1-3 times daily
- Tea infusion with 1-2 g dried herb, 2-3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Use with caution due to potential gastrointestinal upset and hypotensive effects. Contraindicated in pregnancy, lactation, hypotension, and with some autoimmune conditions. Possible interactions with antihypertensive agents, immunosuppressants, and sedatives require monitoring.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliably sourced planetary or elemental rulers are documented for Viscum album.
Selected References
- European Medicines Agency (EMA) HMPC Assessment Report, 2018
- Pharmacological and clinical effects of European mistletoe extracts: a review, K. G. Kienle et al., 2005
- Plants For A Future (PFAF) Database