European Mistletoe
General Information
Mistletoe that is commonly used medicinally refers to the European mistletoe, and is different than American mistletoe which is used as a decoration during holiday seasons.
Common Name(s)
European mistletoe, mistletoe, all-heal, birdlime mistletoe
Scientific Name(s)
Viscum album
Scientific Name(s)
Both the berries and the leafy stems are taken by mouth however no more than 3 mistletoe berries or 2 leaves should be consumed.
Your health care provider may have recommended using this product in other ways. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.
What is this product used for?
European mistletoe has been used to treat cancers, menopausal symptoms, and seizures amongst other types of conditions.
There is insufficient evidence to demonstrate that European mistletoe can be used effectively for any of these uses.
Your health care provider may have recommended this product for other conditions. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.
What else should I be aware of?
Raw mistletoe is poisonous and can cause vomiting, seizures, slowing of the heart rate, liver damage, coma, and even death.
European mistletoe can interact with medications used to treat high blood pressure. European mistletoe may also decrease the effectiveness of immunosuppressants.
European mistletoe is most likely not safe to use during pregnancy and little research has been conducted on its effects while breast-feeding. Avoid taking mistletoe if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
It should also be avoided by those who have:
- an autoimmune condition (e.g., multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.)
- leukemia
- received an organ transplant
Stop taking European mistletoe at least 2 weeks before surgery.
Before taking any new medications, including natural health products, speak to your physician, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Tell your health care provider about any natural health products you may be taking.
Source(s)
- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. European mistletoe.
- National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health. European mistletoe. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/european-mistletoe
