Mistletoe is an evergreen, semi-parasitic plant that grows on a variety of deciduous trees, including elm oak, birch, apple, maple and pine. Also known as European mistletoe, the plant, with its milky white berries, is popular as a Christmas decoration. The herb contains agents that inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells. In fact, mistletoe is the best studied complementary injection therapy for cancer patients. Although it is prescribed as an anti-cancer drug in Europe, it is not yet approved for this purpose by the FDA in the US. It is also important to know that some of the compounds in this plant are cardiac toxins comparable to ricin and cobra venom. Therefore, it is not safe to ingest this herb.
However, it is safe to use mistletoe herb powder topically. As a cosmetic ingredient, mistletoe lends anti-inflammatory and astringent properties to soaps, lotions, salves and other skin care products.
