White mistletoe - medicinal properties and contraindications

White mistletoe is an amazing semi-parasite plant, which is a spherical shrub. It grows on deciduous, coniferous and some fruit trees, penetrating the roots under the bark of the host tree and feeding on its moisture and mineral components. From time immemorial, white mistletoe was considered a medicinal plant that has numerous beneficial properties. In ancient times, decoctions of leaves and shoots of mistletoe were used in the fight against tumors, headaches, and hypertension. Today, the list of useful properties of mistletoe is wider, the plant is used in many folk recipes, and even in the preparation of potent medicines. White mistletoe among druids was considered one of the most powerful antidotes. In Christianity, the plant symbolized healing and reconciliation. In this article you will learn about this potent plant, its beneficial properties, contraindications, methods of collecting raw materials and proper preparation of the medicine.

How to prepare raw materials?

In no case do not collect mistletoe near highways, within the boundaries of large cities or near industrial plants. The plant is sensitive to environmental conditions, absorbs exhaust gases, which affects the medicinal properties of the shrub. It is better to collect mistletoe in late autumn or winter. Some sources indicate that the collection should be carried out in the spring, but this is wrong, too young shoots have not yet gained strength, the concentration of nutrients in them is low. Raw materials for harvesting are new shoots (last year) and leaves. Fruits for home-made medications are not recommended. Young stems break easily, without any problems move away from the main trunk. That is why collecting shoots is not difficult, even if the nest of white mistletoe is high. For this you need a long hook or pruner.

After harvesting, young shoots and leaves must be thoroughly dried, they are left on paper in a well-ventilated place. Before you remove the white mistletoe for long-term storage, the raw materials must dry thoroughly, otherwise the future medicine will begin to rot and mold. If you are going to cook an infusion or decoction, do it immediately without drying the shoots. Store dried raw materials in canvas bags in a dark and cool place.

How to prepare a medicine from white mistletoe?

At home, the mistletoe medication is either a decoction or an alcohol tincture. Each of the dosage forms has its own characteristics and advantages. The broth is quickly prepared, it can be used in treatment on the same day. But the infusion is perfectly stored, one bottle of alcoholic medicine is enough for a long time. It is not difficult to prepare the broth - you need to pour three tablespoons of dry raw materials with boiling water and let it brew for at least an hour, it is better to brew the broth in a thermos. Store the prepared broth for no more than three days, drink half a glass in the morning and evening.

Tincture is prepared on alcohol or vodka.Take a bottle of dark glass and fill it with raw materials, fill it with a high-degree drink and leave it in a cool place for 25-30 days. Shake the bottle periodically to make the tincture more concentrated. When the medicine is ready, it should be filtered and stored in the refrigerator. Storage time - 3-4 months, drink infusion of 25 drops several times a day. But what does mistletoe heal from?

Useful properties of white mistletoe for the human body

Since ancient times, mistletoe was considered a miraculous plant, which was used for various diagnoses. Mistletoe tincture has always been in the traveling suitcases of any doctor and healer. But with what violations is mistletoe applied today?

1. Neurological diseases. In past centuries, mistletoe was successfully used in the fight against the manifestations of epilepsy - the medicine quickly stopped the attack, calmed and brought a person to his senses. Today, mistletoe tincture is also used for various depression, stress, anxiety, panic attacks. Tincture helps a person as soon as possible to stop a tantrum, suppress cramps or just calm down.
2. Tumors Today, the action of white mistletoe is recognized even by scientists and doctors of traditional medicine. Based on it, drugs are prepared that can stop the development of a malignant tumor, significantly slows the growth of metostasis. Even after a complete cure, mistletoe is prescribed to cancer patients in order to minimize the risk of relapse. In the fight against malignant tumors, mistletoe, which grows on a birch, is especially effective.
3. For the intestines. White mistletoe is very effective for the intestines. The plant-based medicine has an astringent effect, mistletoe perfectly stops diarrhea, kills pathogenic microorganisms in the intestines. And tincture of white mistletoe is also used in the fight against some parasites - pinworms, roundworms and bull tapeworm. The healing effect of the drug allows you to use it externally in the fight against the manifestations of hemorrhoids.
4. Stops blood. Another powerful action of white mistletoe is a hemostatic property. When used internally, the medicine can suppress bleeding in the stomach, intestines, and other organs. Very often mistletoe is used for gynecological or nosebleeds. In the last century, mistletoe-based medicine was given to patients before surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding. Externally, the use of mistletoe allows you to stop the blood from the wound, stimulating the blood to faster clotting.
5. Analgesic. Mistletoe-based medicines have a mild analgesic effect, relieving headaches or joint pain. Often the plant is used in the treatment of menstrual pain.
6. Hypertension. Mistletoe is very useful for cores - it reduces blood pressure, minimizes the risk of developing atherosclerosis. The vasodilating effect of mistletoe allows saturating organs and the brain with a large amount of blood and oxygen, and eliminates hypoxia. A long course of mistletoe intake in adulthood is an excellent prevention of sclerosis.
7. Outdoor application. The anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and bactericidal properties of white mistletoe allow the plant to be used for external treatment of wounds, cuts, boils, abscesses. The medicine works very well in cosmetology - it eliminates acne, black spots, blackheads, perfectly cleanses and mattifies the epidermis. Rinsing the hair with a decoction of white mistletoe makes the curls fresh and shiny, relieve excess fat content. Lotions based on alcoholic medication are useful for rheumatism and arthritis - the plant quickly relieves pain, restores motor activity. Mistletoe perfectly copes with inflamed lymph nodes - quickly warms and reduces their size. The warming effect of mistletoe is also used in ENT practice, when you need to quickly relieve inflammation in otitis media and relieve a person of pain.
8. Weight Loss. Mistletoe perfectly affects metabolic processes in the body, literally accelerates them, eliminating cholesterol plaques. Mistletoe is often used in weight loss - it helps to lose weight, even if you have not changed your diet. In addition, mistletoe allows you to get rid of toxins in the intestine, has a diuretic and diaphoretic effect. It is believed that mistletoe establishes endocrine processes in the body, this is important when losing weight, because often the cause of excess weight is hormonal failure. For weight loss, it is better to use a mistletoe, taken from a willow tree. The effectiveness of mistletoe in the process of losing weight is actively discussed in the vast world network.

Remember that mistletoe is a potent plant that has not only beneficial, but also toxic properties. Mistletoe berries are incredibly toxic, if they get into the stomach fresh, they can cause diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and even severe intoxication. Before use, be sure to familiarize yourself with the negative sides of this plant.

Contraindications for the use of white mistletoe

Among the main contraindications for the use of white mistletoe is the likely toxicity of the drug. Because of this, mistletoe should not be treated during pregnancy, children, the elderly, as well as women during lactation. If you are using a mistletoe-based medicine for the first time, start with small doses to follow the reaction of the body, because allergies or individual intolerance to the plant may occur. In case of serious disorders of the central nervous system, you should not drink mistletoe without the approval of a neurologist, be sure to consult your doctor in advance. You can not drink medicine from mistletoe at low pressure - the plant will only exacerbate hypotension. Since medicines based on white mistletoe have a sedative effect, do not use decoctions and tinctures for weakness, nervous apathy, depression. In addition, concentrated medicines from white mistletoe affect the speed of the reaction, you can not use them in treatment if you drive a car or are involved in highly concentrated work.

In order not to experience the toxicity and toxicity of mistletoe, you need to carefully observe the dosage of the medication taken, do not exceed the permissible norms, do not drink the mistletoe for a long time for a month, etc. Even after you touch the fresh berries of mistletoe, you need to wash your hands as soon as possible. A berry medicine is, of course, prepared, but for this you will need special knowledge in the field of botany and pharmacology. Berry-based preparations are made strictly according to the prescription, in an industrial environment.

Since ancient times, mistletoe has been endowed with a miraculous and even secret meaning, used in magical rites and religious rituals. Most often, mistletoe was considered a symbol of goodness and reconciliation. If you saw a mistletoe bush above the door of the house, you can be sure that the owners will meet you friendly. When enemies collided under a mistletoe tree, they had to give up the battle that day. In the world of modern technology and potent drugs, mistletoe is also popular and in demand. Use white mistletoe correctly, and you will receive only benefit from the plant!

Video: mistletoe decoction for hypertensive patients