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We've all heard of mistletoe, and most of us will have had a sneaky kiss underneath a branch during the holiday season. But what exactly is mistletoe, and does it have any uses besides a festive decoration? 
Mistletoe History and Environment Mistletoe can be found growing only in populated woodland areas, as a parasitic and thus utterly dependent plant. Mistletoe, or viscum album, is a parasitic wood-like evergreen, found naturally in Europe and North Africa. It grows off the branches of a number of different trees, particularly apple trees which provide more favourable conditions for survival. Mistletoe has a particularly long historic back story, and it has been considered sacred by numerous peoples at different times for a number of different reasons, both symbolic and medicinal. Appearance of Mistletoe Mistletoe, as most people will have experienced, is green and stalky in nature. Its sprawling green branches are interrupted only by the occasional crescent shaped flat leaves, which surround clusters of its white berries. It is these berries, blooming and ripening much later into December, that gives mistletoe its effective medicinal properties, as well as giving it its element of danger. Mistletoe Medical Uses Available on prescription, mistletoe can lead to nervous and mental disorders when consumed in excess and by small children, therefore it is imperative to avoid contact unless necessary or prescribed. The effects on small children can be even more amplified, and can result in frightening and dangerous symptoms. Its effects on the brain have not been fully explored, although early indications have shown that mistletoe can cause epilepsy, and other related conditions amongst youngsters. When taken under prescription, however, mistletoe can contribute a great deal towards the recovery and treatment of a number of debilitating conditions, and is though to provide the patient with a sense of general well being whilst contributing towards the improvement of the condition. Mistletoe has been shown to be particularly effective for treating high blood pressure, migraine, menstruation difficulties and dizziness. As a side effect, it works on the central nervous system and slows down the rate of the heart, which can naturally be potentially dangerous an undesirable in excess. Additionally, many cancer patients have claimed that mistletoe has been beneficial in relieving symptoms and improving a general sense of well-being, although any link as a direct treatment has been ignored by oncologists. In spite of this, mistletoe has been proven to be effective as an after surgery therapy, and is now used to help ease the symptoms of cancer sufferers. Mistletoe, despite its festive connection, is actually much more useful than a mere decorative plant. In applying mistletoe externally, it is necessary to make a poultice from the boiled leaves and berries. This can be used to treat aching joints and muscles, and is particularly helpful in treating arthritis. Otherwise consuming mistletoe is the best way of ensuring effective treatment against the conditions denoted. Further research is being directed towards the importance of mistletoe, which is hoped to reveal more about exactly how it works, and what other conditions might benefit from its pain relieving properties.
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