Other names: Mistletoe, Common Mistletoe, Gui, Maretak, Weißbeerige Mistel, Weiße Mistel, Misteli, Bijela Imela, Bois de la Sainte Croix, Blondeau, Bouchon, Glu, Gu, Herbe aux Druides, Heiligeskreuzholz, Affolter, Künst, Mistel, Vischio Bianco, Besc, Bich, Bisc, Jemioła Pospolita, Almuérdago, Arfuego, Liga, Liria, Marojo, Muérdago, Visca

European mistletoe is native to Europe. It is a semi-parasite that attaches to a tree and absorbs water and nutrients from its host plant. In the past, Druids believed it gives protection against evil and is a cure for many diseases. Throughout the Middle Ages, it was associated with fertility and vitality. Pagan societies believed it represented the divine male essence. European mistletoe contains viscotoxins, lipids, polysaccharides, flavonoids, alkaloids, triterpene acids, and various other (glyco-) proteins. Its protein lectin showed less cytotoxicity in tumor cell lines than some other chemotherapeutic drugs.

European mistletoe may be beneficial for leukemia, cancer, depression, fatigue, nervousness, insomnia, agitation, panic attacks, decreased immunity, hypertension, and arthritis.

Compliance: food supplement, cosmetics ingredient

Compliance varies from country to country. There is no harmonized botanical list of allowed botanicals in food or food supplements for all EU countries. Compliance for cosmetic ingredients is harmonized in EU.

Please check your local regulation.