Mistletoe

Identity

Common Name

Mistletoe

Scientific Name

Viscum album

Botanical Family

Santalaceae

Native Region

Europe and western Asia

Cultivation Regions

Europe, Western Asia, temperate regions

Plant Parts Used

Aerial parts (young twigs & leaves)

Synonyms

European Mistletoe, Viscum, Druid's Herb

Caffeine Level

Caffeine Free

An evergreen hemi-parasitic shrub forming dense round clumps on host tree branches, with thick leathery oblong green leaves in pairs and small round translucent white berries; the aerial parts are used.

Historical Background

Mistletoe has been a sacred plant of Celtic and Druidic winter rituals for millennia, a symbol of peace and healing under the oak. A gentle European tea tradition used it for circulation and calm, though the raw plant requires caution.

Earliest recorded uses: Celtic, Druidic, and European folk traditions for millennia; a sacred winter plant of peace and healing.

Traditional Uses

These uses document historical traditions and do not imply proven effectiveness.

Flavor & Aroma

Aroma: Mild, slightly bitter, green

Tea Information

Research Summary

Mistletoe has a European folk tradition for circulation and calm; parenteral mistletoe extracts are studied as cancer therapy support in some countries, but oral tea evidence is insufficient. It is not a treatment for hypertension, cancer, or any disease; use only with clinician oversight.

Evidence levels reflect the currently available scientific literature and may change as new research emerges. Where evidence is limited or conflicting, this is stated plainly.

References & Sources