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Nervine, antispasmodic, tonic, slight narcotic, diuretic, emmenagogue, and emetic.
Mistletoe is highly valued for its nervine and antispasmodic properties, used in any trouble caused by weakness or a disordered state of the nervous system. It will quiet, soothe, and tone the nerves, lessening cerebral excitement and influencing febrile conditions. It is useful in female weakness of the generative organs and will incite uterine contractions. It is a toner for cardiac (heart) affections, because it possesses non-injurious properties that can be used instead of the powerful whipping action of digitalis or bromides.
An evergreen, semi-parasitic plant found on branches of deciduous trees, preferring the soft bark, especially in old apple trees, where the roots grow from the wood of that host. The stem is yellowish, smooth, freely forked, separating, when dead, into bone-like joints. Yellow-green leaves are opposite, tongue shaped, very thick, leathery. Pale green flowers appear from March to May. The female flowers develop into sticky white berries. Found in Europe, cultivated in the U.S.
It is a cardiac diuretic, nervine, stimulant, and vasodilator. A tea from the leafy young, twigs or leaves acts on the circulatory system, speeding up the pulse and lowering blood pressure. It also stimulates the digestion, and known to help in epilepsy and other nervous disorders. It is used as a wash for leg ulcers, varicose veins and chilblains. Large doses have a detrimental effect on the heart. Eating the berries can be dangerous, especially for children. Use with care and under medical direction. Kissing beneath it is an ancient fertility symbolism.
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