Mistletoe Therapy
What is Mistletoe?
Mistletoe is a semi parasitic plant that grows on several types of common trees such as apple, oak, pine, and elms. Its extract has been used since ancient times to treat many ailments.
How is Mistletoe used?
Mistletoe is one of the most widely studied complementary and integrative medical therapies in people with cancer. In certain European countries, preparations made from European mistletoe are among the most prescribed drugs for patients with cancer.
Mistletoe therapy preparations are administered either by subQ injection, as an intravenous (IV) infusion, or intratumoral (IT), depending on the location of the tumor or disease stage. Improvements in well-being and quality of life are most commonly reported effects of Mistletoe therapy, particularly in frail patients with advanced or end-stage cancer, or beneficial effects regarding cancer-related low mood, fatigue, and pain.
Benefits Include:
- Activation of the immune system and the production of defense cells.
- Stimulation of “programmed cell death”, particularly in tumor cells, which have lost this ability and thus multiply uncontrollably.
- Protection of the DNA of healthy cells against damage caused by cytostatic drugs, so the side effects of chemotherapy are reduced.
- Patients’ general well-being improves, as the immune system remains active and infections are prevented.
- Fatigue, particularly during and after chemotherapy, is less severe.
- Nausea during chemotherapy is reduced.
- Stimulates the appetite, the body gains new energy: increasing energy and improving sleep.
- Less sensitivity to pain, so fewer painkillers and sedatives are needed.
- Patients often report a more positive outlook, more courage and initiative, and less fear.
Read more about Mistletoe therapy in this article from the National Cancer Institute
