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What is Mistletoe?

Bronwyn Harris
Bronwyn Harris

As well as being used by herbalists, who use the parts to treat respiratory and circulatory problems, among other maladies, mistletoe has always had myths and traditions attached to it. It has been known as a symbol of fertility, an aphrodisiac, and currently a reason to kiss someone around Christmas time.

Mistletoe is a hemiparasite, or partial parasite. Like other parasitic plants, it grows on the trunk or branches of a tree and gets its nutrients by sending out roots that penetrate into the tree. Unlike other parasitic plants, mistletoe is also able to grow on its own and produce its food by photosynthesis. Although it is capable of surviving as a parasitic plant or on its own, it is more often found growing at least partially parasitically.

Mistletoe has been used by herbalists to treat respiratory and circulatory problems.
Mistletoe has been used by herbalists to treat respiratory and circulatory problems.

There are two main forms. Phoradendron flavescens, the mistletoe most often used as a Christmas decoration, grows as a parasitic plant on trees down the East Coast of the United States. Viscum album, the other kind, comes from Europe. Some ancient peoples, including the Greeks, thought it had mystical powers, leading much folklore to be associated with it. This form of mistletoe is green with sticky white poisonous berries and small yellow flowers. There are other related plants also known by the same name.

The custom of people kissing under mistletoe is still common in the United States.
The custom of people kissing under mistletoe is still common in the United States.

When mistletoe grows as a parasitic plant, it can end up damaging or even killing the host tree. The seeds are spread by birds eating the berries which are then spread via the birds droppings. When growing in trees, it also serves as a convenient support for birds' nests. In Australia alone, over 240 species of birds have been known to nest in this plant.

In Britain, farmers used to give mistletoe to the first cow to give birth during the New Year.
In Britain, farmers used to give mistletoe to the first cow to give birth during the New Year.

In Norse mythology, the god Baldur was slain by a weapon made of mistletoe. Druids gathered it at both the winter and summer solstice, seeing it as the soul of the oak tree it lived on as well as a symbol of fertility. Among the Celts and the Druids, it was thought to be an antidote to poison, even though the berries can cause a rash.

During the Middle Ages, mistletoe branches were hung from the ceiling or over doors to protect the house and the inhabitants from evil spirits. In parts of Britain, farmers used to give their Christmas bunch of mistletoe to the first cow to give birth during the New Year, supposedly giving luck to the whole herd. Some people believed that the plant could extinguish fire or that it appeared on oak trees during a flash of lightning.

Kissing someone under mistletoe may be related to its use as an aphrodisiac.
Kissing someone under mistletoe may be related to its use as an aphrodisiac.

The tradition of kissing under mistletoe may have begun with the Greek festival of Saturnalia, and was possibly used in some marriage rites, probably because it was thought to increase fertility. Some Britons today still burn their Christmas mistletoe to ensure that everyone who kissed under it have a chance at marriage. In Scandinavia, it used to be considered a "plant of peace." Enemies, or arguing couples for that matter, declared a truce while under the plant.

The custom of people kissing when they find themselves meeting under mistletoe is still common in the United States and many parts of Europe. According to "proper" etiquette, when a man kisses a woman under it, he should pick one berry. When all berries are gone from the sprig, the chance of kissing under it is gone.

Discussion Comments

calabama71

@CellMania: The mistletoe plant has an extract that can activate one’s immune system. Mistletoe is not a cure for cancer, but can improve the patient’s quality of life and prolong survival. It is used as a holistic treatment which can boost the treatments of cancer. It helps with several benefits including: Boosting the immune system, increasing energy, increasing appetites, relieving pain and help killing cancer cells. It has been used for many years to treat medical conditions such as headaches, epilepsy, infertility hypertension, menopausal symptoms, arthritis, and rheumatism.

Mistletoe extract made to fight cancer is made from mistletoe berries, leaves and twigs are used to make the extract. Mistletoe extract can be poisonous. The berries and leaves can result in poisoning if ingested orally. Mistletoe has been used for 70-80 years but not formally in this country.

CellMania

How does the mistletoe plant help with cancer?

medicchristy

@dill1971: Regarding mistletoe history, in the Middles Ages, it was considered a sacred plant. The Druids considered the mistletoe that rarely grew off the oak tree to be sacred and they would worship it. They would hold a five day sacrament after their winter solstice and cut the mistletoe down using a golden sickle. The mistletoe would then be hung on their ceiling and over doors to keep evil spirits from entering. They also thought it would aide in fertility. If their enemies met under the mistletoe they would have to call a truce.

dill1971

Why did they think in the Middle Ages that a mistletoe could ward off evil spirits?

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    • Mistletoe has been used by herbalists to treat respiratory and circulatory problems.
      By: Vera Kuttelvaserova
      Mistletoe has been used by herbalists to treat respiratory and circulatory problems.
    • The custom of people kissing under mistletoe is still common in the United States.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      The custom of people kissing under mistletoe is still common in the United States.
    • In Britain, farmers used to give mistletoe to the first cow to give birth during the New Year.
      By: Marcel Mooij
      In Britain, farmers used to give mistletoe to the first cow to give birth during the New Year.
    • Kissing someone under mistletoe may be related to its use as an aphrodisiac.
      By: Forgiss
      Kissing someone under mistletoe may be related to its use as an aphrodisiac.