Mistletoe is a parasitic evergreen plant that lives on trees
such as oaks, elms, firs, pines, apples and elms. Mistletoe berries are known
to be poisonous to cats and other small animals.
Mistletoe is known popularly most to people in the west as the
plant sprig that people kiss beneath during the Christmas season. The custom
dates back to pagan times when, according to legend, the plant was thought to
inspire passion and increase fertility.
In the centuries since mistletoe has acquired a reputation
as an all-purpose remedy which has been used in folk medicine as a digestive
aid, heart tonic, and sedative. It was also used to treat arthritis, hysteria
and other mental disorders, amenorrhea, wounds, asthma, bed wetting, infection,
and to stimulate glands.
And although mistletoe continues to be used as a remedy for
many of these maladies there is significant disagreement among medical experts
about the safety and effectiveness of the herb. Probably best to play it safe
and restrict its usage to kissing beneath during the Christmas season.
Happy holidays to all.
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