Mistletoe is used in many parts of the world for naturopathic therapies and to alleviate all sorts of health ailments. The mistletoe tea obtained from it is extremely popular, especially in the Asian cultural area, but is also becoming increasingly popular in Europe.
As the name suggests, mistletoe tea is obtained from the plant genus mistletoe, which is also known under the name Viscum album. Mistletoe bushes can grow up to a meter long and often produce pine fruits. The leaves, but often the fruit as well, are picked in late spring and early summer, dried, chopped and finally processed into a fine tea blend. With a regular consumption of mistletoe in tea form, one potentially benefits from the diverse health-promoting effects of the healing plant.
What ailments should mistletoe help with?
Mistletoe tea is recommended in folk medicine, especially in connection with heart diseases. Specifically, the herb is said to help lower high blood pressure. In addition, mistletoe tea is particularly recommended in traditional Chinese medicine as a popular therapeutic agent for the treatment of cancer and tumor ulcers, but is only considered a complementary supplement to conventional therapy methods. Likewise, the tea has been linked to health benefits such as relieving and reducing stress and anxiety, boosting the immune system, and speeding recovery from respiratory illnesses. Mistletoe is a popular ingredient in many homeopathic and naturopathic medicines.
What active ingredients are in mistletoe tea?
Mistletoe tea is particularly rich in lectins. These ensure the alkaline nature of the tea and play an important role in the ketogenic diet. As is typical for many herbal teas, mistletoe tea also contains a high amount of flavonoids and complex polypeptides, both of which are important for the processing of carbohydrates and energy production in the metabolism and have a catalytic effect here.
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What does the study situation say about the effect of the tea?
Mistletoe tea or mistletoe extract is a frequently used remedy in numerous homeopathic therapeutic approaches. Especially for cancer patients, the tea is a widely used alternative remedy for pain, nausea and to improve the quality of life. On the one hand, studies indicate that regular consumption of mistletoe tea could reduce anxiety and depression in cancer patients, among other things. On the other hand, research results show that mistletoe stimulates the immune system in such a way that it can better support the fight against cancer. Accordingly, mistletoe extracts are said to have an anti-cancer effect that slows down the proliferation of cancer cells. The sleep-promoting effect of tea has also been partially proven in study results.1,2,3,4
Even if some studies scientifically support the healing effects of mistletoe tea, as with many other types of tea, the healing effects have been handed down for centuries, but have not yet been sufficiently investigated in the context of modern phytotherapy.
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Are there any potential side effects or risks from consumption?
In the recommended amounts, the consumption of ready-made mistletoe tea is very safe and, in most cases, easily digestible. One or two cups of tea a day are harmless and usually do not lead to side effects. However, if you eat more or if you don’t tolerate the herb well at all, side effects such as nausea, headaches and stomach pains as well as allergic reactions can occur. Pregnant women should avoid consuming mistletoe tea altogether or consume it only after consulting a gynecologist, as it can increase the risk of miscarriage. Likewise, people taking certain medications should ask their doctor about possible interactions before consumption.
Freshly prepared mistletoe tea carries more risks, as mistletoe contains toxins that dissolve in hot water and have a harmful effect on the body when consumed. Accordingly, the correct preparation is important for safe consumption.5
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Where do you get mistletoe tea and how is it prepared?
Mistletoe tea can be purchased in ready-made tea form in many well-stocked supermarkets and drugstores, but especially in pharmacies. For a cup of mistletoe tea, pour boiling water over 1.5 teaspoons (approx. 3 g) of the mixture and leave to steep for about 10 minutes. The tea is then strained and can be enjoyed hot or chilled, depending on your preference. The drink has a light nuance in the infusion, which can assume golden to green hues depending on the concentration.
If you prepare the tea yourself, you need about two to four teaspoons of dried mistletoe for one liter of tea. The mistletoe must soak in cold water overnight. Since mistletoe contains toxins that dissolve in hot water, do not pour boiling water over the herb. After the mistletoe has steeped in cold water overnight, you can catch it in a sieve and consume the tea slightly warmed.
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How does mistletoe tea taste?
The drink can take on a very bitter taste as a pure herbal tea, but is usually refined by adding pine fruits and then develops the sour aroma that is so characteristic of it. This is particularly emphasized by the bitter and sweet notes. Mistletoe is also a popular component for scented candles, so mistletoe tea also exudes a pleasant floral scent.