by Patty Blackburn
When the word “mistletoe” is heard, the tradition of being kissed under this clump of greenery is brought to mind. But this plant has a rich past and various meanings to different cultures. Mistletoe is also beneficial to the ecosystem.
Romans used mistletoe as a balm to heal ulcers and epilepsy. Greeks believed the mistletoe would insure eternal life and was used as a medicine for healing purposes. Norsemen believed that mistletoe was a plant of peace. If enemies met under a tree that had mistletoe growing on one of its branches, fighting stopped for at least one day. English girls placed a mistletoe leaf under their pillows. They believed the leaf would allow them to dream about a particular boy they wanted to marry.
In the 18th century, mistletoe was associated with Christmas and started the tradition of hanging mistletoe in a home to bring good luck and peace. It was believed that mistletoe would scare away all evil spirits and ensure fertility.
This plant is beneficial to the ecosystem. Birds, bees, butterflies, and beetles rely on the berries and nectar from mistletoe and the greenery is often used as shelter. As the leaves from mistletoe fall to the ground, it provides nutrients to spiders and insects on the ground. Squirrels, chipmunks, deer and elk eat the nutritious leaves and squirrels and chipmunks use it for nesting sites.
When the white berries that mistletoe produces are eaten by birds, the seeds are deposited where they roost. The seeds are covered by a sticky substance and remains sticky even after passing through the digestive tracts. The seeds stick to bark and branches and the life cycle of the mistletoe starts all over again.
In the medical field, European mistletoe has been used to treat numerous conditions such as asthma, headaches, infertility, and more. Mistletoe extract is one of the most prescribed therapies for colon cancer patients in Europe. Studies and clinical trials are being evaluated in the United States for the use of mistletoe extract in cancer patients.
Mistletoe – not just a plant with red berries that can be found hanging upside down in the doorway during the Christmas season. Many animals and insects depend on this plant for food and shelter.
In the future, a derivative of mistletoe could possibly be used for medical conditions.
