1. HI MY NAME IS:
Mistletoe

2. Viscum album Hemi-parasite (partially parasite)
Grows on the branches of Deciduous trees, raw plant is extremely poisonous
Located in Europe, Asia and North Africa
A Perennial plant (lives year after year)

3. General Characteristics
Yellowish, smooth stem
Tongue-shaped leaves
Small yellow flowers
Smooth, white berries are produced from Oct. - Dec., they ripen in December

4. History Of Mistletoe
Has been one of the most magical, mysterious and sacred of all the European plants
Associated with Celtic rituals & Greek festivals
The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe was first associated with primitive marriage rights due to its believed power of fertility

5. Components in Mistletoe
Viscotoxins- small proteins that stimulate immune system activity
Alkaloids- Nitrogen containing cells, mistletoe alkaloids also have anti-cancer activity
Lectins- complex molecules that contain both proteins & sugars and are capable of combining to immune system cells

6. Medicinal Uses
Cancer drug (shown to increase survival time by 40% in Germany)
Is used to treat seizures and headaches, along with other conditions
Is also used in cases of epilepsy

7. Quick Facts
In some parts of England mistletoe is burned in case the young men and women who kissed under it should never marry
The word mistletoe comes from Anglo-Saxon, it means “Dung-on-a-twig”
Sacred plant of Frigga, or Freya, the Norse Goddess of Love

9. Gods

10. Celtic Druids

11. Bibliography www.Botanical.com www.forestpathology.com