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DIAMONDROCKET.COM ARTICLE
HERBAL MAGIC - MISTLETOE By: Ray Eddings
Wells Fargo Bank, CA (diamondrocket.com) Wednesday, March 21, 2007 - These days mistletoe’s use in society has been regulated to a sprig – more often than not plastic – that appears tacked over a few doorways in December. And there’s something about kissing under it although nobody really seems to know what this act might mean. This curious parasite is actually strongly magical and has a long an fascinating past. Even the origin of mistletoe is the stuff of legend. One tale has that an arrow made of mistletoe killed Balder, a Scandinavian god of peace. The other gods and goddesses were greatly saddened at his death and managed to revive him. After he had risen from the dead, ownership of the offending plant was given to the goddess of love. She decreed that any passing under it would receive a kiss to remind them that mistletoe was now a symbol of love. Another legend holds that the cross where Jesus was executed was made of mistletoe which was a tree at the time. As punishment mistletoe was denied a place on earth and so became the parasite that it is today growing in the branches of other trees. Seems like a bit of a bad rap for mistletoe to me. Magical Uses of Mistletoe Getting the kissing thing out of the way, yes, if you kiss your love under mistletoe you’ll stay in love. It doesn’t have to be near a Christmas tree or even in December. But the magical uses of this odd plant are varied and extend beyond love. Mistletoe is a strong protector. When carried it will save you from lightning strikes, disease, and misfortune as well as heal any wounds that you may have. When placed in your house it will prevent fires and if you place it in your child’s nursery it will prevent her from being stolen by fairies. Take care, though, the berries are toxic and attractive to children so place the sprigs out of reach. A ring carved of mistletoe wood will protect you against disease. Mistletoe’s other varied uses include aiding in conception when carried by the prospective mother-to-be. It can bring hunters luck as well as aid in unlocking locks, restful sleep and beautiful dreams. It is even used in spells designed to capture immortality and wearing it around your neck can help you attain invisibility. Medicinal Uses of Mistletoe Two things must be made clear before launching into any discussion of mistletoe as medicine. First, it is toxic. Do not use mistletoe in any curative applications without seeking advice from professionals knowledgeable in the area. Second, American mistletoe, Phoradendron flavescens, and European mistletoe, Viscum album, are two distinct species and are quite different. V. album has been used to treat cardiac and diuretic problems. Its effects on blood pressure are profound. At first application it raises blood pressure then lowers it past the initial level all the while increasing the pulse. It has been used to treat arteriosclerosis. It also aids in glandular problems that affect digestive activity. P. flav. was used by Native Americans to treat epilepsy, cholera, convulsions, delirium and heart problems as well as to induce abortions. Unlike V. album, it causes an increase in blood pressure. Despite recent traditions mistletoe shouldn’t be relegated to one cold month and a couple of pecks. It’s powerful and widely varied properties can be useful all year long. Resources: |