Mistletoe Therapy
Mistletoe therapy is a complementary medical treatment method that relies on the immune-strengthening and tumor-suppressing effect of mistletoe plant extract.
Mistletoe therapy is a treatment method for tumor treatment that can be used to support classical treatment methods such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Mistletoe therapy can also be used for diabetes, high blood pressure, immune disorders or joint problems and can support or in some cases replace conventional treatments.
In the following section, we will take a look at mistletoe therapy as a complementary treatment to conventional tumor therapy and describe its use in inflammatory joint complaints and autoimmune diseases.
Dr. med. Karsten Ostermann M.A.
Mistletoe therapy can be used for various illnesses, embedded in an optimally coordinated treatment concept. Mistletoe therapy has proved particularly effective in the treatment of various types of cancer and for strengthening the immune system.
What is Mistletoe Therapy?
Mistletoe extract has tumor-suppressing and immune-boosting effects. Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows on various types of trees. The European mistletoe, also called the viscum album, has been harvested for centuries to treat fatigue, insomnia, nervousness, panic attacks and decreased immunity. Moreover, mistletoe extracts are commonly prescribed for cancer and also used to treat diabetes, hypertension and arthritis.
In the clinical setting, mistletoe extract is administered intravenously or orally during the main treatment in order to improve the results of the main treatment and optimise tolerability. Due to the side effects, mistletoe should only be taken under medical supervision and should not be used during pregnancy. When used correctly, this can improve the patient’s quality of life, increase the efficiency of the main treatment and reduce side effects.
Areas of Application of Mistletoe Therapy
In addition to its well-known use in tumor diseases, mistletoe therapy is increasingly finding its way into the treatment of other diseases.
For example, the immunomodulating effects of the plant can be beneficial for autoimmune diseases. Chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis are treated.
If you have any questions, you should consult your doctor.
Mistletoe Therapy for Cancer
Mistletoe therapy is often used as a complementary treatment to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as the mistletoe extract has a tumor-suppressing and immune-boosting effect.
This can increase the quality of life during treatment and improve the results of primary therapy.
In principle, mistletoe therapy can be used to support the treatment of almost all types of tumors, although there is no scientific evidence that the therapy is effective for all subtypes.
It is frequently used for breast cancer, lung cancer, bowel cancer, pancreatic cancer, bone cancer, liver cancer, ovarian cancer, bladder cancer and cervical cancer.
However, mistletoe therapy is not recommended for melanomas, lymphomas and brain tumors due to the potential for complications.
Tumor-Related Fatigue Syndrome
Tumor-related fatigue syndrome is a condition of exhaustion and tiredness that can occur in cancer patients and severely restricts their quality of life.
It can occur during acute treatment, but can also last for months after treatment.
Mistletoe therapy can support recovery, promote sleep and contribute to a higher quality of life for patients so that they can return to a normal life as soon as possible.
Mistletoe Therapy to Strengthen the Immune System
Mistletoe therapy is often used to strengthen the immune system, especially in cancer patients, but also in other diseases that weaken the immune system.
It stimulates the immune cells, can modulate cytokine production and thus influence inflammatory processes.
This enables the body’s own immune system to react better to dangers, overcome infections and contribute to a healthy life.
Mistletoe Therapy for Joint Pain
Due to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, mistletoe therapy is also used to treat inflammatory joint diseases.
The anti-inflammatory effect can reduce joint swelling, allowing more movement in the affected joint. This can have a positive effect on the healing process.
As the study situation is limited to date, treatment is only carried out in individual cases. Therefore, if you are interested, you should contact your doctor.
Mistletoe Therapy Side Effects
Mistletoe therapy can lead to local side effects such as itching and reddening of the skin as well as systemic effects such as weakness or a slight fever. Close monitoring by experienced practitioners is therefore essential.
However, mistletoe therapy is generally well tolerated and can even reduce the side effects of other therapies.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers About Mistletoe Therapy
In the Q&A section, we answer frequently asked questions about mistletoe therapy.
Please do not hesitate to ask your doctor if you have any further questions.
Yes, both clinical studies and personal experience reports provide evidence for the effect of mistletoe therapy. Nevertheless, a treatment plan must always be developed on an individual basis and in accordance with the patient’s wishes.
Mistletoe is a plant that grows on various host trees and shrubs. Scientifically, it belongs to the sandalwood family (Santalaceae) and is found on several species worldwide.
In Europe, white mistletoe (Viscum album) is the best known.
For mistletoe therapy, an extract is made from the plant products, which is then administered during treatment.
How quickly an effect occurs varies from person to person and is influenced by the dosage, the general health of the patient and many other factors.
In many cases, improvements in the general quality of life occur after just a few weeks.
In addition to oral administration, mistletoe extract is often administered by injection.
Subcutaneous injections, which are injections into the subcutaneous fatty tissue, and intravenous injections are typical.
Further information
Further information intended to give a better overview of the topic.