European Mistletoe (Viscum album): What You Need to Know

Here’s a quick, honest fact: European mistletoe is both poisonous and used medicinally in parts of Europe. That sounds odd, but understanding what it is and how people use it helps you decide whether it’s worth your attention.

European mistletoe (Viscum album) is a green, evergreen plant that grows on trees like apple, oak and lime. It’s a hemiparasite — it steals water and nutrients from its host while still making its own food. You’ll spot it by its round clumps of foliage and sticky white berries. Don’t eat those berries: they’re toxic to people and pets.

Traditional and medical uses

Historically, mistletoe was used for headaches, high blood pressure and fertility rituals. Today, standardized mistletoe extracts are used as a complementary therapy in some European countries, mainly as injections in oncology clinics. Clinical trials in Germany and Austria have tested these extracts for quality-of-life effects during cancer treatment. Results vary: some studies report reduced treatment side effects and improved well‑being, while others show little benefit. Scientists still debate how strong the evidence is.

Safety, side effects and interactions

Mistletoe is not an over-the-counter home remedy you should take lightly. Side effects from extracts can include local injection-site reactions, fever, fatigue and allergic responses. The raw plant is poisonous if eaten and can cause vomiting or worse. If you’re on blood thinners, immune therapies, or chemotherapy, talk with your oncologist before considering mistletoe. That’s not medical drama — interactions do happen.

If you find mistletoe growing on a tree in your yard, don’t harvest it for medicine. Proper extracts are made in controlled labs to standardize dosing and remove dangerous components. Homemade teas or chewed berries are unsafe. Keep kids and pets away from the plant.

Want to try a mistletoe product? Look for specialized medical suppliers or licensed clinics that use standardized Viscum album preparations. In Europe these are often prescription-only and administered by trained staff. In places where mistletoe products are sold as supplements, quality varies a lot. Check for third-party testing, clear labeling, and a supplier that will answer questions about sourcing and standardization.

Growing mistletoe is possible if you’re into grafting seeds onto a host tree, but it will stress the tree over time. If you prefer the look without the risk, use decorative artificial sprigs during the holidays instead of encouraging a parasitic plant.

Bottom line: European mistletoe is interesting and has a controlled role in some medical settings, but it can be risky outside those settings. If you’re curious about its therapeutic use, bring it up with a trusted clinician who knows your medical history. Don’t self-treat, and never eat the berries.