Mistletoe is a green spherical shrub that grows in trees. Traditionally, it is associated with a Christmas ornament hanging from the ceiling, under which you need to kiss. But it's also worth getting to know and use the healing properties of mistletoe. Mistletoe preparations are mainly used in the treatment of hypertension and atherosclerosis, as well as in ailments caused by menopause.
Contents:
- Healing properties of mistletoe
- How to collect and store mistletoe?
- Mistletoe as a Christmas symbol
Mistletoehas been considered a unique plant since ancient times, it was worshiped as a god and sacrifices were made. Mistletoe, its healing properties and occurrence were first described by Theophrastus, a student of Aristotle. In Europe, for a very long time it was considered the most effective drug against epilepsy - especially mistletoe growing on oaks.
In Japan, however, it was used to prepare a drug against female infertility. Today, mistletoe has a slightly different use.
Healing properties of mistletoe
Mistletoe has a diuretic and calming effect. It increases the frequency of heart contractions, dilates blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. The lectins and viscotoxins found in the herb have a cytoxic effect (they destroy cancer cells) and stimulate the immune system. Mistletoe preparations are mainly used in the treatment of hypertension, in cardiac arrhythmias and atherosclerosis, as well as in menstrual disorders.
The ingredients of mistletoe depend on the tree on which it parasites. Lectins, polysaccharides, sugar alcohols, amino acids, avonoids, phytosterols, peptides are the most valuable ingredients of mistletoe. Their number depends on which tree the plant is parasitic on. But this rich set of valuable substances means that mistletoe has a variety of properties.
Mistletoe is a component of many antiatherosclerotic mixtures. It is also part of preparations that alleviate various ailments occurring during menopause. Active substances (glycoproteins) obtained from mistletoe are used in preparations used in the treatment of tumors and neoplasms (stimulate the immune system) and chronic joint diseases.
This will be useful to youMistletoe Macerate
Pour a teaspoon of the ground herb with a glass of boiled lukewarm waterand set aside for 30-60 minutes. Drain and drain the greens. Pij 1/3 cup 2-3 times a day - helps to lower and regulate blood pressure, soothes hyperactivity and irritability occurring during menopause.
Mistletoe decoction
Pour a handful of herb with 2 cups of water and heat slowly, not allowing it to boil. Cover and heat for 5 more minutes, almost to the boil. Drain - use for sitz baths as an aid in the treatment of vaginal discharge and inflammation of the genital organs.
How to collect and store mistletoe?
There are 3 species of mistletoe in Poland, the most popular of which is the common mistletoe, which grows mainly on deciduous trees. Plants harvested from oaks and apple trees are especially valued because they have more lectins than others.
Harvest takes place from December to March. The raw material is leaves and thin stems without fruit (white sticky balls), which separate immediately after the plant is picked. They should be dried at a temperature not higher than 25 ° C - then the plant retains all the valuable substances. Correctly dried herb should be green or yellow-green in color. In such a case, they should be packed in a paper bag and stored in a ventilated place.
Mistletoe as a Christmas symbol
The Celts believed that mistletoe was sacred - someone who cut it had to do it with a golden sickle and climb the tree dressed in white. In pre-Christian times, it was also believed that the mistletoe present in the house would protect the house from misfortunes and bring we alth to the household - this belief has survived to this day. Mistletoe is also a symbol of eternity.
In the 17th century, the habit of kissing under the mistletoe began to be cultivated in England. The one who refuses to kiss the other person will be, according to superstition, alone forever.
Moreover, the mistletoe must hang, it cannot stand in a vase. There are three places where it can be placed: above the table, in the kitchen or above the door.
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