Mistletoe is an obligate hemiparasitic plant, which attaches to host trees and penetrates into the branches. More than a plant for decorations or cultural traditions, mistletoe contains a large number of great health benefits that may make you surprised. In this post, we will refer to some health benefits of mistletoe.
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Health Benefits of Mistletoe
1. Lower blood pressure
The extract does have a measurable effect on hypertension, which affects millions of people around the world. By lowering blood pressure, its extract is able to ease the strain and stress on the cardiovascular system and also cutting down on the impact of atherosclerosis. The hypertension reduction of mistletoe extract can help prevent strokes, heart attacks, and coronary heart diseases. It also helps to slow the pulse, which also contributes to reducing the exertion of the heart. These health benefits are particularly prevalent in European and Japanese mistletoe species.
2. Help with diabetes
Mistletoe is believed to possess the ability to improve the condition of diabetics by reducing the sugar levels in the blood. In addition, it also helps to manage insulin production, lessening the severity of the condition. 2-3 cups of tea made from mistletoe daily are highly recommended by many experts.
To treat and prevent diabetes, there are many other ingredients used effectively such as aloe vera. This is a great plant with a countless number of benefits, especially the impacts on the skin.
3. Promote your cardiovascular health
Mistletoe has an impeccable effect on high blood pressure. It helps in lowering your blood pressure, thereby relieving the pressure on the cardiovascular system. It also prevents the shrinkage of arteries, one of the significant triggers of atherosclerosis. Therefore, Mistletoe takes care of your cardiovascular system and lowers the risk of lethal conditions such as stroke and coronary heart disease. Try using the Japanese or European variants to reap the anti-hypertensive properties of Mistletoe.
4. Relax your muscles
Mistletoe has an inhibitory effect on smooth muscles. This plant is effective to manage cardiovascular disorders and hyperactive gut. The conducted study shows a pharmacological base of smooth muscle relaxant effect of Mistletoe in the gut and also vascular preparations. Viscum album has vasodilatory and antispasmodic effects. The current study shows the medicinal use of Mistletoe in diarrhea, colic, and hypertension. Apply this herb as a poultice which helps to provide relief from pain and is also useful to aid painful and inflammatory health conditions such as gout and sciatica. It has a good impact on muscles found in arteries, intestines, and the uterus. These properties help calm muscles which assist in health conditions such as indigestion and dyspepsia.
5. Treat DNA damage
Mistletoe is a semiparasitic plant that is grown on trees and used for treating diseases in complementary and traditional therapy. Some activities of Mistletoe depend on host trees such as apoptosis-inducing, antioxidant and anticancer activities. The present study examines the comparative effects of methanolic extracts of Mistletoe which is grown on the lime tree, locust trees, and hedge maple tree. Mistletoe extracts help to induce significantly. All the extracts protected against nuclear DNA damage. Results show that methanolic extracts of Mistletoe prevent oxidative DNA damage and its activity is dependent on the host tree.
6. Promote good sleep
Mistletoe is known as a very effective nervine agent and has been in use in traditional settings for many years. If you suffer from insomnia or restlessness when you sleep, using it to brew a strong tea might be the answer for you. The chemical components of mistletoe impact the release of neurotransmitters that calm you down, soothing the nervous system, and allowing for healthy, restful sleep. The nervous system is strongly linked to our Circadian rhythms, so calming down our nerves can regulate our sleep cycle.
7. Ease the symptoms of menstruation
This is one of the amazing health benefits of mistletoe. Many girls and women have to face problems during menstruation every month such as cramps and pain. To deal with this problem, you can use mistletoe to ease the symptoms of menstruation, in which the herb will help to reduce inflammation, relieve muscle spasms, and the tension of the body. A cup of herbal tea before bed or during the day is excellent for sensitive days.
