Herb library · Herb · Viscum album
European mistletoe
A semiparasitic plant of apple, oak, pine and elm trees whose injected extracts are prescription drugs in Europe and are promoted for cancer. It is not a proven cancer therapy; the trials have major weaknesses, and the berries and leaves can cause serious harm when swallowed.
Serious warning
European mistletoe berries and leaves can cause serious harmful effects when taken by mouth (NCCIH). It is not a proven cancer therapy and should not replace cancer care outside a clinical trial.
Traditional use
European mistletoe (different from the American mistletoe hung at holidays) has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for seizures, headaches and menopause symptoms. Today it is promoted for cancer. In Europe, injected extracts are sold as prescription drugs; it is also sold as an oral dietary supplement. The FDA has not approved it for cancer or any other medical condition.
Traditional energetics
Galenic (hot or cold, dry or moist)
Hot and dry. Culpeper's Complete Herbal (1814), p. 119 (opens in a new tab)
What studies show
- Limited
Cancer: clinical trials, mostly in Europe and mostly of injected extracts, have been of poor quality. Some reported better survival or quality of life, but small sizes, missing information and design problems raise doubts. NCCIH says it is not a proven cancer therapy and should not be used for cancer outside clinical trials.
- Insufficient
Mistletoe taken by mouth: very little research has looked at it.
- Limited
Safety alongside chemotherapy: a preliminary NCCIH and National Cancer Institute trial found patients with advanced cancer could tolerate injected mistletoe extract with a cancer drug.
Be careful of
Cautions
- NoteInjected extract may cause soreness and inflammation where it is given, headache, fever and chills. A few severe allergic reactions have been reported.
- ConditionIf you have cancer, talk with your cancer care team before using mistletoe in any form.
- PregnancyIt is probably unsafe during pregnancy; little is known about breastfeeding.
- Ask a clinicianTalk with a clinician or pharmacist before using this if you take prescription medicines, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are giving it to a child.
From the old books
What herbals and dispensaries of the past printed. History, in their words.
“Viscum album, Linné, is the European species employed. It differs in the shape of its leaves, which are lance-shaped or spatulate. It grows upon apple, plum, pear and other fruit trees, as well as upon birches, beeches, poplars, etc.”
“This plant possesses toxic properties. Vomiting, catharsis, with tenesmus and sometimes bloody stools, pupillary contraction, muscular spasm, prostration, coma, convulsions, and death have been reported from eating the leaves and berries.”
Sources
- European Mistletoe: Usefulness and Safety (opens in a new tab) · NCCIH · read September 25, 2026
Reviewed September 25, 2026.