Bulk Herbs: Mistletoe (Organic)
Viscum album
Format: C/S
Size: 1 oz package
Also known as: Viscum album, European Mistletoe, Christmas Mistletoe, and Oak Mistletoe.
Farming: Organic
Location: Poland
Mistletoe is an evergreen hemiparasitic plant. It grows on the branches of host deciduous trees and forms clusters or “bushes” from 20 to 60 inches (50-150 cm) in diameter, drawing all its nourishment from the tree on which it grows. Small flowers mature into berries which are sticky to the touch and whitish in color. They remain on the plant throughout the winter. Mistletoe has historically been associated with peace; According to legend, any enemy who stepped under mistletoe was required to lay down their arms and declare a truce until the next day. Mistletoe was also thought to be the “golden bough” written about in the Aenid by Virgil. Kissing under the mistletoe is a winter tradition that began with the Greek festival of Saturnalia, celebrated in late December.
The Druids believed that mistletoe protected its possessors from misfortune and used it as an aphrodisiac, an antidote for poison, and to bestow long life and fertility. In Norse mythology, Balder, the son of Odin, was killed by an arrow made of a mistletoe branch shot by the Norse trickster Loki, who knew that this was the one tree that Balder’s mother Frigga had not enchanted to do her son no harm. One strain of Christian myth teaches that the mistletoe was once a tree and was used for the lumber to make the cross; the plant was said to have shriveled in shame and become a parasite.
Traditional uses include the entire plant - usually used as a tea or dried. There are actually two types of Mistletoe. _ Phoradendron flavescens_ is a decorative plant that is native to the Eastern seaboard of North America and is most commonly used in Christmas decorations. The second types, Viscum album, is of European origin and are most commonly found on apple trees, sometimes growing on oak trees as well. This latter species is highly venerated by ancient Celts and Germans and is used as a ceremonial plant.
NOTE: Mistletoe should be avoided during pregnancy. Only to be administered and used by a practitioner experienced in the use of this product.
In magick, Mistletoe is ruled by the Sun and the air element. It is a superb herb for all types of fertility rituals and spells. Can also be used for protection and healing blends. It works extremely well for spells involving love - especially in finding your soulmate. It can be used as an incense but also works well in herbal baths and sachets.
For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.