Three Reasons to Try Mistletoe Therapy

If at this holiday season you find yourself standing under the mistletoe let it be a reminder not to search for love outside yourself, but instead to find it from within.

Commonly, mistletoe is known for encouraging a kiss or two at gatherings during the holiday season. But few people know that mistletoe is an integrative therapy that can have positive effects as a cancer fighting tool.

“White berried European mistletoe, or Viscum album, has been a successful remedy for advanced cancer since 1917.” (Hudson) Although the conventional medical community continues to ask questions and hold trials about the efficacy of mistletoe, the naturopathic community finds it to be a beneficial complementary option for cancer treatment.

If you are someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, seeing mistletoe this holiday season is a good reminder to love yourself by embracing treatment options that are within your knowledge base and control. Mistletoe is something to consider as you weigh your treatment options.

Three benefits of mistletoe therapy:

1. Cytotoxic Cancer Killer - The viscotoxins present in mistletoe are a cytotoxin. This means, “A substance that kills cells, including cancer cells. These agents may stop cancer cells from dividing and growing and may cause tumors to shrink in size.” (NCI)
2. Protect and Stabilize - The lectins in mistletoe protect DNA during chemotherapy and radiation. More specifically they protect NK cells (natural killer cells) during cancer treatment. “NK cells kill cancer cells, and prevent metastasis.” (Hudson)
3. Immune Modulation - This is the most important benefit of mistletoe therapy. The viscolectins found in mistletoe encourage your body to produce NK (cancer killing) cells. Immune modulation actually helps to get rid of cancer in your body!

The benefit of mistletoe therapy is determined by the amounts of NK cell growth present as soon as 2-3 months after beginning treatment. “It is common to see tumor progression decelerate or even stop, improved general health, and reduced pain. (Hudson)

Please contact Dr. Laura James ND, FABNO, to explore integrative solutions that can support you before, during and after treatment.