Mistletoe
Mistletoe is found on oak trees, and though there are species of the plant in North America, generally only the varieties found in Europe and Asia are used for cancer medication. Pharmaceutical manufacturers such as Weleda make the medicine by processing twigs, leaves and berries. However, mistletoe can be poisonous if ingested in large amounts.
Medicine
The most popular brand of mistletoe medicine is called Iscador, which is manufactured by Weleda and is used around the world---though not much in the United States. In Germany, about 50 percent of cancer patients take Iscador, Weleda says.
Mistletoe is thought to work against cancer by shrinking tumors and attacking malignant cells. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, so drugs such as Iscador help ease pain, such as that experienced as a result of chemotherapy and .
Data
In clinical studies on animals, Iscador had a positive effect on fighting cancer, particularly skin, bladder and stomach cancers. There is also evidence that it can halt the spread of cancer to other parts of the body. In most situations, mistletoe is well tolerated by patients when they are given the correct dosage.
The most common side effects are flu-like symptoms, as mistletoe naturally raises the body's temperature. It is very important to take mistletoe under a doctor's guidance because an overdose can be harmful, and even fatal.
Tags: , chemotherapy radiation therapy, radiation therapy