The mistletoe fruit has a characteristic shape and color
A mistletoe is a vegetable that is part of the family group of lorantaceae plants . It is a semi-parasitic species that develops in the branches and trunks of different trees.
General characteristics
The mistletoe stems, which have knots and spikes, divide into bouquets. The leaves are fleshy and have a light and bright greenish color. The flowers are yellowish in color and the fruit, with a very characteristic spherical shape, starts out green but once developed it turns whitish or pinkish.
The scientific name of mistletoe is Viscum album and its origin is found in various parts of the European and American continents, in addition to the western and southern areas of Asia, so its natural distribution is very wide worldwide.
It is said to be semiparasitic because it is an autotrophic plant (that is, it generates complex organic compounds from the carbon it obtains from certain simple substances, generally making use of inorganic chemical reactions or light energy) that it needs to live. insert into other autotrophic plants.
The species on whose branches it develops are various, although mistletoe is generally found on deciduous plants (whose leaves fall as soon as the least favorable time for their growth begins, which is usually winter) and certain pines.
Mistletoe Myths
Beyond its natural properties, magical or supernatural conditions have always been attributed to mistletoe. In ancient times, it was thought that mistletoe could make someone become invisible or make a woman pregnant .
Due to its supposed powers linked to love , the tradition of kissing under mistletoe at Christmas arose. It is said that if two people kiss under the plant at Christmas time they will never be separated again.
This peculiar myth of mistletoe related to eternal love has been reflected in countless works, both books, films and songs, and is one of the elements of Christmas that gives it such a special character, as if it were a magical time . , in which everything is possible.
Medicinal properties
In alternative medicine , mistletoe is used to strengthen the immune system, regulate sleep and strengthen metabolism. It is also often used as a complementary therapy within the framework of conventional cancer treatment, as it would help minimize the side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Relieving fever and various ailments, reducing hypertension and minimizing fluid retention are other effects attributed to the consumption of mistletoe, which can be ingested in blisters or as an infusion, for example. It is important to keep in mind, however, that a doctor is the professional who must indicate what to take as a remedy or health booster.
At Christmas, a kiss under the mistletoe is a symbol of eternal love
The medicinal properties of mistletoe have been appreciated since ancient times, something that led the first civilizations to attribute mystical powers to it. The need to consult an expert before consuming it is partly due to its toxicity; Although it does not reach worrying levels, it can cause unfavorable effects if we exceed its proportions when using it to prepare a homemade medicine.
One of the many ways in which you can take advantage of this plant is by leaving a few leaves in the refrigerator in a container with ethyl alcohol for two weeks so that it macerates and produces a solution that is then applied directly to parts of the plant. body where we have circulation problems or abnormal fatigue.