What are the side effects of mistletoe?

Few serious side effects have been reported from the use of mistletoe extracts. Side effects include soreness and inflammation at injection sites, headache, fever, and chills. One review reported that treatment was not found to lessen immune system response.

What is iscador used for?

Iscador is a Mistletoe-based complementary treatment for cancer that has been in use for over 90 years. It was devised by Rudolf Steiner in Switzerland in 1921. The anti-cancer effects of Iscador are based on two mechanisms.

How does mistletoe cure cancer?

Basic research shows that mistletoe extracts may stimulate the immune system to fight cancer. Studies in humans show that mistletoe treatment may improve symptoms and reduce side effects of cancer treatments. A few studies indicate it may also have some effects on survival.

Does mistletoe cure breast cancer?

As an anthroposophical medicine, mistletoe is one of the most important herbal drugs and is potentially effective against cancer [18]. Using mistletoe extract for cancer therapy especially breast cancer is recommended due to its minimal side effects and the fact that these side effects are not life threatening.

How is Iscador used in the treatment of cancer?

Iscador treatment can achieve a clinically relevant prolongation of survival time of cancer patients and appears to stimulate self-regulation. Use of Iscador, an extract of European mistletoe (Viscum album), in cancer treatment: prospective nonrandomized and randomized matched-pair studies nested within a cohort study.

Which is better for cancer patients Iscador or mistletoe?

Pooled analysis of clinical studies suggests that adjuvant treatment of cancer patients with the mistletoe extract Iscador is associated with a better survival.

When to use Iscador extract of European mistletoe?

Use of Iscador, an extract of European mistletoe (Viscum album), in cancer treatment: prospective nonrandomized and randomized matched-pair studies nested within a cohort study Altern Ther Health Med. May-Jun 2001;7(3):57-66, 68-72, 74-6 passim.

How did the Iscador herbal medicine get its name?

The name Iscador comes from the Greek for mistletoe, ixos os ixia. Steiner used complex metaphysics to express his understanding, in general as well as specifically when applied to mistletoe. He felt that science and spirituality could work together to create medicines of the future.