Mistletoe – An Aphrodisiac for men

Derived from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of beauty and sexual love, aphrodisiacs have long held great fascination over mankind. For centuries humans have experimented with foods, herbs and animal parts to enhance sexual arousal and improved the quality of sexual experience. Mistletoe is one such herb which was considered an aphrodisiac since ancient times and continues to figures in celebratory rituals to this day.

About mistletoe

What is commonly known as Mistletoe actually includes several species of an evergreen hemiparasitic plant of the family Lorantheae that grows on the branches and trunks of a variety of deciduous trees. Since the plants are capable of photosynthesis, they are not fully parasitic. On the other hand, the mistletoe plants are partially parasitic since send a special kind of root system (called "haustoria") down into their hosts, the trees upon which they grow, in order to extract nutrients from the trees. The species of mistletoe that are best known for their medicinal properties are the American mistletoe, the most prevalent of which is Phoradendron serotinum and the European mistletoe botanically known as Viscum album. Many of the traditional names for mistletoe like All Heal, Birdlime, Devil's Fuge, Donnerbesn, Golden Bough, Holy Wood, Lignam sanctae crucis, Witches Broom, and Wood of the Cross are an indication of the therapeutic and protective properties of the plant.

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How mistletoe works as an aphrodisiac

Mistletoe’s reputation as an aphrodisiac goes back to the time of ancient Druids who believed that the plant bestowed vitality and fertility on humans as well as livestock. This belief probably originated when the numerous healing properties of the plant came to be discovered. Some ways in which mistletoe may act as a sexual aid are:

By improving blood circulation

Mistletoe is believed to boost the circulatory system of the body, enabling oxygen-rich blood to be carried to all major organs including the genitals. Among men, prompt supply of blood is crucial for the attainment and maintenance of erections and thus anything which improves circulation can be considered to aid the sexual experience. The beneficial effect of mistletoe on the circulatory system of the body is also probably why it has long been used in the treatment of hypertension and as long-term therapy in preventing the hardening of arterial walls.

By boosting the immune system

One of the earliest uses of mistletoe has been as a protective agent – keeping the body and soul of humans safe from diseases and evil spirits. This practice may have started due to the herb’s powerful immune-boosting properties. Recent studies have shown that mistletoe contains a type of chemical compounds known as lectins. These are complex molecules that contain both protein and sugars and are capable of binding to the outside of cells, particularly the cells of the immune system. In the process the compounds may induce biochemical changes in the cells thereby making them more effective and helping the body to fight infections and even diseases like cancer. In this way, by maintaining the vigor and vitality of the body, mistletoe can be considered to act as an aphrodisiac.

By its supposed effect on the hormones

According to some sources, Ancient Cherokee people used the North American variety of mistletoe as an abortaficient and this may explain the association of the herb with unbridled sexuality.

By its relaxing effect

Yet another way in which mistletoe can be said to help the cause of love is by creating the right psychological conditions for some amorous action. Mistletoe is believed to induce a calming effect on the mind and thus help in the treatment of nervous disorders like fits, hysteria, epilepsy and dizziness. Because of its soothing properties, the herb can be used to ease away stress, reduce sexual inhibitions and soothe performance-related anxiety which causes sexual difficulties among so many men.

Using mistletoe

The leaves and young twigs of mistletoe are believed to contain most of the medicinal properties and are generally used in the herbal preparations such as teas and infusions. A traditional recipe involves infusing two teaspoons of a mixture of mistletoe leaves, hawthorn leaves and lemon balm leaves in two cups of water for 5-10 minutes, straining the infusion and then drinking it over the day. Other than this, mistletoe may be used in the form of dried aqueous extracts and fluid extracts (1:1 in 25% alcohol) taken by mouth.

Mistletoe has also been studied in multiple injectable regimens like intravenous, subcutaneous and intrapleural but it needs to be given by a trained healthcare provider in a controlled setting.

The use of mistletoe extract in the treatment of cancer can be traced to Rudolph Steiner, the founder of Anthroposophy. However the practice gained popularity in 2001 when famous actress Suzanne Somers decided to use Iscador, a drug made from mistletoe extract, in lieu of chemotherapy as treatment for her breast cancer.

The possible adverse effects of using mistletoe

Side effects associated with use of mistletoe may range from skin irritations to gastro-intestinal disorders even though in extreme cases hepatitis, delirium, fatigue, hallucinations, headaches, pain, abnormal blood cell counts, pancreas, and kidney damage and even coma have been reported along with seizures and sleeplessness.

The berries of American mistletoe are highly poisonous and have been reported to be fatal for kids. Heart patients, in particular who take large dosage of mistletoe might be at a risk of heart failures. Among others who should avoid using the herb are people suffering from protein hypersensitivity, chronic progressive disease like tuberculosis, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma and liver conditions. Mistletoe is not recommended for pregnant and breast feeding mothers because of its uterine stimulant activity.

Mistletoe is considered a poisonous plant, so any treatment, if needed, must be conducted under the guidance of a trained healthcare professional.

The long association of mistletoe with sexual vitality and fertility is evident in a plethora of mythological and literary anecdotes. The Norse legend of Balder’s death and resurrection ends with elevation of mistletoe as a symbol of love and renewal while the festival of Saturnalia among the ancient Romans included an orgy of sensual pleasures amidst mistletoe decorations. Today resonances of these earlier associations remain in the Christmas tradition of kissing under the mistletoe which continues to symbolize love and celebration in the holiday season.