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Uses for Mistletoe
By Jeannie Pitt of ZanyZodiacs.com
I may be speaking for lots of you when I say, 'Mistletoe automatically makes me think of kissing.' That's a GREAT use for Mistletoe, but there are many other unique and useful things that you can learn about, and do with this great and interesting plant. Mistletoe is quite an interesting little plant creature. It's known as a hemiparasite, as it tends to grown on trunks or branches of trees and steal the nutrients to nourish itself. It is capable, however, of growing on it's own and using photosynthesis, much like other plants. Though current tradition deems Mistletoe as a 'kissing plant' at Christmastime, or Yule, there have been many other uses throughout history. Many ancient and not-so-ancient peoples have used Mistletoe in healing, magic, superstition, remedies, and mystery! Most importantly, Mistletoe can be fatal if ingested in large quantities. Ingested in small amounts, however, in teas or extracts, you will rarely have side effects. Mistletoe tea can be used in treatment of high blood pressure, epilepsy, and asthma. Add 1 teaspoon of finely chopped Mistletoe to 1 cup of water. Steep at room temperature for approximately 12 hours and then strain. Mistletoe has NOT been tested by the FDA, however, so caution is strongly urged. As a notable addition, however, clinical studies are being performed proving that Mistletoe does kill laboratory cancer cells and can stimulate the immune system. Many remain skeptical of Mistletoe's ability to cure cancer. After that statement, you may not be rushing out to find Mistletoe tea to accompany your yuletide holiday celebrations. Never fear, there are other fun uses for Mistletoe that don't include drinking it! Mistletoe has been believed to ensure fertility, encourage negotiation of truce, ward off demons, and even repel fire. Some believe that the mere presence of a bundle of Mistletoe will aid healing of an ailing friend. Additionally, bundles of Mistletoe can be given to women attempting to conceive a child. Hang Mistletoe on your doorway to attract love in your direction. Bundles can also be hung around your house to protect from fire and ill fortune. Mistletoe is also easily grown. Use of berries from a mature Mistletoe plant can be planted and nurtured for growth. Select plump, white berries from plants around the month of April as these berries are mature and will provide the best results. You will also need to sacrifice another plant for a semi-parasitic Mistletoe to thrive on. Select a tree at least 15 years old and make several incisions into the bark as high up as possible. Remove the seed coats and place the seeds inside the bark. Cover the seeds so as to discourage birds, but to allow sufficient sunlight. Plant numerous seeds to get a sufficient mix of males and females. Mistletoe takes approximately 3-5 years to reach berry-producing size. The tradition of kissing under the Mistletoe is said to have begun with Norse mythology. It began as a celebration of resurrection, and cycled through to the tradition of giving a kiss while simultaneously plucking a berry. Once there were no remaining berries, there was to be no more kissing. Today, we have conveniently discarded the 'no more berries' bit, and consider it a reason to offer a smooch. So, now that you are award of a little history, and the many uses of Mistletoe that have been passed down through history, you will have stories to tell at your Christmas and Yuletide parties.
This intel first appeared on: http://ehow.com
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