Overview

American mistletoe is a plant. The flower, fruit, leaf, and stem are used as medicine.

American mistletoe is used for low blood pressure, constipation, gastroparesis, and ending a pregnancy (abortion). But there is no good scientific research to support these uses. Eating American mistletoe berries or leaves can also be unsafe.

How does it work ?

Chemicals in American mistletoe affect muscles.

Chemicals in American mistletoe affect muscles.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

  • Constipation.
  • Delayed emptying of food from the stomach into the intestines (gastroparesis).
  • Ending a pregnancy (abortion).
  • Low blood pressure.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of American mistletoe for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: American mistletoe is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth. All American mistletoe plant parts have historically been considered poisonous. But some reports suggest that eating up to 20 berries or 5 leaves might not cause serious adverse effects. American mistletoe can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hallucinations, and heart problems in some people.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: American mistletoe is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth. All American mistletoe plant parts have historically been considered poisonous. But some reports suggest that eating up to 20 berries or 5 leaves might not cause serious adverse effects. American mistletoe can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hallucinations, and heart problems in some people. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It is LIKELY UNSAFE to use American mistletoe during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Don't use it.

Heart disease: American mistletoe might make heart disease worse. Don't use it.

Interactions ?

We currently have no information for AMERICAN MISTLETOE overview.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of American mistletoe depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for American mistletoe. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

View References

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.