Mistletoe Can Be Magic

Gail Cox says that mistletoe can counter the bad effects of traditional cancer treatment and may even help kill tumor cells.

According to folklore, mistletoe 'magic' may seal romance, bestow fertility and bring peace to warring spouses.

The plant has also been credited with the power of healing – an attribute currently being harnessed by a new outpatient unit at the independent Raphael Medical Centre in Kent, which offers integrated cancer care.

The centre uses mistletoe (known by its Latin plant name, viscum album) to combat undesirable effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, such as fatigue, nausea, weight loss, low mood and infections.

Advocates believe the herb boosts the immune system and may even help kill tumour cells – particularly breast, gynaecological, colo-rectal, pancreatic and lung cancer, along with lymphomas and leukaemia. Read more