There is an old tradition that lovers should kiss under a branch of the magical mistletoe plant at Christmas. Nevertheless, the druids know the magical powers and medicinal uses of this plant since ancient times, and it has many more properties than those related to love. Discover all the benefits of mistletoe below.
The mistletoe How is the plant of love?
The Viscum Album It is a bush-type parasitic plant whose physical appearance makes it easily recognizable: between its greenish-yellow leaves and tiny flowers of the same color, it grows some fruits that are small berries with a green hue when they are immature, and translucent when they mature, turning white or yellow.
These are small balls of about 10 millimeters in diameter with a single seed, inside which is a viscous pulp. Attention, because it is not an edible berryso if it catches your attention, don’t put it in your mouth.
What is particular about mistletoe is that it is a parasitic plant, that is, it grows on the branches of various trees, preferably deciduous such as apple trees and poplars, but also on some varieties of pine. That is why it is common to see it forming leafy bushes that hang from the trees it parasitizes.
The way mistletoe has to multiply is also curious. The slimy pulp of its berries attracts birds, which separate it from the fruit and rub it against the bark of trees. This is how the seed remains attached to the barkand begins to take root that penetrates the tree, absorbing its sap to be parasitized.
Properties of mistletoe as a magical plant
Since ancient times, the Druids used mistletoe as a magical plant, especially as a herb of protection. It was placed in houses as a protection amulet to drive away evil spirits, prevent lightning strikes during storms, and ensure happiness and prosperity at home.
The first thing that strikes you is the large number of legends surrounding the magical mistletoe plant. Due to its nature it hangs from the trees and never touches the ground, a fact for which since ancient times it was believed that this herb belonged neither to heaven nor to earth. Since then various magical and esoteric qualities have been attributed to it.
The mistletoe, as a protection amulet, accompanied the lives of men and women from birth, as it used to be placed next to the baby’s crib to protect it of evil spirits and evil fairies.
The Celtic peoples were pioneers in the use of mistletoe as a magical plant, and it had a leading role in the winter solstice festival, Samhain, preceding the current celebration of Halloween. The Christian tradition inherited its magical uses, having it as a plant that attracted good omens.
The mistletoe has survived to this day thanks to pagan traditions, although its magical functions have been losing weight, focusing only on its role as a love-promoting plant. Legend says that If a couple kisses under a mistletoe branch at Christmas it will be united forever.
Properties of mistletoe as a medicinal plant
Among the ancient uses of mistletoe, the druids used it to cure some diseases and help women get pregnant. Over time, many medicinal properties have been discovered that make it a universal remedy used to relieve pain and combat hypertension, among other uses.
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1. Pain-fighting properties
One of the most popular mistletoe properties is its use in cancer therapiesBecause of its characteristics (it absorbs alkaloids, mucilangs, tannins, starch, quercetin and terpenoids) it helps in complementary treatments to counteract collateral damage from chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Used as a general tonic for people who are not sick, in patients facing chemical or radiological treatment restores appetite, regulates sleeptones the metabolism, stimulates the immune system and balances body temperature.
2. Mistletoe as a hypotensive
The properties of the mistletoe leaf have been revealed as beneficial for the circulatory system, which is why it is usually applied as complementary treatment of glaucoma or retinal detachment, which have their origin in ocular hypertension. Its therapeutic nature has also been demonstrated in epileptic seizures.
As a powerful hypotensive, mistletoe is a very suitable herb for people whohave high blood pressure problems. Since it is more effective when applied intravenously, it is preferable to use it under medical supervision.
3. Other medicinal uses of mistletoe
It has also been proven that mistletoe is an herb that favors the reinforcement of the immune system, which allows the person to feel better. As a herb to relieve pain, It is also used to relieve sciatica pain.and to soothe discomfort in the legs and tired feet.
It can also be applied, after crushing the berries of the mistletoe, to treat pimples and styes. It usually offers benefits in the treatment of the skin. Finally, it is also applied to relieve the symptoms of kidney stones.
Rituals and spells with mistletoe
As a magical plant, mistletoe is present in some rituals that favor the arrival of good luck or the duration of love. Their magical powers are also often used by burning the grass. Do you want to know how and when? Keep reading.
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When is mistletoe burned?
In Spain, the Anglo-Saxon tradition of hanging mistletoe at home for Christmas and then burning it has been imported. but there are many people who wonder when mistletoe burns Be very careful, because if you don’t do it when it’s time, the power of the mistletoe can turn against you and attract bad luck.
To use mistletoe as a good luck and auspicious charm, it has to hang from the lintel of the door of your house during the Christmas holidays, and you have to burn it on Twelfth Night, that is, the twelfth day of Christmas.
Ritual with mistletoe to attract good luck
You can perform rituals to ask for good luck whenever you want, and the mistletoe ta will assist in those wishes. But the most appropriate order for the new year during the Christmas holidaysas for example in the following ritual.
Mistletoe is a sacred plant, so you have to prepare a worship ritual. You can place a center in a small altar with some mistletoe leaves, with its berries. Light a gold and a green candle, symbols of wealth and hope. Burn a few leaves while you say the prayer, this will help you ward off bad luck.
Make the wishes you want for the new year. Write those wishes on paper, and when the ashes are cold put them together with these wishes in an envelope with a little honey. Keep the remaining mistletoe leaves in a clothes bag closed with a green thread, and keep it in a closed chest next to the envelope. This will be your lucky year!
Ritual with mistletoe for love
As a love-promoting plant, its use in the following ritual guarantees that the person you love pays attention to you. One Sunday before noon Light some mistletoe incense and think of the person whose love you want to attract to you.
You must reproduce through your thoughts the qualities and attributes of that person. Light a red candle and burn some sprigs of mistletoe while you pray a prayer asking for the love of that person. When the incense is completely consumed, keep the ashes together with a piece of paper with the name of the person in an envelope.
Attention: Do not blow the candle to put it out, or that person will run from you like the devil! If you’ve done everything right, very soon you will receive a pleasant surprise