Mistletoe may be hung and a few kisses may already be checked off your list—but there are year-round perks to this holiday staple. The decorative greenery, once reserved for doorways and dropping hints for your crush, actually contains a potent extract that when applied topically, helps keep skin soft and supple. The liquid form of it has even been used in Europe for close to a century to improve quality of life for cancer patients. So before winter gets the best of your skin and immune system, here’s why you should add this evergreen to your arsenal, now and beyond the holidays.
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There’s Power in the Leaves
The little red berries that grow on the winter version of mistletoe are purely aesthetic—the real power is in the leaves and stems. The liquid extract that comes from these parts has been used in Europe for ages as an herbal remedy to treat everything from delirium to insomnia.
In skin and hair products, there’s evidence that it works as an anti-inflammatory and helps make our exteriors softer and more resilient. “It works as a stimulant and vasodilator,” says cosmetic chemist, Perry Romanowski. This means that it helps with the dilation of blood vessels within the skin. This could be why it’s been said to help treat varicose veins, but Romanowski says that there isn’t good enough evidence to prove it.
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How It Works
If your goal with using mistletoe is to to help boost the softness and elasticity of your skin, Romanowski says that it needs to be in a leave-on formula like a body cream instead of a body wash, where any smoothing benefits will just run down the drain. Also keep in mind before you start rubbing just any mistletoe across your skin, that not all species of the plant are safe. Some are poisonous and can even raise blood pressure. The more commonly used variation is a European mistletoe that goes by the name Viscum album. This version isn’t poisonous and is said to actually help lower blood pressure, amongst other things. Most extracts that you’ll find online will be labeled European mistletoe, but just keep that note in the back of your mind as you shop.
One of the bigger benefits of this holiday bush is immune support. “You definitely reap larger benefits from ingesting mistletoe extract rather than applying it topically,” says Jules Miller, founder of the organic wellness powders line, The Nue. Co. “The largest bank of research centers around its benefits as an immune-booster since it has naturally inbuilt antibacterial, antioxidant, and antiviral properties.”
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The Cancer Connection
As a result of its immune-boosting claims, mistletoe extract has become somewhat of an unsung hero for cancer patients looking to alleviate symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and lack of appetite, that traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can bring on.
In this case, it’s administered intravenously as a supplementary cancer treatment. Although it is approved for use in several European countries, it has yet to be authorized stateside. There is however a small team of oncologist and researchers at Johns Hopkins who are in the middle of clinical trials to better understand the effects of the extract, and potentially get FDA approval to add it to their treatment lineups. It will likely take several years before they get the okay.
Ahead are a few mistletoe-infused products that you can try in the meantime.
Dr. Hauschka
Dr. Hauschka Lemon Lemongrass Vitalizing Body Oil
When your skin needs a little uplifting (or calming), massage this blend of mistletoe, lemon and lemongrass into skin to help firm and soothe sore spots.
$29, at Dr. Hauschka
The Nue Co.
The Nue Co. Defence Drops
If you feel a cold coming on or just need an overall energy boost, a few drips of this mistletoe and Echinacea on your tongue will help get your system back on track.
$75, at The Nue Co.
Manuka Doctor
Manuka Doctor ApiNourish Rejuvenating Skin Cream
This anti-aging cream has a stable of anti-aging powerhouses packed into one potent formula.
$60, at Manuka Doctor
Missha
Missha The Style Green Tea Lip & Eye Makeup Remover
The mistletoe extract in here helps reduce irritation while you wipe away a days worth of makeup.
$8, at Missha
Healthy hair starts at the scalp and the soothing mistletoe extract in this conditioner will help keep your roots in the best shape.
$11, at Aubrey Organics
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