In this post I will be discussing an alternative, natural therapy for treating uterine cancer. I had never heard of this when I started my journey, but mistletoe extract therapy is one of the most thoroughly studied complementary treatments in Europe.
Mistletoe has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of illnesses and it is widely used in Europe as an alternative therapy for cancer. In fact, preparations made from European mistletoe (Viscum album) are among the most prescribed drugs offered to cancer patients!
Not surprisingly, it has not been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the United States. Viscum album is listed in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States though and it is legal and can be prescribed by doctors.
Many cancer patients are being healed by this miracle plant.
WHAT IS MISTLETOE?
Mistletoe is a semi-parasitic evergreen plant that grows on trees and shrubs. It produces berries in the winter. There are many different species in different countries.
In America, we only know of mistletoe as something we hang from the ceiling and then stand under and kiss. 🙂 I have no idea where this tradition came from, but in some ancient cultures mistletoe symbolized longevity, love and fertility.
Ironically, American mistletoe is toxic and is not what is used for medicinal purposes. The mistletoe I will be talking about is European mistletoe, called Viscum album.
AN INTERESTING FACT ABOUT MISTLETOE
In herbalism, there is a belief that plants often reflect the systems they help heal. In this regard, mistletoe resembles cancer. It is a semi-parasitic plant that needs a host tree to survive and get its energy from. It grows and blooms in harsh winter conditions out of rhythm with its host tree. It has no root system of its own and grows towards its own center.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF MISTLETOE
Mistletoe extracts differ depending on the type of tree they grow on, the species of plant and the time of year they are harvested. Most extracts are water based solutions or have water and alcohol as a base.
The most common types are Helixor and Iscador
HELIXOR
Helixor is an unfermented aqueous (water based) extract of Viscum album
• Helixor P comes from pine trees
• Helixor M comes from apple trees
• Helixor A comes from spruce trees
This is the mistletoe product allowed for use in the United States
ISCADOR
Iscador is a fermented aqueous extract of Viscum album
• Iscador M comes from apple trees
• Iscador P comes from pine trees
• Iscador Qu comes from oak trees
• Iscador U comes from elm trees
This is often used in Europe as well as Helixor and some others
ANTI-CANCER BENEFITS OF MISTLETOE
- Mistletoe has been shown to wake up and stimulate the immune system, likely through the viscotoxins, lectins, flavonoids and polysaccharides it contains
- It activates CD4+ cells, also known as “T helper cells.” These are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in the immune system by activating other immune cells like macrophages and B cells to fight infections and cancer
- Enforces natural killer cell-mediated tumor cell lysis (destruction) and allows the immune system to better recognize and target cancer cells
- Has been shown to reduce malignant ascites (fluid build up) when injected intraperitoneally (into the abdominal cavity) Read More
- Improves quality of life for cancer patients Read More
- Increases beta-endorphin levels, which are associated with pain relief and improved mood
- Promotes the release of neurotransmitters, GABA, dopamine and glutamic acid, which help relieve insomnia, anxiety and depression and leads to improved emotional well-being
- Reduces the migratory and invasive potential of tumor cells by down-regulating central genes involved in tumor progression such as TGF-β and matrix metalloproteinases
- Anti-angiogenic, meaning it prevents the formation of new blood vessels by tumors Read More
- Analgesic effects
- Induces hyperthermia. Mistletoe can sometimes cause a fever. While this doesn’t sound good, it is actually very beneficial. Elevated body temps have been shown to induce apoptosis of cancer cells and enhance the activity of the immune system. In fact, hyperthermia is a well-known form of cancer treatment
- Anti-oxidant, supports DNA repair
- Anti-glycemic, helps balance blood sugar
- Overcomes multiple drug resistance of cancer cells
- Radiosensitizes cancer cells
- May reduce the side effects of conventional therapies such as immune suppression, anemia, nausea, vomiting and fatigue and improve appetite
- In this case study, a Peruvian woman with carcinoma in situ of the cervix declined surgery. They injected mistletoe extract directly into the tumor and subcutaneously. After 5 months, she was in complete remission and was still in complete remission 30 months later when they published the paper Read More
- Best of all, it can improve survival. One well-known colorectal cancer patient was diagnosed with aggressive, stage 4 cancer and given 4 months to live in 2008. She started mistletoe injections and is still alive today! Read her story here.
- Iscador therapy prolonged survival of uterine cancer patients in this study Read More
HOW TO USE MISTLETOE
- Mistletoe is given by a subcutaneous injection (under the skin), 2-3 times per week. It is very easy to do with a tiny needle and you learn to do this at home. There are YouTube videos on how to administer the injections. If you have ever used insulin, it is similar to that. Even if you are squeamish around needles, you can do this, I assure you!
- It is important to change the injection sites each time. For instance, if you inject it under the skin of the left side of the belly one day then you would inject it in the right side the next time
- The dose is low at first and gradually increased until there is a reaction. The reaction you are looking for is a mild-moderate rash and itching around the injection site. Other signs that the mistletoe is working include mild fever, chills or flu-like symptoms. Your whole body may develop a warming sensation, which is a good thing
- These symptoms will typically resolve within 1-2 weeks of starting therapy. When you have a reaction, you will not continue to increase the dose, but then enter a maintenance phase
- Maintenance therapy at the same dose is often used for a period of 2-7 years. During this time, there may be treatment-free intervals to restimulate the immune system, because of an illness or even to take a vacation. Occasionally, the dose may need to be changed during this phase
- Mistletoe can also be given intravenously, intraperitoneally (into the abdominal cavity) and intratumorally (directly into a tumor) in a hospital setting by trained professionals
- Mistletoe can be started before surgery, but should be stopped for 2 days before surgery and then resumed after surgery. It is safe to use during chemotherapy and radiation and other treatments and is actually beneficial to use in conjunction with standard of care treatments
- It is often used after conventional treatments are done to prevent recurrence
- Mistletoe is very safe with few side effects
WHERE TO GET MISTLETOE
- You will need to have a prescription from a naturopathic doctor to start mistletoe therapy
- Helixor is made in Germany and distributed in the United States by Uriel Pharmacy of East Troy, Wisconsin. There are several types of Helixor as I mentioned earlier and they all have different properties
- I highly encourage you to find a good naturopathic doctor and discuss mistletoe therapy as an option for your cancer treatment. They will discuss all the pros and cons, possible side effects, how to administer it and other details you will need to know
- They will determine which formulation is best for you and the proper dose
- Mistletoe therapy will not be covered by insurance and it can be somewhat expensive, especially when you are first getting started. Make sure to discuss this with your doctor ahead of time to see if it is a possibility for you long-term
ONE THING YOU CAN START TO DO TODAY TO CONTINUE ON YOUR HEALING JOURNEY
Today I want to encourage you to start to clear out all toxic cleaning products from your home. Many of us have multiple cleaning products filled with bad chemicals for all different purposes. These include chlorox wipes, furniture polish, scouring powders and liquids, bleach, floor cleaning solutions, air fresheners and the list goes on.
One excellent resource to find healthy products is the Environmental Working Group (EWG). Here you can find products that have been studied and are safer to use based on a rigorous scoring system.
I personally use baking soda, vinegar, salt and Castille soap for all my cleaning. You can do so much with these few things and use them throughout your home.
Although it may be hard to transition to simpler alternatives and you don’t want to waste products you have already bought, please start to work towards a healthier home today!
Here is a list of the multiple uses for liquid Castille soap!
BODY USES
Hands-face-body: Small squirt applied to wet hands or wash-cloth.
Foaming pump dispenser: 1 part soap in 3 parts water.
Makeup removal: Lather several drops in hands. Massage on to wet skin. Rinse.
Hair: A couple drops for close cropped hair or up to ½ Tbsp. (7.5 mL) for long hair, either worked directly into very wet hair or pre-diluted in a cup of water. Follow with Dr. Bronner’s Citrus Organic Hair Rinse or a dilution of half apple cider vinegar and half water.
Bath: Approximately 2 Tbsp. (30 mL) soap for an average-sized tub. (Doesn’t bubble, but still cleans.)
Shaving: Face, 10 drops; Underarms, 3 drops; Legs, ½ tsp. (2.5 mL). Work to a lather in wet hands, apply to area.
Teeth: 1 drop on a toothbrush.
Cooling foot bath: ½ Tbsp. (7.5 mL) in a small tub of hot water.
Relieving congestion: 1 Tbsp. (15 mL) of Peppermint or Eucalyptus in a bowl of steamy hot, but not boiling water. Drape towel over head and breathe in mist.
Wipe-Off Castile Body Wash Spray: Combine 1 ½ tsp. (7.5 mL) soap and 1 c. (240 ml) room temperature water. Lightly spray onto skin and wipe off with clean, damp cloth. Use when bath or shower is not an option.
HOUSEHOLD USES
Dishes (handwashing) recommended: Pre-dilute 1:10 with water in a squirt bottle. Use directly on a scrub brush. 1 – 2 Tbsp.
(15-30 mL) Castile Soap in a large sink of water. A small squirt for one pot, more if needed. To avoid water spots in hard water conditions, dry dishes by hand.
Laundry: 2-4 Tbsp. (30-60 mL) for HE washers. Add ½ c. (120 mL) vinegar to the rinse cycle. Optional: For extra whitening/ de-odorizing, add ¼ c. (60 mL) baking soda to wash cycle. Double these amounts for standard washers.
Handwashing delicates: 1 capful (1 Tbsp. or 15 mL) soap in about 1 gallon (4 L) cold water. Swish gently. Let soak 10 minutes.
Swish again. Rinse with clean water. Gently press out excess water with a towel. Hang clothing or lay flat to dry.
Mopping (wood, laminate, vinyl, stone & tile flooring): 2 ½
Tbsp. (38 mL) in 1 gallon (4 L) hot water. Dunk mop (microfiber, preferably) and wring thoroughly. On wood and laminate, avoid excess water and mop up wet areas.
All-Purpose Cleaning Spray: 2 Tbsp. (30 mL) soap in 16 oz. (500 mL) water. Spray and wipe with a damp cloth. Optional:
For an extra antimicrobial punch, add 10 drops tea tree essential oil. Use on any surface that is safe in contact with water–stone countertops & tile; wood (painted or sealed, not waxed); plastic toys and such; stainless steel; sinks & toilets; and more!
Window wash (aka Castile Lite): ½ Tbsp. (7.5 mL) soap in 16 oz. (500 mL) water. Spray and squeegee. Follow with a spray of pure club soda or half vinegar/half water and squeegee.
Toilets: Pre-dilute 1:4 with water in a squirt bottle. Add ¼ tsp. (1.25 mL) tea tree oil. For best results, empty toilet. Spray bowl thoroughly with All-Purpose Spray, or sprinkle 2-3 drops of Castile Soap directly on toilet brush. Sprinkle baking soda on a brush, scrub bowl. Let sit 10 minutes. Turn water on. Flush.
OTHER USES
Fruit & veggie wash: 1 dash (approx. ¼ tsp. or 1.25 mL) in a bowl of water. Dunk produce and swish. Rinse in clear water.
Dog washing: Wet dog thoroughly. Massage in enough soap to create a good lather. (Amount varies based on size, hair type, and overall dirtiness.) Rinse thoroughly.*
Cleaning makeup brushes: Wet the makeup brushes in water.
Add 1-2 drops soap to the bristles. Massage in gently for 10+ seconds, then rinse. Repeat as needed until water runs clear.
Plant spray for bugs: 1 Tsp. (15 mL) in a quart (1 L) of water.
Spray plants twice daily until infestation clears.
Ant spray (not on plants): ¼ c. (60 mL) Tea Tree Castile soap in a quart (1 L) of water. (This concentration will burn plants.)
*Avoid using Tea Tree to wash your pets, as tea tree oil can be toxic to them.
Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God: I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. – Isaiah 41:10