New research reveals that mistletoe could act as possible therapy for those with colon cancer. Mistletoe is one of the most widely studied complementary and alternative medicine therapies for cancer. In certain European countries, extracts made from European mistletoe are among the most prescribed therapies for cancer patients.
by Margie King
The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe at Christmas can be traced back to ancient Scandinavian rules of war. The story goes that if enemies found themselves standing beneath the mistletoe they had to lay down their arms for the rest of the day.
Peacemaking led to the Christmas kissing tradition. It's said a young man may kiss a girl under the mistletoe, plucking a poison berry from the bush each time. But when the berries are gone, no more kissing.
Aside from Christmas lore, mistletoe has a long history of medicinal applications among ancient cultures. Some modern scientists are exploring its use as a treatment for colon cancer.
According to the University of Adelaide in Australia, a researcher there is experimenting with an extract of mistletoe. The lab studies focus on whether mistletoe could complement chemotherapy or replace chemotherapy as a treatment for colon cancer.
Colon cancer is the second leading cause …
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