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Mistletoe

Mistletoe is the English common name for over 1200 species of a semi-parasitic plant that grows on trees worldwide, though only viscum album (European or common mistletoe) is used in the treatment of cancer and inflammatory conditions. References to mistletoe as a sacred plant and remedy appear throughout history and date as far back as the writings of Hippocrates (c. 460 - c. 370) and Pliny the Elder (AD 23-79), but it was only through the indications of Rudolf Steiner, in the early 1920's, that it became known that mistletoe could be used for the treatment of cancer. It was then developed as an injection.
    Since that time, European oncologists have been using the liquid extract of the mistletoe plant to improve survival in patients with cancer and to improve quality of life by reducing the side-effects of chemotherapy and radiation, such as nausea, vomiting and lack of appetite, as well as diminishing tumor-related pain. Mistletoe injections are currently among the most widely used complementary cancer treatments in Europe. It is approved for palliative care use in several European countries, but not yet in the United States. Until further clinical testing is done in the US, oncologists cannot offer this treatment as standard of care for cancer patients. Mistletoe is being administered in the US by complementary medicine practitioners, but mistletoe is not approved by the FDA for cancer treatment. 

    The clinical effectiveness of mistletoe extracts in cancer has been investigated in a great number of studies and clinical trials, primarily in Europe. A clinical trial is currently being conducted in the US at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. 

    Patients seeking a physician trained in mistletoe therapy should visit the Patient Resources page.

    More information for both licensed practitioners and patients can be found within the following links:

    Links to the four main producers of European mistletoe:

    Iscador

    Helixor (only currently available in German)

    WALA (producer of Iscusin)

    Abnoba 

    There are numerous additional resources available to currently-licensed prescribers (MDs, DOs, NDs, NPs and PAs):

    • A free resource packet including select clinical guidelines (by request via the order form below, sent by mail within 7-10 business days. Please be sure to add paamdrscourse@anthroposophy.org and paam@anthroposophy.org to your safe sender list so you are certain to receive related emails.)
    • Recordings and Course Materials from the Mistletoe & Integrative Oncology Course 2020 are available for purchase for $650.00. If interested, please send an email request to paamdrscourse@anthroposophy.org.
    • The Vademecum of Mistletoe Therapy 2019 (Book plus CD) available for purchase by clicking here
    All requests for the free information packet and the Mistletoe & Integrative Oncology Course recordings and materials are vetted before being further processed. Please provide the requested information below and press "Subscribe". We will respond to your request with an online invoice within 5-7 business days. Please be sure to add admin@anthroposophy.org to your safe sender list so you are certain to receive the invoice. Failure to provide information in any of the boxes below may result in a prolonged delay in your request. Your order will be processed upon completion of payment. Prices below reflect full amounts; discounts will be applied at the time of invoicing.

    Questions? Email us at paam@anthroposophy.org. 

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    Physicians' Association for Anthroposophic Medicine (PAAM)
    PO Box 4039
    Grand Junction, CO 81502
    paam@anthroposophy.org
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