Mistletoe (Plant Based Chemotherapy)

At Natural Family Health Clinic, we believe in a comprehensive approach to health, exploring every avenue to support your well-being, especially when facing challenges like cancer. Mistletoe IV therapy, a complementary approach with roots in traditional medicine, is gaining recognition for its potential to enhance your body’s natural defenses and improve your quality of life during cancer treatment.

Mistletoe, often associated with holiday traditions, has a long history of use in herbal medicine. While the berries are toxic, extracts derived from the leaves and stems of the mistletoe plant have been shown to possess immune-stimulating and anti-cancer¹ properties.

These extracts are prepared from various host trees (such as apple, oak, or pine) and harvested at different times of the year, resulting in a diverse range of preparations with unique properties. This allows for personalized treatment approaches, tailored to individual needs.

While research is ongoing, studies suggest that mistletoe therapy works through several mechanisms:

• Immune Activation: Mistletoe extracts contain compounds, including lectins and viscotoxins, that can stimulate the activity of immune cells, such as natural killer (NK) cells and T cells. These cells play a crucial role in recognizing and destroying cancer cells. Think of it like rallying your body’s internal army to fight cancer more effectively.
• Direct Anti-Cancer Effects: Some mistletoe extracts have demonstrated direct cytotoxic (cell-killing) effects on cancer cells in laboratory studies.
• Anti-angiogenic Activity: Mistletoe extracts may inhibit angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels), which is essential for tumor growth and spread. Essentially, it helps cut off the supply lines that tumors need to grow.
• Apoptosis Induction: Mistletoe extracts may promote apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells, encouraging them to self-destruct.

While mistletoe extracts can be administered through subcutaneous injections, we also offer mistletoe IV therapy to enhance absorption and bioavailability. Intravenous delivery allows the mistletoe extract to bypass the digestive system and enter your bloodstream directly, reaching your cells and tissues more efficiently.

Mistletoe IV therapy is considered a complementary therapy, meaning it’s used alongside conventional cancer treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. It’s not a replacement for these treatments but rather a supportive measure to enhance your body’s natural defenses and improve your overall well-being during cancer treatment.

Here’s how mistletoe IV therapy can complement your care:

• Enhancing Immune Response: By stimulating your immune system, mistletoe IV therapy may help your body better recognize and fight cancer cells, potentially improving the effectiveness of conventional treatments.
• Reducing Side Effects: Mistletoe IV therapy may help alleviate some of the side effects associated with conventional cancer treatments, such as fatigue, nausea, and pain.
• Improving Quality of Life: Studies suggest that mistletoe therapy may improve quality of life in cancer patients by enhancing energy levels, reducing pain, and promoting a sense of well-being.

At Natural Family Health Clinic, we take a personalized approach to mistletoe therapy, ensuring it aligns with your individual health needs and treatment goals. Before recommending mistletoe IV therapy, we’ll conduct a thorough assessment, including:

• Reviewing your medical history: We’ll carefully consider your cancer diagnosis, treatment history, current medications, and any other health conditions.
• Discussing your treatment goals: We’ll take the time to understand your expectations and desired outcomes for mistletoe therapy.
• Evaluating your overall health: We may recommend blood tests and other assessments to evaluate your organ function and ensure your body can safely tolerate mistletoe therapy.

• Type and stage of cancer: Mistletoe therapy has been studied in various types of cancer, but its effectiveness may vary depending on the specific diagnosis and stage.
• Current cancer treatments: Mistletoe therapy is often used alongside conventional treatments, but it’s essential to consider potential interactions and ensure compatibility.
• Overall health status: Your overall health and any underlying medical conditions may influence your suitability for mistletoe therapy.
• Personal preferences: We’ll discuss your preferences and ensure you’re comfortable with the treatment approach.

Mistletoe IV therapy is administered through a small intravenous catheter placed in your arm. The infusion is typically slow and controlled, allowing for gradual absorption and minimizing any potential discomfort. We’ll monitor you closely throughout the process to ensure your comfort and safety.

Mistletoe therapy is generally well-tolerated, but like any medical treatment, it may cause side effects. These can include:

• Local reactions at the injection site: Redness, swelling, or itching may occur.
• Flu-like symptoms: Mild fever, chills, or fatigue may occur, especially at the beginning of treatment. This is often a sign that your immune system is being activated.
• Allergic reactions: Although rare, allergic reactions can occur. We’ll carefully monitor you during and after treatment.

It’s crucial to work with a qualified healthcare professional experienced in mistletoe therapy to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Optimal nutrition plays a vital role in supporting your body during cancer treatment. We may recommend specific dietary changes or supplements to:

• Maintain healthy weight and energy levels
• Support immune function
• Reduce inflammation
• Manage treatment side effects

We’ll work with you to develop a personalized nutrition plan that complements your cancer treatment and supports your overall well-being.

While research on specific vitamin and mineral interactions with mistletoe therapy is ongoing, we generally recommend ensuring adequate intake of the following nutrients to support overall health and immune function during cancer treatment:

• Vitamin D: Supports immune function and bone health.
• B Vitamins: Essential for energy production and cellular function.
• Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that supports immune health.
• Zinc: Crucial for immune cell development and function.
• Selenium: Supports immune function and antioxidant defense.

Before initiating mistletoe IV therapy, we may recommend evaluating specific organ functions to ensure your body can safely tolerate the treatment. This may include assessing:

• Liver Function: The liver plays a crucial role in metabolizing medications and toxins. We may assess liver enzymes to ensure optimal function.
• Kidney Function: The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products from the blood. We may assess kidney function through blood and urine tests.
• Thyroid Function: The thyroid gland regulates metabolism and can be affected by certain cancer treatments. We may assess thyroid hormone levels to ensure optimal function.
• Cardiovascular Health: We may assess heart rate, blood pressure, and other cardiovascular markers to ensure your heart is healthy and able to support your overall health during cancer treatment.

At Natural Family Health Clinic, we believe in exploring all evidence-based options to support your health and well-being during cancer treatment. Mistletoe IV therapy offers a complementary approach that may enhance your body’s natural defenses, improve your quality of life, and support your overall journey toward recovery.

1. National Cancer Institute, Mistletoe Extracts (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version
   
   https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/mistletoe-pdq#_55
   
   PDQ® stands for “Physician Data Query.” It’s a comprehensive cancer information database maintained by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). PDQ® provides evidence-based information on a wide range of cancer topics, including:
   – Cancer types: Detailed summaries of different types of cancer, including their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
   – Treatment: Information on standard cancer treatments, such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies.
   – Clinical trials: Access to information about ongoing clinical trials for various types of cancer.
   – Supportive care: Guidance on managing the side effects of cancer and its treatment, as well as improving quality of life for patients and their families. ↩︎