Mistletoe may be the most romantic plant out there. Even a dozen red roses doesn’t promise a kiss!
Beyond the kiss, mistletoe has a long history of being a medicinal plant. Folklore tell us that mistletoe was somewhat of a cure-all magical plant known to have healing powers, bring good fortune, be a powerful aphrodisiac and ward off the evil spirits. All of that from a little twig.
The holiday decoration has been used for centuries to treat conditions like headaches or seizures. New research has shown that mistletoe has been known to stimulate the immune system and even lower blood pressure. The twig has also been known to have a calming influence in stressful situations or for anxious people. Mistletoe is much more than a prelude to a sweet Christmas kiss in the health world.
While we wouldn’t recommend practicing ancient traditions of the sacred plant on yourself this Christmas, we would encourage eating these melt-in-your-mouth mistletoe cookies. You’ll want to kiss the cook.
Do you have any mistletoe traditions in your house? Did you know that mistletoe had so many medicinal uses?
I don’t think I’ve ever been kissed under mistletoe! That’s something that I’d like to happen…so long as it wasn’t an unwanted suitor, hehe 🙂
Maybe next Christmas!