White mistletoe grass belongs to perennial plants (lives for about forty years). Its peculiarity is that it is an evergreen semi-parasite plant. It is a semi-parasite because it receives liquid and minerals from the tree on which it grows, and synthesizes organic matter on its own.
Description of culture
The minimum height is 20 centimeters, the maximum is 120 centimeters. The roots (which differ from the usual root system in that they look like suckers) penetrate under the bark of the tree. The leaves are light green and oblong. On thin and easily breaking branches, the leaves are arranged in pairs.
Faint flowers appear in early spring (March and April). Flowers are located at the ends of the branches. The fruit of the plant is a white berry. Inside the berry there is a seed, which is located in a sticky mass. Ripe seeds are large. The ripening period occurs at the beginning of autumn.
Mistletoe herb
Since grass is a parasite, trees serve as its habitat.
The conifers on which the grass settles include:
- fir;
- pine.
Deciduous trees that may have grass:
- maple;
- Birch tree;
- Rowan;
- Linden;
- Apple tree;
- pear;
- poplar.
When mistletoe hits a tree, it begins to thrive. With the onset of frost, when plants lose their foliage, the grass is clearly visible on their branches. The method of struggle - the branches on which the parasite settled should be sawed off and burned.
White mistletoe has several names. Since it grows on a tree, it was given the name Witch's Broom. You can also hear such names of her as oak berry, thunder broom, witch's nest, cross grass, old lady's curl, amelia grass, amela grass, dumplings and many others.
The second name of the mistletoe is the witch's broom.
Varieties
The approximate number of varieties of mistletoe herb is seventy. The difference between all species lies in the type of wood on which it grows. In many respects, the varieties are similar, they are grouped into three types: white, willow, red. Let's take a closer look at their differences.
White mistletoe is the most common type of plant. It is named white because it has berries of this color. It is found mainly in Africa, Ukraine, southern Russia, and the Baltics.
The herb mistletoe is also named after the color of the fruit. Distributed on poplars, maples and birches.
Mistletoe herb red
Willow mistletoe appears only on willows. Located at the top of the tree. Distributed in the countries of the former Soviet Union (Ukraine, Russia, Belarus and others).
How does a plant get to trees? Birds are the seed carriers. When a bird eats a berry, a mass with seeds remains on its beak. Birds use trees to clean their beak, thus spreading seeds. The seeds begin to sprout and take root in the spring.
Culture properties
Although the plant is poisonous, it has many beneficial properties. The application was found in medicine.
What substances make mistletoe healthy but poisonous?
The plant contains a large number of antioxidants, syringinin and glycosides.The fruits are rich in oils containing the following acids: linoleic, palmitic, oleic. The berries also contain carotene and rubber.
The plant contains a large number of antioxidants, syringinin and glycosides
Stems and leaves contain starch, glucose, gum, salts, viscin, viscalbin, viscotoxin, vitamins.
The herbal preparations lower blood pressure and improve heart function. Doctors recommend mistletoe medications for diuretic and laxative effects. According to official figures, anti-cancer drugs such as viscalene and mistletoe are based on white mistletoe. Raw herbs are used for diseases accompanied by various types of bleeding, to stop various seizures (epilepsy, convulsions), as well as to treat vascular disease.
The juice of this plant removes parasites from the body, relieves muscle pain and is used for ulcers, hemorrhoids and varicose veins.
You should know the main contraindications for medications with mistletoe in order not to harm your health. Medicines are used strictly as directed by a doctor. The dosage is small, and the period of admission is short, since it contains poison that can lead to side effects (disruption of the heart, etc.).
It is contraindicated to take funds with mistletoe for people suffering from low blood pressure and dysfunction of the thyroid gland. If the substances included in the composition can cause allergies or intolerances, you should refrain from using the medication. Only a doctor can prescribe drugs.
Mistletoe herb is used for weight loss
Also widely used for weight loss is mistletoe white grass. Instructions for use are discussed below. For a slimming effect, use a decoction of leaves and stems. The effect is achieved due to the fact that fats are burned and the body is cleansed. Thanks to the intake of the drink, a feeling of satiety comes, and with it the vigor necessary for an active lifestyle. But you should take into account the main contraindications and be sure to consult a doctor.
When and how to procure
Suitable for picking berries and foliage. Collect them in autumn and winter. Drying is carried out in rooms where it is warm, or under a canopy. For the drying procedure in the room chosen for this, paper or cloth is spread on the floor, and blanks of leaves and berries are placed on top with a thin layer. After the raw materials are ready, they should be placed in bags and stored in a dark, well-ventilated, dry place.
Dried mistletoe herb
The white mistletoe plant is interesting in that it grows on other plants (trees), and is also used for medicinal purposes. Mistletoe herb is an amazing plant, it has a healing effect in small doses, although, in its essence, it is poisonous and dangerous. Taking medications and herbal infusions should be carried out strictly after consulting a doctor.
