White mistletoe (Viscum album)
Harm score: 1 (Natural substances)
White mistletoe, also known as Ammonyx, is a plant belonging to the Santalaceae family and is widely distributed throughout Europe and western Asia. This evergreen shrub is reputed to grow parasitically on the branches of various tree species, most commonly on apple, poplar or ash trees. White mistletoe is characterised by its evergreen leaves and smaller, yellow-white fruits that ripen during the winter months. Due to its appearance and its long tradition, it is often associated with the Christmas season, when it is used to make various decorations.
The uses of white mistletoe are very diverse. In the past, it was used as a medicinal plant and found use in the treatment of various diseases, especially high blood pressure. However, current scientific sources confirm its benefits in the treatment of cancer - extracts of mistletoe are used as a complementary therapy to chemotherapy, and are thought to have a significant effect on slowing the growth of cancer cells. In addition to medicine, white mistletoe is also important in the cosmetic industry. Its extracts are used to make a number of cosmetic products such as skin creams and shampoos. However, white mistletoe should be used with caution as some parts of it can be toxic to humans.