Mistletoe

Latin: Viscum album

A parasitic bush with grown in the bark of apples, oaks, willows, limes, cedars, and other trees in the northern hemisphere. The stalks, leaves, flowers, and berries of the plant are all rich in healing powers, especially if they grow in an oak tree. The mistletoe, however, must not be gathered carelessly, or even cut from the tree with steel or iron appliances. The most effective method is to cut the mistletoe with a golden sickle on S:t John's Day, and catch it in a white cloth as it falls from the tree. Alternatively, it may be knocked down with a stone or shot down with an arrow.

Mistletoe gathered in the approved manner may be used as a plaster for infected wounds, as a cure for the falling sickness or epilepsy, or as an antidote to poisons. Mistletoe leaves worn close to the flesh will ensure conception in a woman, and as a cattle fodder they will cure barren cows. Bracelets of mistletoe stalks protect warriors against wounds, and amulets of mistletoe leaves protect children against diseases. It is said that an arrow made from a mistletoe stalk always flies straight and is a potent weapon against giants, vampires and other supernatural beings.