Side Effects and Cautions

• Raw, unprocessed mistletoe is poisonous. Eating raw, unprocessed European mistletoe or American mistletoe can cause vomiting, seizures, a slowing of the heart rate, and even death. American mistletoe is unsafe for medicinal use.
• In countries where commercial mistletoe is available by injection, such as Germany, those extracts are considered to be generally safe when used according to product directions and under the supervision of a health care provider.
• Injected mistletoe extract may cause itching or redness in the area of the injection. Less commonly, side effects may include more extensive skin reactions, low-grade fevers, or flu-like symptoms. There have been very rare reports of more serious allergic reactions, such as difficulty breathing.
• Because mistletoe has not yet been proven to be a safe and effective cancer treatment, it should not be used outside of clinical trials.
• It is important to inform your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement  you are using, including mistletoe. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.