Viscum, Mistletoe, Sang Ji Sheng 桑寄生

Viscus (Latin)
Sang Ji Sheng (Mulberry Mistletoe, Loranthus [Taxillus] spp. TCM);
Hu Ji Sheng (Northern Mistletoe, Viscum spp., TCM)
Ortus Sanitatis, Meydenbach, 1491
Mistletoe (Dioscorides Materia Medica, Mathias, 1563)

Krauterbuch, Lonitzer, 1578

Viscum
Botanische wandplaten, 1904–1914

Viscum album
Koehler's Medizinal Pflanzen, 1887
Loranthus europeaus
Flora von Deutschland (27), Kohler, 1886
Viscum (Adam, 2017)
Botanical name:
Viscum album
Loranthus parasiticus (syn. Taxillus chinensis, L. chinensis, Scurrula parasiticus) is the primary source used in TCM; however both V. coloratum and V. album are also used in parts of China.

Parts used:
Leaf and young Twigs; in TCM the whole plant including the wood is used.

Temperature & Taste:
Neutral, Bitter, Sweet.

Classifications:
2I. ANTISPASMODIC.    2L. EMOLLIENT.    2U. SUPPURATIVE
3M. ARTHRITIC
4j. NERVINE

Uses:
EUROPEAN MISTLETOE:
1. Nourishes the Liver, Calms Wind, Stops Spasms:
-Headache, Dizziness and Vertigo, Epilepsy

2. Benefits and Regulates the Heart, Stops Wind:
-Hypertension, Arteriosclerosis, and coronary Heart disease

3. Tonifies the Liver and Kidneys, Benefits the Tendons and Bones:
-chronic Joint disease, Arthritis and Rheumatism

4. Stops Bleeding:
-internal bleeding; Menorrhagia

5. Moves the Blood, and Nourishes the Uterus:
-dymenorrhea with spasm and pain

6. Moves the Blood, Clears Toxic Swellings:
-used as a traditional remedy for Cancer; modern research has found anti-cancer actions demonstrated in animals.

7. Externally:
-the Berries (or preparations of them) may be used externally for stiff and painful joints, and various swellings.
-The wood of the Mistle was carved into balls and worn around the neck or wrist to protect Children from Epilepsy and Convulsions
-A little of the wood, or a cross of the Wood of Mistle of the Oak was held over the afflicted part in cramps and convulsions.


CHINESE MISTLETOE:
1. Tonifies the Liver and Kidneys, Benefits the Tendons and Bones:
-lower back and knee pain, joint pain, Osteo-arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis

2. Calms the Fetus, Nourishes the Womb:
-Restless Fetus, Uterine bleeding during pregnancy.

3. Nourish the Blood:
-improves the skin and hair

4. Stops Wind:
-Recently used successfully for Hypertension and Arteriosclerosis.

5. Promotes Milk. (V. coloratum)

Main Combinations:
Mistletoe & Peony

1. Wind disorders:
i. In the Western Tradition Mistletoe is most commonly combined with Peony root for all types of Internal Wind disorders including Epilepsy, Apoplexy, Dizziness, Vertigo, Migraine
ii. Mistletoe with  ... available in PRO version
iii. Mistletoe with  ... available in PRO version
2. Epilepsy:
i. Mistletoe with  ... available in PRO version
ii. Mistletoe with  ... available in PRO version
3. Childhood Convulsions:
i. Mistletoe with  ... available in PRO version
4. Vertigo:
i. Mistletoe with  ... available in PRO version
ii. Mistletoe with  ... available in PRO version
iii. Mistletoe with  ... available in PRO version
5. Apoplexy:
i. Mistletoe with  ... available in PRO version
6. Meniere's Disease, Mistletoe with  ... available in PRO version
7. Heart tonic:
i. Mistletoe with  ... available in PRO version
ii. for the aging Heart, Mistletoe with  ... available in PRO version
8. Hypertension:
i. Mistletoe with  ... available in PRO version
ii. Mistletoe with  ... available in PRO version
9. Arteriosclerosis:
i. Mistletoe with  ... available in PRO version
ii. Mistletoe with  ... available in PRO version
10. Arthritis:
i. Mistletoe with  ... available in PRO version
ii. Mistletoe with  ... available in PRO version
iii. Mistletoe with  ... available in PRO version
11. Threatened Miscarriage, Chinese Mistletoe (Sang Ji Sheng) with  ... available in PRO version

Major Formulas:
Cephalic Decoction (Charras)
Powder of Mistletoe and Peony (Gabelhover)
Powder of Mistletoes (Gabelhover)
Powder for Childhood Convulsions
Powder for Cancerous Ulcers (Gabelhover)
Electuary for the Head (Lewis)

Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin
Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang


Cautions:
1. For safety, it is better to only use Chinese Mistletoe Sang Ji Sheng during pregnancy for Threatened Miscarriage
2. Avoid overdoses.
3. The American Mistletoe Phoradendron flavescens is not suitable for use as Loranthus or Viscum.

Main Preparations used: