Chinese Mistletoe or Chinese Taxillus: A Healing Herb for Body and Bones
- Health Lab
- Feb 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 28
Chinese Mistletoe, a fascinating plant with a rich history in traditional Chinese medicine, is much more than holiday decor. Known for its ability to support the liver, kidneys, bones, and muscles, this herb also helps ease joint pain and promote a healthy pregnancy. Let’s explore mistletoe’s origins, characteristics, benefits, modern uses, and a simple recipe to bring its magic into your life.
What Is Chinese Mistletoe?
Chinese Mistletoe, often called mulberry mistletoe, is a parasitic plant that grows on trees like mulberry. Its scientific name is Taxillus chinensis, and it belongs to the Loranthaceae family. Commonly found in southern China, mistletoe thrives in warm, rainy regions like Guangdong and Guangxi, where temperatures average 20–22°C and rainfall ranges from 1400–2000 mm annually.
Mistletoe’s Appearance
Mistletoe is a brittle plant with slender, branching stems that snap easily. Its thin, dark brown bark peels away from light reddish-brown wood. The plant’s leaves are sparse, often falling off, while its small, tubular flower buds and reddish-brown berries are covered in tiny, rust-colored hairs. Mistletoe has a faint scent and a slightly bitter taste, with stems that range from reddish-brown to grayish-brown, dotted with small yellowish-brown spots.
Health Benefits of Mistletoe
Mistletoe is a powerhouse in traditional medicine, offering benefits like:
Supporting Liver and Kidneys: Mistletoe boosts energy by nourishing the liver and kidneys, helping with fatigue, sore lower back, or weak knees.
Strengthening Bones and Muscles: It promotes strong bones and muscles, making it ideal for those feeling physically weak.
Easing Joint Pain: Mistletoe helps relieve joint stiffness, numbness, or discomfort caused by wind and dampness in the body.
Supporting Pregnancy: For expectant mothers, mistletoe promotes a stable pregnancy and improves blood flow for a healthy glow.
Modern Uses of Mistletoe
Recent studies reveal mistletoe’s potential beyond traditional uses. It contains compounds like avicularin and quercetin, which support bone health by encouraging bone cell growth and protecting against damage from free radicals.
Research shows mistletoe extracts can enhance bone mineralization in rat skull cells without toxicity, making it a promising aid for bone strength and repair.
A Simple traditional Mistletoe Recipe: Lotus Seed Egg Tea
This nourishing drink combines mistletoe with lotus seeds and eggs to support your liver, kidneys, and overall vitality. It’s perfect for anyone looking to boost energy or support pregnancy.
Ingredients
10g mistletoe
20g lotus seeds
2 eggs
Rock sugar (to taste)
Instructions
Prep: Rinse mistletoe and lotus seeds. Soak lotus seeds in water for 1 hour to soften.
Cook Mistletoe: Add mistletoe to a pot with water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes. Strain and reserve the liquid.
Cook Lotus Seeds and Eggs: In a separate pot, boil lotus seeds in water for 30 minutes until soft. Add eggs and cook for 10 more minutes.
Combine: Pour the mistletoe liquid into the pot with lotus seeds and eggs. Add rock sugar and stir until dissolved.
Serve: Let the tea cool slightly, pour into cups, and enjoy!
Precautions
While mistletoe is generally safe, keep these tips in mind:
Allergies: Test for allergies before use, as some may be sensitive.
Dosage: Follow a doctor’s guidance to avoid taking too much.
Special Cases: Pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those with medical conditions, should consult a doctor.
Storage: Keep mistletoe in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
Final Thoughts
Mistletoe is a remarkable herb that bridges ancient wisdom and modern science. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your body, ease joint pain, or support a healthy pregnancy, mistletoe offers natural, time-tested benefits. Try the lotus seed egg tea recipe to experience its nourishing effects, and always consult a healthcare provider to use it safely. Embrace the magic of mistletoe for a healthier, stronger you!
Chinese Name | 桑寄生 |
Chinese Pinyin | Sangjisheng |
English Name | Chinese Taxillus Herb |
Latin Pharmaceutical Name | Taxilli Herba |
Category | Stems and woods |
Origin | The dried stem with leaves of Taxillus chinensis (DC.) Danser.(Loranthaceae). |
Production Regions | Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi. |
Macroscopic Features | Stem is cylindrical, 3~4cm long, 0.2~1cm; externally reddish-brown or gray, with thin longitudinal lines, and numerous tiny lenticels, small branches have brownish-red thin hairs. Sometimes have leaves, often wrinkled, intact leaves are oval shaped, entire, brown, leathery, young leaves are covered with brownish-red thin hairs. Stem is hard, fractured surface is uneven, cortex is reddish-brown, xylem is relatively pale. faint odor, astringent taste. |
Quality Requirements | Superior medicinal material is reddish-brown, with thin and tender stem, numerous leaves. |
Properties | Bitter, sweet, neutral |
Functions | Dispels wind-damp, supplements liver and kidney, strengthens sinew and bone, secures fetus. |
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