At Rebalance Health Centre, we offer mistletoe therapy as part of a comprehensive integrative approach to cancer care. Mistletoe (Viscum album) has been used in oncology settings for decades, particularly throughout Europe, as a complementary therapy alongside conventional cancer treatments.
Mistletoe therapy is not intended to replace surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, or other cancer-directed treatments. Instead, it may be used as an adjunctive therapy to help support overall wellbeing, quality of life, and immune system function throughout the cancer journey.
Potential Benefits of Mistletoe Therapy
Research and clinical experience suggest mistletoe therapy may help:
- Support immune system activity
- Improve energy and vitality
- Enhance quality of life during cancer treatment
- Reduce cancer-related fatigue
- Support recovery during and after conventional therapies
- Promote overall wellbeing and resilience
Treatment plans are individualized and may involve either subcutaneous (under the skin) injections or intravenous administration, depending on your health history, treatment goals, and practitioner recommendations.
Our Approach
Every patient begins with a comprehensive consultation to review their medical history, diagnosis, current treatments, and goals of care. Your naturopathic doctor will determine whether mistletoe therapy is appropriate for your unique situation and develop a personalized treatment plan in collaboration with your healthcare team whenever possible.
Our goal is to provide safe, evidence-informed supportive care that complements your existing cancer treatment plan and helps optimize your quality of life throughout your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is mistletoe therapy?
Mistletoe therapy uses extracts from the European mistletoe plant (Viscum album) and is one of the most widely used integrative oncology therapies worldwide. It has been used in supportive cancer care for over 100 years.
Is mistletoe a cancer treatment?
Mistletoe therapy is considered a complementary or adjunctive therapy for those with cancer. It is not intended to replace conventional cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, or targeted therapies.
How is mistletoe administered?
Mistletoe may be administered through:
Subcutaneous injections (SubQ):
- Small injections given under the skin
- Often administered several times per week
- May be self-administered at home after appropriate training
Intravenous (IV) infusions:
- Administered in the clinic under practitioner supervision
- May be recommended in specific clinical situations
- Treatment frequency varies based on individual needs
What side effects can occur?
Most patients tolerate mistletoe therapy well. Common reactions may include:
- Mild redness, warmth, or swelling at the injection site
- Temporary fatigue
- Mild flu-like symptoms
- Low-grade fever
These responses are often considered signs of immune activation and are monitored closely by your practitioner.
Can I receive mistletoe therapy while undergoing chemotherapy or radiation?
In many cases, yes. Mistletoe is commonly used alongside conventional cancer treatments. Your naturopathic doctor will review your treatment plan and coordinate recommendations based on your specific circumstances.
Do I need a consultation first?
Yes. An initial consultation is required to determine whether mistletoe therapy is appropriate for you and to develop an individualized treatment plan.
Is mistletoe covered by insurance?
Coverage varies depending on your extended health benefits plan. We recommend contacting your insurer directly to confirm coverage for naturopathic services and any associated treatment costs.
Are there uses for mistletoe therapy beyond cancer care?
Yes. While mistletoe therapy is most commonly used as part of integrative oncology care, it may also be used in select cases for its immune-modulating and supportive properties.
Depending on an individual’s health history and treatment goals, mistletoe therapy may be explored as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for:
Additional USES Of Mistletoe
- Support Immune Function: Help regulate immune imbalances and stimulate immune cells.
- Manage Fatigue & Burnout: Aid recovery from physical or emotional stress and exhaustion.
- Reduce Inflammation: Offer mild anti-inflammatory properties.
- Target Non-Cancer Conditions: Show potential in clinical observations for conditions like endometriosis by enhancing natural killer (NK) cell activity.
- Osteoarthritis and other joint inflammatory conditions.
