Mistletoe can be found figuring prominently in the folklore of the ancients of a great many cultures. In Greek Mythology, it is believed to be the Golden Bough of Aeneas, who was led from Troy by Venus to found Rome. In Norse mythology, Mistletoe was reportedly what killed Baldr, who was the god of light and beauty. Within Celtic and Druidic beliefs, mistletoe is often considered a remedy for the barrenness of animals, as well as a cure for poison, though, ironically, the berries of Mistletoe are poisonous. With leaves that stay green year-round and fruit that appears around the Celtic birth of the New Year, the Winter Solstice, it was frequently used in Druidic rites involving the holiday, and grew into a symbol of immortality. Later Christians also held that Mistletoe was a tree that furnished the cross, and then shriveled after the crucifixion, and becoming a parasitic vine. Aside from these traditions, it has also been known in spells and rituals where it is used to produce an aphrodisiac effect, or aid in fertility and love. It has also been held as a sacred form of protection that can help produce prophetic visions. In Europe, the leaves and twigs are rather popular among herbalists in treating circulatory and respiratory system problems. Some also prescribe treatments of mistletoe where it is said to help with hypertension and epilepsy, as well as menstrual problems, hemorrhage, and headache. Ingestion is typically discouraged however, as mistletoe can be poisonous, depending on what variety of mistletoe is used and where it grows. This is a 1 Lb packet of cut Mistletoe.
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