Mistletoe IV Infusion Therapy

What is IV mistletoe therapy?

The use of the mistletoe plant as a medicine has a long tradition which traces back to the fourth century BC. Throughout the centuries, this evergreen plant has been used by healthcare professionals and doctors for a range of complaints, from epilepsy to ulcers, but only at the beginning of the 20th century have the therapeutic possibilities of mistletoe extracts as a complementary cancer medicine been explored.

Although mostly associated with Christmas, mistletoe can offer several potential benefits to cancer patients undergoing treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

IV mistletoe therapy is where an extraction of the mistletoe plant is administered into your body through an IV. An IV is a soft, flexible tube that’s inserted into a vein (normally in your hand or arm) and a solution is fed through. Mistletoe extractions are usually mixed into a water-based or alcohol-based solution.

Our registered nurses administer your IV infusion with the additional supervision of a GMC-registered medical doctor.

IV mistletoe therapy works by multiplying and activating immune cells, helping to boost your immune system.

IV mistletoe therapy may help support the natural death of tumour cells (known as apoptosis), helping stabilise and prevent further tumour growth. Apoptosis does not occur in healthy cells. Instead, it may protect your health cells from damage (such as the damage caused by some cancer treatments).

Key benefits of mistletoe therapy for cancer patients

IV mistletoe therapy may have lots of potential benefits for cancer patients, including:

• Improved quality of life and general wellbeing
• Reduced fatigue
• Regulated body functions such as temperature, sleep and digestion
• Increased appetite (this can often decrease when undergoing cancer treatment)
• Less nausea and vomiting
• Reduction of symptoms caused by therapies such as chemo or radiotherapy
• Reduced levels of anxiety and depression
• Pain alleviation caused by tumours

IV mistletoe therapy may also decrease the growth rates of tumours and increase the effectiveness of cancer treatment medications. At Wellbeing Medical Group, we’ll talk you through all the potential benefits of the therapy beforehand so you can make an informed decision for your health and needs.

Are there any risks associated with IV mistletoe therapy?

While IV mistletoe therapy is associated with some side effects, these will normally dissipate on their own within a few days. However, we would advise all patients to eat before their IV mistletoe therapy and to drink plenty of water throughout the day to support their wellbeing after the infusion.

Some of the most common side effects can include:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Feeling tired
• Fever

All complementary therapies carry possible risks, but our highly experienced team are there to ensure these will be minimised wherever possible.

Supporting research for mistletoe IV therapy

Many studies have looked into how beneficial IV mistletoe therapy can be for cancer patients and the results look promising. In fact, mistletoe is one of the most widely studied complementary cancer therapies.

During a study back in 2016, researchers found that mistletoe may help stabilise and improve cancer patients’ quality of life.

Three randomised controlled trials also found that using IV mistletoe therapy alongside chemotherapy could help lessen side effects and increase patients’ overall quality of life.

A study from 2021 also showed that patients who combined mistletoe IV therapy with chemoradiation had a better outcome than those who didn’t.

While further research still needs to be done, recent studies into IV mistletoe therapy have shown how beneficial this complementary therapy can potentially be for cancer patients currently undergoing treatment.

Find out more in our IV Mistletoe Therapy Research article here.

Why choose IV mistletoe therapy with Wellbeing Medical Group?

At Wellbeing Medical Group, our IV mistletoe therapy offers additional support during your cancer treatment journey. We’ll personalise your dosage based on your individual needs and provide you with comprehensive care from the moment you get in touch.

We’ll also discuss your needs, medical history and current cancer treatment plan to ensure your IV infusion therapy is tailored to your exact circumstances.

Our clinic offers high levels of comfort in a calming environment so you can relax during your complementary therapy and enjoy a moment of peace. You can also read our previous patients’ stories to discover how our complementary therapies can support your quality of life.