Page 86administration of a standardized mistletoe extract (Iscador).
[Anticancer Res. 2005 Jan-Feb;25(1B):601-10].
Potential side effects of Iscador
Side effects are very mild and benign. They include flu-like symptoms, gingivitis,
fever, local erythema,^ and eosinophilia.
Anaphylactic reactions have been reported but they happen with virtual any
substance. None of this seem to me to be worth worrying about.
Sometimes there is a skin sensitivity reaction, especially with sun-exposure.
Severe reactions are said to have occurred with the use of methotrexate, but
that’s pretty evil stuff on its own!
This is all that is known and therefore makes Viscum a proven much safer drug
than anything in the conventional armoury against cancer. Oncologists take note!
Administration
Let me make it clear right off that Viscum in all its forms, including Iscador, and
especially referring to decoctions of the plant berries, is NOT a matter for self-
administration.
Get yourself a knowledgeable herbalist, homeopath or, better still, an alternative
MD who knows all the wider issues of cancer markers etc.
The usual route of administration is by injection of the Viscum just under the
skin. Each day of therapy a more concentrated version is administered. After the
first few daily doses, a red swelling often appears at the injection site. There may
be a transient fever, which most CAM doctors would theorize plays a positive role
in the beneficial action of Iscador. Once the maximum-strength dose is reached,
the injections are continued regularly, the length of time judged by the treating
physician.
Generally speaking, I prefer HEEL’s preparation Viscum compositum. It is
usually recommended to take it with Echinacea compositum (from HEEL),
alternating every couple of days.
I found this often provoked a fever response, reminiscent of Coley’s toxins fever
therapy.