Mistletoe, a life saving hemiparasitic plant

We know the mistletoe for its ability to stay green during the whole winter by sucking the minerals and the food it needs from the tree it grows on. Studies has shown that this well known hemi parasite can actually help the human kind in ways none one would expect. The mistletoe can seem a ruthful plant to some as it clearly has the power to eventually kill the tree that both provides it with food and shelter. This is why many has taken a habit of burning the mistletoes of the trees they grow on not knowing the many benefits this ruthless murderer has got for both the trees and the living things around them. The purpose of this study was to raise awareness of the mistletoes many benefits and uses hoping that it would conclude in the conservation of this precious plant. The mistletoe has been used in Europe and Asia for medical purposes for many years but the lack of knowledge about this plant in Asia has led to the lack of systematic scientific studies unlike in Europe.

Keywords:

Biodiversity , herbal medicine , economical change , job opportunities , Northern Iran