1. Know What Mistletoe Looks Like
Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows on oak or elm trees. Its leaves are evergreen and its white berries can be spotted by their waxen, almost artificial color. Mistletoe poisoning is uncommon, but children may eat the berries if they don't know what to look for and livestock can accidentally ingest it while feeding on nearby plants. Teach your children what mistletoe looks like and clear the plant away from the grazing land of any animals you own.
2. Use Mistletoe With Fake Berries
Mistletoe berries are extremely poisonous. While the rest of the plant contains toxins too, children and pets are more likely to eat the berries. Mistletoe used in holiday decorations often contains fake berries for safety reasons. Check the packaging when purchasing mistletoe and always use store-bought decorations rather than gathering mistletoe yourself. Alternately, you can use 100-percent artificial mistletoe decorations or simply go mistletoe-free during the holidays.
3. Put Netting or Plastic Covering Around the Mistletoe
Mistletoe leaves and berries may fall off when you hang the plant. Pets may view them as a chew toy and children can pick them up and eat them as well. Hang plastic netting around your mistletoe or place a clear plastic bag around it to hold falling leaves and berries safely. You can remove the covering for holidays and parties or simply patrol the area beneath the mistletoe vigilantly and pick up any fallen leaves or berries.
4. Don't Drink Tea Made From Mistletoe Berries or Leaves
Iscadore, which is sometimes used as an anti-cancer drug, is derived from mistletoe. It lowers blood pressure, improves circulation, and has been used to treat arthritic pain. Despite its medicinal purpose, mistletoe remains a hazardous plant and the effectiveness of mistletoe tea in fighting cancer is questionable. Don't drink any tea made from mistletoe. Instead, find other forms of medicine with less toxic properties to treat your condition.
