Mistletoe in Hemorrhage

I have on other occasions commented on the use of mistletoe as a clinical agent in hemorrhage. Its action in general, both upon the uterus and upon the central nervous system, is somewhat similar to that of ergot.

A French writer has made an extended experiment in the use of an aqueous extract of mistletoe, in order to determine its physiological action. Its principal influence he believes to be in reducing arterial tension. He has found it of value in all congestive hemorrhages, and especially in the hemorrhage of tuberculosis.

Its influence is exerted directly upon the arterial system, and it promptly controls the hemorrhage in cases where there is a tendency to arteriosclerosis with high tension. Its influence is satisfactory because it immediately reduces the tension without producing any undesirable influence.

Of the aqueous extract, from three to five grains are administered during the course of twenty-four hours.

Ellingwood's Therapeutist, Vol. 2, 1908, was edited by Finley Ellingwood M.D.