Ralph Moss: Mistletoe Makes Further Gains

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BlankMistletoe Makes Further Gains

Sunday, 11 July 2010

One of the most obvious differences in the practice of oncology in the

United States and in Europe is the differing attitude towards mistletoe (Viscum

album). European oncologists have used extracts of mistletoe for the past 90

years and such usage is no longer controversial there. By some estimates, 40

percent of French (Simon 2007) and up to 60 percent of German cancer patients

receive this botanical extract (Schönekaes 2003). On the other hand, the use of

Iscador and other mistletoe extracts is virtually unknown in the United States.

Both Europe and the US have well trained and highly competent oncology

communities, yet they differ profoundly on this, as well as a number of other

issues concerning cancer treatment. This difference is a vivid illustration of

the effects of cultural norms on medical practice (Payer 1998).

Full story

http://www.cancerdecisions.com/content/view/527/2/lang,english/