Monmouth County's Ask the Doctor November/December

Question and Answers about:

H E A L T H A R T I C L E S A N D Q & A

Mistletoe & Medicine By, Valerie Mancuso

Mistletoe is a semiparasitic plant that grows on trees, such as apple, oak, maple, elm, pine, and birch. It has been used for hundreds of years to treat medical condi- tions such as epilepsy, hypertension, headaches, meno- pausal symptoms, infertility, arthritis, and rheumatism. Mistletoe is one of the most widely studied comple- mentary and alternative medicine therapies for cancer. In Europe, mistletoe extracts are among the most pre- scribed therapies for cancer patients. Mistletoe extracts are usually given by an injec- tion under the skin (subcutaneous). Less common ways to give mistletoe include by mouth, into a vein (intra- venous or IV), into the pleural cavity, or into a tumor. Most clinical trials using mistletoe extracts to treat cancer have been done in Europe. Many studies use mistletoe as adjuvant therapy in patients with cancer. Although these trials have reported mistletoe extracts to be effective, weaknesses have been reported. Few serious side effects have been reported from the use of mistletoe extracts. Side effects include soreness and inflammation at injection sites, headache, fever, and chills. A few cases of severe allergic reactions, including ana- phylactic shock, have been reported. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the use of mistletoe as a treatment for can- cer or any other medical condition.

Jewish lifecycles are a time of growth when we express ourselves through ritual. Cantor Barbra is available to serve your needs whether it is a Bar/Bat Mitzvah for your child, your own wedding, or the naming of your child. Celebration and Education for Your Family Celebration and Education FOR YOUR FAMI LY

Jewish lifecycles are a time of growth when we express ourselves through ritual. Can- tor Barbra is available to serve your needs whether it is a Bar/Bat Mitzvah for your child, your own wedding, or the naming of your child. • CERTIFIED CANTOR WITH 12+ YEARS OF PULPIT EXPERIENCE • OFFICIANT AT BAR/BAT MITZVAH CEREMONIES, BABY NAMINGS AND WEDDINGS • PRIVATE OR SMALL GROUP LESSONS CONDUCTED VIRTUALLY • LEARN TO READ HEBREW Certified Cantor with 12+ years of Pulpit Experience Learn to Read Hebrew Private or Small Group Lessons in Your Home Cantor Barbra Lieberstein

Ceremonies conducted in person or virtually

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