Mistletoe

Habitat & Origin

Mistletoe (Viscum album) is a hemi-parasitic plant that grows as a green, spherical shrub high in the crowns of deciduous trees—often in apple, poplar, and oak. The species is widespread in temperate parts of Europe, where mild winters and moist air support its permanent green leaves. For infusions, young twigs with leaves are harvested in late autumn and winter, when the plant is fully in leaf and the berries ripen. Harvesting is done using poles or ladders and requires care to save both the host tree and the plant. After cutting, the twigs are sorted and dried at low temperatures. Maison Tisane chooses twigs with firm, olive-green leaves and a clean, woody-green scent, without strong berry material, so the infusion remains serene and balanced.

Active compounds

Mistletoe contains lectins, soft polysaccharides, and light phenols that together form the subdued, green-woody profile. These compounds give infusions a dry, silent leaf structure with a subtle forest-like character. In blends, mistletoe acts as a ceremonially quiet underlayer — calm, ordering, and silently clarifying.

Ayurvedic approach

Mistletoe is energetically read as cool, silent, and slightly astringent: a profile that soothes Pitta and orders Kapha, while Vata is approached with softness due to the dryness and airiness. In European winter folklore, mistletoe had a symbolic role as a 'tree guest': a plant that hung between heaven and earth and represented rest and reflection. Energetically, mistletoe feels like winter silence in an open forest — cool, clear, and contemplative.

Flavour profile & Blending