Mistletoe IV Therapy vs High Dose Vitamin C IV in Integrative Cancer Care
- Marketing Willow
- Aug 20
- 4 min read
A Gentle Supportive Therapy with Deep Roots in Oncology Care
When you’re navigating cancer, the focus is often on the treatments that directly target the disease — chemotherapy, radiation, surgery. These are essential, but they can also take a toll on energy, appetite, mood, and overall resilience. That’s where integrative therapies come in.
At Willow London Naturopathic & IV Clinic, two of the most requested supportive therapies in cancer care are Mistletoe IV Therapy in London, ON and High Dose Vitamin C IV Therapy in London, ON. They share some similarities — both are natural, evidence-informed, and used alongside conventional treatments to improve quality of life. But they also differ in their history, how they work, and the specific ways they support patients.
In this blog, we’ll explore what makes mistletoe therapy unique, how it compares to Vitamin C IV therapy, and why some patients choose one or both as part of their integrative cancer care.
What is Mistletoe IV Therapy?
Mistletoe (Viscum album) has been used for over a century in European oncology. In countries like Germany and Switzerland, it is one of the most prescribed supportive therapies for people with cancer.
Mistletoe extract is made from plants that grow on trees like oak, apple, fir, or pine. These extracts are prepared in standardized forms and given either by subcutaneous injection (just under the skin) or as an intravenous infusion.
Unlike treatments that attack cancer directly, Mistletoe Therapy at Willow London Naturopathic & IV Clinic works by modulating the immune system. It helps stimulate white blood cells, supports natural killer cell activity, and encourages the body to respond more effectively to abnormal cells. At the same time, it can calm overactive inflammation, creating a more balanced environment in the body.
Reported Benefits of Mistletoe IV Therapy
Patients and clinical studies have reported that mistletoe therapy may:
Improve energy and reduce fatigue
Stimulate appetite and support better nutrition
Reduce nausea during chemotherapy
Support emotional well-being and reduce anxiety
Improve sleep and resilience
Help patients better tolerate conventional treatments
These outcomes are not guaranteed, but they reflect why mistletoe therapy has become an important supportive option in integrative cancer care.
How Mistletoe IV Differs From High Dose Vitamin C IV
Since Willow offers both therapies, patients often ask: “What’s the difference between mistletoe and Vitamin C IV?” Here’s a simple comparison:
Mechanism of Action
Mistletoe: Primarily works as an immune modulator. It stimulates white blood cells and helps balance immune responses.
Vitamin C: Acts as a powerful antioxidant at low to moderate doses, but at high IV doses it creates oxidative stress that selectively affects cancer cells while supporting healthy cells.
Primary Benefits
Mistletoe: Improves quality of life — energy, appetite, mood, treatment tolerance.
Vitamin C IV: Reduces inflammation and oxidative damage, supports recovery, and may reduce side effects of chemotherapy or radiation.
Use in Integrative Care
Mistletoe: Often used continuously throughout treatment and even into recovery or palliative care for ongoing support.
Vitamin C IV: Frequently used during active treatment cycles or recovery to strengthen immunity and reduce oxidative stress.
How They Complement Each Other
Many patients receive both therapies because they address different aspects of care. Mistletoe helps regulate immune balance and resilience, while Vitamin C offers antioxidant protection and metabolic support.
For more details on Vitamin C, see our blog: How Vitamin C IV Support Your Recovery During Cancer Treatment?
When Might Mistletoe Be Recommended?
Mistletoe therapy may be considered in several phases of cancer care:
During active treatment: To help reduce side effects like fatigue, nausea, and appetite loss, while supporting immune function.
After treatment completion: To help restore energy, stabilize immune function, and reduce lingering symptoms such as inflammation or low mood.
In supportive or palliative care: For patients with advanced or metastatic cancer, mistletoe may help increase comfort, appetite, and quality of life.
If you're wondering can mistletoe therapy help during chemotherapy, this supportive option is designed to make treatment more tolerable and suitable.
Is Mistletoe Therapy Safe?
Mistletoe therapy is generally considered safe and well tolerated when administered under professional supervision.
The most common side effect is mild redness or irritation at the injection site.
Some patients experience low-grade fever or mild flu-like symptoms shortly after treatment. These reactions are usually short-lived and reflect immune activation.
Mistletoe therapy is not suitable for everyone, which is why an initial consultation is essential. At Willow, our naturopathic doctors review your medical history, current treatment plan, and lab results before recommending mistletoe.
Why Choose Willow for Mistletoe Therapy in London, ON?
At Willow London Naturopathic & IV Clinic, we combine compassion with clinical expertise. Our approach to mistletoe therapy includes:
Licensed naturopathic doctors with advanced training in integrative oncology
Access to both IV and subcutaneous mistletoe options
Safe, professional administration in a calm, supportive clinic environment
Individualized treatment plans tailored to your goals and current care
Integration with other supportive options like High Dose Vitamin C IV, acupuncture, and nutritional counselling
Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Care?
Cancer treatment is not only about fighting disease — it’s also about supporting your body, mind, and spirit through every stage. Mistletoe therapy offers a natural, evidence-informed way to improve quality of life and resilience, especially when combined with conventional treatment.
If you’re curious whether mistletoe therapy may help support your journey, we’re here to guide you.
FAQ's
This answers the top questions we receive at Willow Naturopathic & IV Clinic about Mistletoe Therapy. Don't see your question? Contact us directly for support!
Does mistletoe cure cancer?
No. Mistletoe is not a cure. It is a supportive therapy designed to improve quality of life and treatment tolerance when used alongside standard medical care.
Can mistletoe and Vitamin C be used together?
Yes, they are often used together in integrative oncology programs. They work differently, so the combination can be complementary.
Is mistletoe covered by insurance?
Your initial consultation and mistletoe therapy may be partially covered under naturopathic benefits, depending on your insurance plan. At Willow, we provide itemized receipts for you to submit.
How soon will I feel the results?
Some patients report improvements in energy, appetite, or mood within a few weeks. For others, benefits build gradually over time.
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