MISTLETOE CAN GET YOU HIGH

MISTLETOE CAN GET YOU HIGH

CARDIFF, Wales (Wireless Flash) -- Standing under the mistletoe this holiday season can get you a kiss but drinking it will get you stoned. That's according to Steve Andrews, a plant researcher and self-proclaimed druid from Cardiff, Wales, who says ancient cultures drank mistletoe tea to mellow out and relax. Although the ancients got buzzed from mistletoe, he doesn't recommend it these days because -- in his words -- "it's a dodgy high" and too much can be toxic. Mistletoe isn't the only Christmas plant with mind- altering properties. Andrews says swallowing a few tablespoons of nutmeg can produce a high -- but it also can make you so nauseous that it's not worth it. Andrews discusses other psychedelic household plants in a new book, "Herbs Of The Northern Shaman" (Loompanics).