Sawbones: A Marital Tour of Misguided Medicine Sawbones Classic: Christmas is Trying to Kill You
Dec 9, 2025
This holiday special serves up a comedic cautionary tale about Christmas dangers. From mistletoe's toxic secrets to Victorian kissing customs, the hosts explore the quirky risks tied to festive traditions. They dive into chilling true stories of poisoned holiday cookies and share why you should be wary of accepting goodies from strangers. With insights on holiday plants and eggnog safety, this lively show will leave you laughing while you reconsider your festive plans!
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Mistletoe’s Fertility Origins
- Mistletoe became associated with fertility because it thrives in winter and appears vital when other plants are dormant.
- Druids and ancient Greeks used it medicinally and ritually, linking its winter vitality to human fertility and healing.
Pliny Shaped Druid Legends
- Pliny the Elder’s description shaped modern ideas of Druids and mistletoe rituals involving oak and animal sacrifice.
- That single account likely created the popular image of tree-centered Druidic healing ceremonies.
Mistletoe In Alternative Medicine
- Despite toxicity, mistletoe persists in alternative medicine as oral extracts or injections in some countries.
- Lab studies show cancer cell effects, but clinical evidence in people remains weak and inconclusive.