Healthy Plants: Holly plant

What is a Holly plant?

Holly is native to the Western and Southern parts of Europe, West Asia, and North Africa. They grow best in calcareous soils in moist and shady areas. It is an evergreen tree or shrub belonging to the family Aquifoliaceae and from the female flower, a red firm fruit with 4-5 hard seeds is formed.

What are the health benefits of the Holly plant?

The drupe, the berry, has a bitter taste and is very poisonous, therefore the only part of the plant used for medicinal purposes is the leaves. Holly leaves have been used for coughs, digestive disorders, water retention, and jaundice. The plant contains triterpenes (alpha and beta-amyrin, and ursolic acid), flavonoids, nitrile glycosides, phytosterols, caffeic acid, a bitter alkaloid called ilicin, chlorogenic acid, and traces of theobromine.

Leaves: It is believed that the leaves have diuretic, laxative, and sudorific (sweat inducing) properties. The herb can be used in a hot tea to reduce a fever, treat bronchitis, the common cold, water retention, and even certain digestive conditions. Its extract can also be used to treat jaundice.

Ilex opaca (a species of holly) leaves: Used primarily to cleanse the bowels, stimulate the heart, and increase urine flow. Historically, it was used in a fruit tea to be a heart stimulant by American Indians.

Ilex aquifolium leaves: Used for treating fevers, joint pain (rheumatism), swelling, water retention, and chest congestion.

Other holly species: Used to treat heart disease, dizziness, and high blood pressure.

Are there any side effects or things to look out for?

Being that Holly is rarely ever used in today’s herbal medicine, there is not enough information available when it comes to its proper dosage. Based on the traditional use, 2-3 teaspoons of dried leaves and a cup of hot water are used for the herbal tea. The leaves can cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach and intestinal problems. The spines on the leaf can tear or puncture the inside of the mouth and along the digestive tract during consumption. DO NOT EAT THE BERRIES!

What is the Holly plants relationship with Christmas?

It is believed that the crown of thorns on the head of Jesus before crucifixion was made from holly twigs (Ilex aquifolium) and the red berries symbolized his blood. Another legend believes that the holly plant first emerged from the footsteps of Jesus Christ, and the thorns and red fruits symbolized his sufferings. Individuals use holly for wreaths and place them above entrances to bring happiness and goodwill to those entering.