Holly

Common names: A number of members of the genus Ilex are referred to as “holly.”Holly, English holly, Oregon holly, and American holly are the species most often associated with the ornamental Christmas holly. Yaupon, Appalachian tea, cassena, deer berry, Indian holly, Indian black drink also are commonly discussed with the hollies.

Efficacy-safety rating:

●...Little or no evidence of efficacy.

Safety rating:

What is Holly?

Ilex species are evergreen trees or shrubs with stiff leathery leaves. The flowers often are white and produce fruits that range in color from black to bright red to yellow. The plants are found throughout most of the eastern and southern US.

The genus Ilex consists of more than 400 species. The major areas of distribution are Central and South America, with Brazil alone having 60 species, and Asia with at least 112 different species. The North American species are largely ornamental and derived from Central and South America.

What is Holly used for?

The plants in the holly family have been used as ornamentals and in herbal medicine for centuries. Early history records the European pagans offering holly branches as gifts during the Saturnalia. Early Christians decorated their homes with holly during Christmas, a practice still continued today. The early settlers in the southeastern US made yaupon tea from I. vomitoria, reserving a stronger decoction for use as an emetic. I. opaca fruit tea had been used as a cardiac stimulant by the American Indians; the Chinese used it to treat coronary disease.

One of the most economically important species, I. paraguayensis or Maté tea (see separate monograph) has long been cultivated and used in Brazil and Paraguay as a tea-like beverage containing caffeine. The mixed leaves of I. cassine, I. vomitoria and I. dahoon also were used for a hot drink called yaupon or black drink. Drinkers used it ceremonially to “cleanse” themselves, probably due to its sweat- and vomit-inducing effects. Another beverage made from the leaves of I. cassine and I. vomitoria was used as a stimulant tea in the Southern US during the Civil War.

Primarily used as a holiday decoration. Historically used in teas as an emetic and a CNS stimulant. Many Ilex species seem to be devoid of significant pharmacologic activity. However, some are capable of inducing vomiting, severe diarrhea, and GI upset through a local irritant action. There is little clinical research regarding the medicinal uses of holly.

What is the dosage of Holly?

There are no recent clinical studies of holly to provide a basis for dosage recommendations.

Is Holly safe?

Contraindications have not yet been identified.

Documented adverse effects. Avoid use.

None well documented.

The spines of some leaves may tear or puncture skin or mucus membranes

Although no fatalities have been reported, the estimated lethal dose in small children is 20 to 30 berries. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, stupor, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance.

References

Copyright © 2006 Wolters Kluwer Health

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