Holly
(Ilex aquifolium L., Aquifoliaceae)
Also Called: Common Holly, Holm, Hulm, Hulver Bush.
Description: Evergreen shrub or tree 1-5m (3-16ft), rarely
up to 1 2m (40ft) in height.
Leaves leathery, upper surface dark green, lower surface light green; oval
or elliptical in shape with more or less wavy margins armed with sharp spines.
Leaves on old trees are more glossy and less spiny.
Flowers small, white or reddish, dioecious (male arid female on different
plants), with 4 petals.
Fruits brilliant red.
Flowering: May and June.
Part Used: Fresh or dried leaves.
Habitat and Collection: In copses, beechwoods, rarely in
mixed woodland or in coniferous forests.
Common in western and southern Europe, abundant in Britain.
Leaves may be collected throughout the year and are dried either in the shade
or in sunlight.
Constituents and Action: The only known active constituents
of the leaves are tannin and a bitter principle.
Holly is a febrifuge, relieves coughing and is a mild diuretic; it assists
biliary secretion (doubtful).
CAUTION: The berries produce nausea and violent diarrhoea.
Usage: As a tisane (0.75 litre (1 pt) of cold water on 1-2
tablespoonfuls of finely chopped leaves, boil for 10 minutes and allow
to stand).
Principally for influenza, bronchitis and pneumonia.
More rarely as a diuretic in dropsy and for rheumatism.
