Holly

Scientific Name(S): llex, I. aquifolium, I. opaca and I. vomitoria. Family: Aquifoliaceae

Common Name(S): A number of members of the genus flex 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 are also commonly discussed with the hollies.

Botany: The flex species are evergreen trees or shrubs with stiff leathery leaves. The flowers are often 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 United States.

History: 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 United States 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 had used it to treat coronary disease.

One of the most economically important species, I. para­guayensis or Mate 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 were also used for another hot drink called yaupon or black drink. Drinkers used it ceremonially to "cleanse" themselves, probably due to its sweat- and vomiting-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.

Uses of Holly

Primarily used as a holiday decoration. Historically used in teas as an emetic and a CNS stimulant.

Looms in the 1800s used holly for the spinning rod. Because holly is dense and can be sanded very smooth, the rod was less likely than other woods to snag threads being used to make cloth.

Side Effects of Holly

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

Toxicology: Although they are not usually considered to be poisonous, ingestion of the holly berry may cause gastrointestinal disturbances such as vomiting and diarrhea, and may result in stupor if eaten in quantity.Their ingestion should be considered dangerous to small children with the probable fatal dose having been estimated to be 20 to 30 berries.

A case of 2-year-old identical twins who ingested a "handful" of holly berries (I. opaca) has been reported. Both children vomited for more than 6 hours and one became drowsy; 20 hours after ingestion, both had an soisode of green watery diarrhea. Both were asymptomatic 30 hours after ingestion of the berries. This report rdicated that the gastrointestinal effects associated with this plant could be so severe that its presence could cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. The drowsiness experienced by one of the children may have been induced by ipecac.

General schemes are available for treating holly poisoning. They involve induction of vomiting if large quantities of berries are ingested, followed by activated charcoal and a saline cathartic. Excess stimulation caused by theobromine may be countered with barbiturates or benzodiazepines. The central nervous system should be monitored.

The leaves of most species are generally considered to be nontoxic, although the spines of some leaves may tear or puncture skin and mucous membranes.

Summary: Holly leaves and berries are used as common ornamentals, particularly at Christmas time. The ingestion of small amounts of holly berries may not induce toxicity; however, because of the potential for severe vomiting and diarrhea, all cases of holly berry ingestion should be referred to a physician. The leaves of some species of holly have been used to make herbal teas, but there is no evidence to indicate that they are effective in the treatment of any disorder.

While several chemical studies and some folkloric studies reveal potential for the development of medications from holly, none have reached the clinical stage to the extent that any llex can be recommended for the treatment of any disorder. One species (I. asprella) has antitumor properties, but it also needs further examination. I. paraguayensis is used in Paraguay and Brazil and is covered under a separate monograph, Mate tea.