The Holly is the botanical species Ilex aquifolium of the Aquifoliaceae family. It is a pyramidal shrub 5 to 15 meters high (can reach 25 meters) native to central and southern Europe, although its boundaries were extended to areas of North Africa and the western part of China. It grows in woodlands and wetlands. It is a plant widely used in Europe to make the floral decorations of the holidays. It is believed that this custom comes from the Romans, who used this plant in the festivities of Saturnalia . This custom was later adopted by Christians. Interestingly, the Druids of other parts of Europe also used as a present to the spirits of the forest. In medicine, the part used is the leaves and berries to a lesser extent the cortex.
Composition chemistry. Contains routine, Ilex and ursolic acid, bitter principles, pigments, traces of theobromine and 10% resin. The berries contain glycosides of pelargonidin, and cyanidin pelargonina.
pharmacological activity. leaves an effect diaphoretic (promotes sweating) and diuretic (stimulates the production of urine). Due to this effect exerts a febrifuge (fever stops) and tonic. The berries have a completely different action, its use can be dangerous. Vomit and are purgative .
Therapeutic indications. holly leaves are used in the treatment of influenza and catarrh of the respiratory processes. The medicinal use of the berries is null, it is often used as purgatives in indigestion, food poisoning and gastrointestinal processes.
Unwanted effects and contraindications. The medicinal use of holly is not dangerous. Berries should not be consumed because, as noted above their danger is high, in some cases causes fatal gastroenteritis.
administration and dosage forms. is consumed as a tea leaf to 5%, two or three cups a day, in powder form 4 to 15 grams daily, and the mother tincture 25 drops per dose.
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