Holly is a plant. There are many types (species) of holly. English holly and American holly are used as ornamental Christmas greens. The leaves of these and other holly species are used to make medicine. The berries are very poisonous and should not be swallowed.
Historically, American holly fruit tea was used as a heart stimulant by American Indians. Yaupon, another type of holly, was used to cause vomiting, and Yaupon tea was used as a ceremonial "cleanser" in South America.
Holly is also used for cough, fever, digestive disorders, heart disease, and other conditions. But there is no good scientific research to support any use.
Is It Effective?
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
- Constipation.
- Coughs.
- Digestive disorders.
- Dizziness (vertigo).
- Fever.
- Heart disease.
- Heart failure and fluid build up in the body (congestive heart failure or CHF).
- High blood pressure.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- Yellowing of the skin (jaundice).
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of holly for these uses.
Is it Safe?
There isn't enough information available to know how holly works.
When taken by mouth: Holly BERRIES are poisonous and UNSAFE for use. Eating berries may be deadly.
There isn't enough reliable information available to know if holly LEAVES are safe to eat. The leaves can cause side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach and intestinal problems. Swallowing holly leaf spines may tear or puncture the inside of the mouth and other parts of the digestive tract.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Holly berries are UNSAFE to eat while pregnant or breast-feeding. They can kill you. There isn't enough reliable information to know if holly leaves are safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Children: Holly berries are UNSAFE. Eating holly berries can kill a child. Be sure to keep holly away from children.
Dehydration: In addition to being poisonous, holly berries can make dehydration worse because they cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Incorrect levels of chloride, calcium, magnesium, sodium, or potassium (electrolyte imbalance) in the body: In addition to being poisonous, holly berries can make an electrolyte imbalance worse because they cause vomiting and diarrhea.
It is not known if Holly interacts with any medicines. Before taking Holly, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
The appropriate dose of holly depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for holly. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
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