Holly (Ilex aquifolium)

Holly is a small shrub that can easily reach 10 m. high. Most characteristic of this species are the leaves, very hard and stiff, similar to those of the laurel, but undulating, with spiny teeth in outline, are hairless and quite shiny. It is a shrub that stays green all year. The fruit is globular, the size of a pea, but smooth and shiny it is very toxic fleshy fruit, which usually cause problems in children who eat attracted by its attractive color, which leads to poisoning in many cases becomes fatal. One grows spontaneously in the shady areas of our forests, most commonly in the northern peninsula.

FLOWERING

It blooms from April to June and fruits mature in late September. These fruits remain on the tree for much of the year, but from a therapeutic point of view all that matters to them is that children do not consume as poisoning, leading to relatively small amounts-can be fatal in many cases. For medicinal use are harvested the leaves, which are present all year, evergreen. At Christmas is usually very typical pick up some twigs of this tree to decorate, along with mistletoe, tables and baskets. Should be careful not pricked with thorns.

APPLICATIONS

The leaves of this woody plant contain traces of theobromine, a caffeine-like substance in their virtues are also routine, tannins, resin, ilicina Ilex and ursolic acids. These leaves are considered diuretic long, snacks and sudorific. The plants in this family are almost entirely to the genus Ilex, which comprises some 270 species living in Asia and America, while in Europe there are only 2 or 3 species. For this reason a family is virtually unknown in our latitudes. This builds upon the fact that in the case of holly fruit toxicity than the virtues of the leaves is not difficult to conclude that its use is very limited. The leaves are indicated for rheumatism, gout, poor appetite, fever and flu. The holly berries-those fruits that are so attractive to children-at relatively low doses act as a drastic purgative, if the dose consumed is greater, then are diarrhea, vomiting and seizures. For children this can be fatal, so you should be familiar with the bush to avoid consumption. In our peninsula is a protected species, it is in danger of extinction, which is why we must avoid collecting it and, if we are interested in it, go to a specialist to advise us how to cultivate it or where to get a few leaves.

ADMINISTRATION

Decoction. A dessert spoon per cup of water. Let it boil 2 minutes and take 2 cups a day. Never make a decoction from the fruits.
Powder. The pulverized leaves can be consumed at a rate of 1-2 deg. a day, either directly or encapsulated.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Aquifoliaceae
HABITAT: Areas shaded forest
FLOWERING: April, May and June
PART USED: Sheets
CASTILIAN: Agrifolio, cebro
CATALAN: Grevoler
BASQUE: Gorosti
GALICIAN: Cibro, xando

USES

Toxic Strong, Antipyretic Moderate, Antidiarrheal Leve.