American Holly

Low-grade intermittent fever with cold extremities and a sluggish surface circulation, calling for a warm diffusive leaf infusion to restore capillary action and encourage sweating

Poor appetite and slow digestion with a bitter taste indicated, given as a cold infusion for its tonic, non-diaphoretic effect

Overview. American holly is a medium-sized evergreen tree native to the eastern and southeastern United States, closely related to the European holly and sharing much of its traditional reputation. Physiomedicalist and eclectic writers of the nineteenth century used the leaves, dried and prepared as an infusion, valuing them as a diffusive stimulant to the circulation with a secondary tonic and diaphoretic effect. The bright scarlet berries, prized for winter decoration, were never used as medicine and were regarded as unsafe to eat.

Clinical Notes. In the older physiomedical literature, American holly leaf was reached for much as boneset or yarrow were, as a warming diaphoretic to bring on sweating and rouse a sluggish peripheral circulation in the early, chilly stage of a cold or intermittent fever.

Properties and Uses. The leaves of the European holly have had much attention directed to them, and those of the several American species seem to be in all respects similar. They are stimulating and relaxing, and of a peculiar bitter and somewhat balsamic taste.

Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage. Black alder is tonic, alterative, and astringent. It strengthens the circulation, improves nutrition, and aids in the removal of waste material, thus effectually aiding the vegetative processes. It has been used with good effect in jaundice, diarrhoea, gangrene, and all diseases attended with great weakness.