The holly berry is a holiday plant that isn’t poisonous, as normally thought to be. The berries attach to spiky dark green and glossy leaves. And, these have been an integral part of our Christmas celebrations for a very long time. However, once the decoration season is over, Holly can still be used in several forms for our health. The berries are red and orange-yellow in color and are also edible when ingested correctly. So, what are the health benefits and are holly berries poisonous for real – let’s find out!

Holly Berry Health Benefits

• In the form of a tea, the holly plant helps get rid of fever, sore throat, common cold as well as respiratory issues like bronchitis or asthma. If you are suffering from digestive disorders, holly tea gently works on bringing balance.
• If you want to gain the benefits of the holly leaf, try the fresh extracts. It can help treat jaundice, dizziness and excessive bleeding. The holly flower is also used by herbalists and other medical experts for the treatment of chronic rheumatic ailments, water retention issues like edema and also cardiovascular diseases.
• Use the leaves gathered in spring and prepare a decoction with a fresh holly leaf. Boil some in a pan with around 570ml water and let it reduce to one cup. Drink one cup daily and it will help curb the symptoms of gout, COPD, lung congestion, urinary tract infection, pleurisy as well as catarrh.

Holly Dosage

The health benefits are immense, but are holly berries poisonous? The entire holly plant is harmful to human health and it must not be consumed in just any amount. Having around 2-4 berries leaves a beneficial impact on the body. However, if you have around 10-20 berries in a day, it can be life-threatening. The holly berry, flower as well as leaf can be used as a complete health tonic upon taking the right dosage.

Berries: Eating more than 5 berries can lead to severe stomach disorders.

Tea: 2-3 tbsp dry holly leaf powder in a cup of hot water taken twice daily is a safe dosage.

Extract: The holly leaf extracts are usually alcohol-based for the purpose of medicinal benefits. Therefore, around 10-20 drops each day are perfect.

Holly Berry: Possible Side Effects

Are holly berries poisonous? Yes, but to some extent! Holly berry toxicity can be very dangerous hence you need to take care of the intake. The possible side effects may include:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Sleepiness
• Digestive disorders

No major contraindications, however, are known to interrupt one’s daily activities if the dosage is under supervision.

Note: Articles on Ayurvedum are solely for the purpose of sharing the goodness of Ayurveda and bringing awareness on natural and healthy living. Please do not substitute it for professional medical advice. Ingredients discussed can interfere with certain medications. So, before using anything to treat yourself, always consult an Ayurveda doctor or practitioner.