Holly
Ilex opaca
Direction
East
American holly was used for "weak blood or for circulation in elders." While stories of holly's Medicine power tell that it was very popular in earlier years, and even though it is mentioned often in descriptions of "the old formulas," holly is mostly used today for decoration. The leaves (not the berries) have been used to treat fever, bronchitis, gout, and rheumatism.
Direction
South
The leaves of American holly were used in earlier years to scratch cramped muscles. An elder said that the practice of "scratching" for cramps was a similar technique used by the old Medicine men and woman for treating rheumatism, and for ceremonies with ballplayers. An evergreen tree, holly is a member of the Holly family.
Direction
North
The leaves of the American holly were used for treating chronic bronchitis. The bitter berries are popular with birds in the winter. Holly was also used for winter decoration due to the bright leaves and red berries. As an elder said about the holly, "The Great One intended for the birds have plenty of fresh fruit for their survival and so they could sing all year-round." This plant is included in the Holly family, with yaupon.
The Cherokee Herbal
Native Plant Medicine from the Four Directions
J. T. Garrett
ISBN 187918196-7