Bach Flower Remedies
Holly

Ilex aquifolium

Holly is a common evergreen tree or bush growing up to 20 m with a smooth, grey bark. Holly is best recognized by the spiked leaves. These are generally less spiny higher up the tree and in old hollies spines may be quite absent. The flowers are small, white and four-petalled, tinged with pink and very fragrant. Trees are generally either wholly male or female (which is the reason why some trees do not bear fruit). Male flowers are slightly larger with prominent stamens, the female have rudimentary stamens and a large pistil that will be the berry. There are many ornamental hollies which should not be used.

Flowering Period

Holly flowers from May to June.

Preparation

Holly is prepared by the boiling method. The flowering twigs are picked so as to fit the saucepan. Male or female flowers can be used but select from several different trees. The leaves are bulky and get in the way somewhat but a few should be included.

Uses

Jealousy, envy, hatred, suspicion.

Holly is the remedy for vexations - those emotions which erode the soul, those which fill one's thoughts with a desire for revenge. Holly emotions are devoid of love, and are based around strong negative feelings directed at others.

Holly relates to animals in the same way as it relates to humans, although animals may show their emotions more clearly than humans. Spitefulness, for example, may amount to the odd caustic remark or muttered aside in human beings, but in animals it is likely to be more obvious - growling, hissing, barking, snapping and unprovoked attacks. Jealousy may be apparent, perhaps due to the arrival of a new animal or a new baby into the household, indeed anyone who apparently threatens existing relationships; and in such cases the displaced animal may try to reassert itself by showing hostility to the intruder. Vine could be considered for this situation, either instead of or along with Holly.

There is an important fact to bear in mind when considering the use of this remedy, which is that Holly is probably the most overused remedy there is when it comes to helping animals. Aggression in most animals, certainly when directed at humans, is far more likely to be based on fear than on hatred.

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