A Look at some Stimulating Ethnobotanicals in the Ilex genus

[Teotzlcoatl]

I recently went to the Outer Banks, North Carolina at the northernmost tip of the State near the Virgina State line... It is a really neat place! Feral horses which escaped a Spanish ship have lived there for over 300 years! It was truly amazing place! If you have never been to the Outer Banks it is basically a strip of sandy islands out in the middle of the sea, almost like a 2nd coast line... a strange and wonderful place! While there I noticed many rare and interesting botanicals including Opuntia cacti and something known as "Yaupon"...

The Outer Banks-

I saw this magical plant, Ilex vomitoria, everywhere in the Outer Banks and even collected a few specimens for cultivation! This got me interested in the Ilex genus, Holly plants.

Ilex vomitoria ~ "Yaupon"

Ilex vomitoria "Yaupon" is a species of holly native to southeastern North America, occurring in United States from Virginia to Florida, it is concentrated on the coast of the Carolinas and is prolific in the Outer Banks.

Prior to the 19th century, the black drink was consumed during the daily deliberations of the village councils and at all other important council meetings. Creeks, Cherokees, Choctaws, and others believed it purified the drinker and purged him of anger and falsehoods. Black drink was prepared by special village officials and served in large communal cups, frequently made of whelk shell. The men in council were served in order of precedence, starting with important visitors. They consumed large quantities at a sitting. Afterward, they purged themselves by vomiting.

Many tribes across the Southeastern United States continued using the black drink long after the invasion of European cultures. Creeks, Cherokees, Choctaws, Ais, Guale, Chickasaws, Chitimacha and many others are documented users of the drink. Although rituals varied amongst the different tribes, there are common traits which span most of the tribal variations. Black drink was forbidden to women, and it was taboo for them to even help in its preparation. The drink, after its preparation, was passed out to the highest status person first, then the next highest status, and so forth. During each persons turn to drink, ritual songs were sung (Yahola, the ritual name Asi Yahola or Black Drink Singer is corrupted into English as Osceola). The black drink was a purifier, that removed sin and blemish from the drinker, and as such was never taken casually, even when taken daily. Some tribes practiced ritual vomiting after its consumption, possibly to heighten its purgative and purifying powers, by expelling contamination from the body. The sharing of tobacco was also a part of the ritual. The Black Drink reportedly induced vomiting during Cherokee purification ceremonies, but as explained above, this behavior is likely to have been deliberate or the result of the quantity imbibed, not due to the chemical properties of the drink itself. n the 1830s, the use of the black drink was forgotten and abandoned by many tribes when they were removed to Oklahoma, where the Yaupon Holly does not grow.

Ilex guayusa ~ "Guayusa"

Three species of the Holly genus Ilex yield caffeine. The best known is Yerba Maté, Ilex paraguariensis, the national drink of Argentina. The second is the previously discussed Ilex vomitoria, the only caffeine containing plant native to North America. The third and by far the most mysterious is Ilex guayusa. Ilex guayusa, commonly known as "guayusa" or "wayusa" is an Amazonian tree of the holly genus, native to the Amazon Rainforest.

“The Jivaro say guayusa is so habituating that before it is offered to a visitor, she is warned that once she drinks it, she will ever after return to the Ecuadorian Jungle” - Michael Harner

Guayusa is used by people of the Amazon basin to make an energizing tea and as a herbal medicine. It also has the interesting effect of inducing lucid dreaming. For this reason, it is known as the "watchman's plant", as even when sleeping you are aware of your external surroundings. For those interested in shamanic dreaming this is certainly the plant to explore. It is used along with Ayahuasca to help ease bitterness, to stay awake during Ayahuasca ceremonies, and to help prevent hangover effects.

In addition to drinking cups of guayusa like many Americans drink coffee, indigenous hunters will drink guayusa to sharpen their instincts and call it the “Night Watchman" because it helps them stay alert and awake all night. For many Ecuadorian indigenous people, the morning drinking of guayusa is a social ritual.

Ilex guayusa has been collected only rarely by botanists and is known exclusively as a cultivated plant. According some botanist it has never been found in flower. The use of Guayusa is very ancient, a 1,500-year-old bundle of Ilex guayusa leaves was found by famous Ethnobotanist Richard Evans Schultes in a shaman's tomb high in the Bolivian Andes, far beyond the natural range of the plant.

In addition to caffeine, Guayusa also contains guanidine, a proven antihyperglycemic and antihypertensive compound that stabilizes blood sugar levels and relaxes the body. Functioning as a balanced stimulant, some Amazonian Tribes also say that Guayusa promotes restful sleep and good dreams. Unlike coffee, it is said to be good for excessive acidity and other problems in the stomach and bile. It is both energizing and relaxing at the same time and develops mental strength. The plant can contain more than 2.0% caffeine, making it the most potent caffeine producing botanical on the planet.

Ilex paraguariensis ~ "Yerba Mate"

The infusion called Maté is prepared by steeping dry leaves (and twigs) of the Yerba Maté plant in hot (or sometimes cold) water, rather than in boiling water like the Black Drink made from Ilex vomitoria

Yerba maté, Ilex paraguariensis, is a species of the Holly family native to subtropical regions of South America. It was first scientifically classified by Swiss botanist Moses Bertoni, who settled in Paraguay in 1895.

The flavor of brewed Yerba Maté is strongly herbal, and grassy, reminiscent of some varieties of green tea. Many consider the flavor to be very agreeable, but it is generally bitter if steeped in boiling water (especially if stirred or disturbed during brewing), so it is made using hot but not boiling water. Unlike most teas, it does not become bitter and astringent when steeped for extended periods, and the leaves may be infused several times.

Einstein drinking Yerba Maté-

Ilex paraguariensis is grown and processed mainly in South America, more specifically in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil. The Guaraní are reputed to be the first people who cultivated the plant; the first Europeans to do this were Jesuit missionaries, who spread the drinking habit as far as Ecuador and Chile. When the Yerba Mate is harvested, the branches are dried, sometimes with a wood fire, imparting a smoky flavor. Then the leaves and sometimes the twigs are broken up. There are many brands and types of Yerba Mate, with and without twigs, some with low powder content. The plant Ilex paraguariensis can vary in strength of the flavor, caffeine levels and other nutrients depending on whether it is a male or female plant. Female plants tend to be milder in flavor, and lower in caffeine. They are also relatively scarce in the areas where Yerba Mate is planted and cultivated, not wild-harvested, compared to the male plants.

Ilex kudingcha ~ "Ku Ding"

Another healing Holly from China, this one however, does not contain caffeine.

Edited August 4, 2010 by Teotzlcoatl

[Teotzlcoatl]

~ “Sacred Holly” - The Ilex Genus ~

Ilex aquifolium ~ “European Holly”

Ilex cassine ~ “Cassina” or “Dahoon Holly”

Ilex coriacea ~ “Sweet Gallberry" or "Large Gallberry”

Ilex cornuta ~ “Chinese Holly”

Ilex glabra ~ “Bitter Gallberry”, “Inkberry“ or "Appalachian Tea”

Ilex guayusa ~ “Guayusa”

Ilex kudingcha ~ "Kudingcha" or "Ku Ding Cha"

Ilex latifolia ~ "Lusterleaf Holly" or "Tarajo Holly"

Ilex opaca ~ “American Holly”

Ilex paraguariensis ~ “Yerba Mate”

Ilex pubescens ~ "Mao-Dōng-Qīng"

Ilex purpurea ~ "Dōng-Qīng" or "???"

Ilex tarapotina ~ “Té O’ Maté”

Ilex vomitoria ~ “Yaupon Holly”

Ilex yunnanensis ~ “Yunnan Holly”

~~~~~~~~~~Introduction~~~~~~~~~~

Since ancient times humans have known the Holly to contain magical, healing and sacred qualities….

~~~~~~~~~~Species of Interest~~~~~~~~~~

***Ilex aquifolium ~ “European Holly”***

Ilex aquifloium is known as the “Common Holly”, the “European/English Holly” or sometimes “Christ’s Thorn”

The leaves of Holly have been employed in the Black Forest as a substitute for tea.

Holly is little used in modern herbalism. The leaves are diaphoretic, expectorant, febrifuge and tonic. They can be use fresh at almost any time of the year or can be harvested in late spring and dried for later use. They are used in the treatment of intermittent fevers, rheumatism, catarrh, pleurisy etc. The juice of the fresh leaves has been successfully used in the treatment of jaundice. The berries are violently emetic and purgative. They have been used in the treatment of dropsy and as a powder they have been used as an astringent to check bleeding. The berries are semi-toxic, especially to children, and should not be used medicinally except under professional supervision. The root has been used as a diuretic, though there are more effective diuretics available.

***Ilex cassine~ “Cassina”***

Ilex cassine (and/or Ilex dahoon) also known as "Cassina" or “Dahoon Holly” was utilized in addition to Ilex vomitoria by European settlers during Colonial times and Southerners during the American as a substitute for tea and coffee.

Many sources claim that Ilex cassine was used by Native Americans along with Ilex vomitoria to produce the “Black Drink” but it seems that this is incorrect, early writers and historians confusing the species.

There are reports of this plant being used as a soap, however no futher information is given.

***Ilex coriacea ~ “Sweet Gallberry" or "Large Gallberry ”***

Ilex coriacea also known as "Sweet Gallberry" or "Large Gallberry is considered a quality and consistent source of bee nectar in Southern U.S.A. and is one of the top producers of honey. The berries are likely edible.

Ilex cornuta ~ “Chinese Holly”

Some Chinese herbalist may use it as a traditional medicine, the tea is supposedly a contraceptive for women. It is reputed that the berries are sometimes eaten, but it is unknown if the fruit is truly edible.

The Chinese use Ilex cornuta in a variety of ways. The bark, leaves and fruit are used in herbal medicine for their general tonic value as well as for diseases of the kidney. Galle writes that seed oil is used in China for soap manufacturing plus a dye and gum are extracted from the bark.

The whole plant is aborficant, carminative, contraceptive, febrifuge and tonic. It particularly strengthens the back and knees. The leaf is made into a tea which is said to be contraceptive if used by women and is also used for termination pregnancies. The stem bark is tonic. The whole plant is used in the treatment of arthritis, recurring fever in pulmonary tuberculosis, tubercular lymph nodes, joint pained and lumbago.

***Ilex glabra ~ "Appalachian Tea”, “Inkberry" or “Evergreen Winterberry“***

Leafs are prepared by drying, steaming or roasting (these processes are said to reduce any possible nausea).

and was at one time used in intermittent fevers.

***Ilex guayusa ~ “Guayusa”***

Ilex guayusa, also know as “Guayusa” or “Wuayusa”

This tree is the source of the famous stimulant drink guayusa. In the Ecuadorean Amazonia, the tea is considered to be "good to calm nerves" and "good for women who are pregnant." A tea is taken also when ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi) is drunk to "kill the bitter taste" and "to prevent hangover." It is likewise said to "give strength to deal with Ayahuasca. The tea is further stated to be efficacious for "stomach problems, and to have aphrodisiac properties." The native inhabitants of the region of Mocoa employ guayusa in decoction for numerous medicinal purposes: "pain in the liver", malarial fevers, syphilis and especially to calm stomach pains and to regulate faulty menstruation. A tea of leaves is used as a stimulant.

Leaves of guayusa are still sold in markets in Pasto and Quito as medicines. Except for its caffeine content, nothing further is known about the chemistry of the Amazonian species.

***Ilex latifolia ~ "Lusterleaf Holly" or "Tarajo Holly"***

Ilex latifolia leaves are made into tea in Asia,

The fruit and/or seed is used as a coffee substitute.

Ilex latifolia also plays a lesser role in the production “Kudingcha Tea”

***Ilex opaca ~ “American Holly”***

It is also reported that Ilex opaca was used as a tea substitute during the American Civil War.

The berries are laxative, emetic and diuretic. They are used in the treatment of children's diarrhea, colic and indigestion. A tea made from the leaves has been used as a treatment for measles, colds etc. The leaves have also been used externally in the treatment of sore eyes, sore/bruises and itchy skin. A tea made from the bark was once used in the treatment of malaria and epilepsy.

The roasted leaves can be used as a tea substitute, however they do not contain caffeine.

***Ilex kudingcha ~ "Kudingcha" or "Ku Ding Cha"***

Ilex kudingcha is used in Asia to produce a type of “Tea” known as “Kudingcha”, “Ku Ding Cha” or sometimes “Kudincha”

***Ilex paraguariensis ~ “Yerba Mate”***

The Ilex paraguariensis or "Yerba Mate" plant is native to native to subtropical South America in northeastern Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and southern Brazil.. It is a large shrub or small tree growing up to 15 meters tall. The leaves are evergreen, 7–11 cm long and 3–5.5 cm wide, with a serrated margin. The flowers are small, greenish-white, with four petals. The fruit is a red drupe 4–6 mm in diameter.

It has been traditionally used for 1000s of years by the people of South America….

Ilex paraguariensis is the most widely used Holly of them all

Ilex pubescens ~ "Mao-Dōng-Qīng"

Antibacterial; Antiinflammatory; Antitussive; Cardiac; Expectorant; Febrifuge; Hypotensive; Vasodilator.

The root is anti-inflammatory, antitussive, depurative, expectorant and febrifuge[176]. It causes a strong and persistent dilation of the blood vessels, increasing the blood flow to the coronary artery, lowering blood pressure and reducing oxygen consumption of the cardiac muscles[176]. It is used in the treatment of Buerger's disease, angina pectoris, acute myocardial infarction, tonsillitis, acute bronchitis with cough and sputum, hypertension[176]. It has an antibacterial action against both gram positive and negative bacilli[176]. The plant is vasodilator, hypotensive. It has been used successfully in the treatment of severe chest pains due to coronary problems[218].

***Ilex purpurea ~ "Dōng-Qīng" or "???”***

Ilex purpurea is one of the 50 fundamental herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is know as "Dōng-Qīng" (Chinese: 冬青).

It is reported to have antitumor properties. An extract of the leaves is made into a solution and used for treating burns, ulcers in the lower extremities etc[218]. The ashes of the leaves are used as a dressing for skin ailments and poisoned wounds[218]. Seed is carminative and tonic[218].

***Ilex tarapotina ~ “Té O’ Maté”***

Ilex tarapotina is used in northern Peru to make a special type of “Maté” known as “Té O’ Maté” which is said to produce unknown, possibly inebriating effects.

***Ilex vomitoria ~ “Yaupon Holly” or “Cassina”***

“Yaupon” is native to south-eastern North America occurring from Virginia south to Florida and west to Texas. A small population of “Yaupon” is also said to grow in Chiapas, Mexico. It is unknown why this plant is so far away from other populations of “Yaupon“, could this be one of the Ilex vomitoria plantations transplanted by the ancient Americans?

Ilex vomitoria almost always grows near the coast…

Ilex vomitoria and the "Black Drink" are still in use to a limited extent in the modern day as a beverage and medicine among inhabitants of the North Carolina coast and Outer Banks. "Yaupon Holly Tea" may still be found on the menus of some restaurants in the Outer Banks, however, the ritual use of the "Black Drink" seems to have completely died out with modern drinkers only using a mild brew as a tea-like beverage.

Dr. William A. Morrill. a plant PhD, wrote in the 1940s there are two ways to make holly tea. One is to boil the cured leaves like Coffee, not seep them like tea. (Cured means oven dried or steamed.) But, of the Yaupon, he said the best holly tea was to use an equal mix of chopped brown dry roasted and steamed green leaves.

Two forms of Ilex vomitoria are reputed to have the highest caffeine content : Ilex vomitoria “Weeping Holly” also known as Ilex vomitoria forma “Pendula”

Plants with more nitrogen in the soil seem to produce more caffeine.

Both green and fermented forms of Ilex vomitoria have been used.

***Ilex yunnanensis ~ “Yunnan Holly”***

Ilex yunnanensis also know as “Yunnan Holly” is employed in parts of Asia, a variety called Ilex yunnanensis var. eciliata is used along the boarder of China and Tibet as a Tea substitute.

Find out about other Asian Ilex “tea” plants, such as “Shui-Chatze”?

See the completed thread at the Nexus.

Edited August 4, 2010 by Teotzlcoatl

[Chiral]

Mmmm interesting little thread there Teo thanks for sharing that.

H.

[t st tantra]

guarana and yocco[sp?4both].

t s t .

[Teotzlcoatl]

I have never heard of "Yocco".

Guarana is a good one!

[gerbil]

= Paullinia yoco.

[paradox]

Ephedra sinica?

nicotiana spp?

Duboisia spp?

Edited June 5, 2009 by Paradox

[Uncle. S]

sida spp

[Teotzlcoatl]

I actually have Ephedra sinica up there but it doesn't have pretty green leafs!

O well, guess it doesn't matter!

Thanks for the suggestions guys! Hope y'all enjoy the thread!

[Rizla]

Great thread, Teotz! I dig the "black drink" map -- I would definitely include southwest Florida in there, Sanibel and Pine Island particularly...there's a big Caloosa site on Pine Island, it was a small city, with huge mounds and public areas and canals, etc... Ilex vomitoria grows wild all over the place. As does a native Psychotria (non-psychoactive, AFAIK).

Never actually tried the drink...must pick some when I'm down there next time.

[t st tantra]

according to raetsch[sp?] ilex cassine has more caffine than vomitoria......he lists other speices too.......

i have a vomitoria,i dont know how to brew it properly but it seems pretty weak and disappointing so far......

t s t .

[Teotzlcoatl]

Then I wonder why some sources state that Ilex vomitoria is the only North American caffeine plant? This seems to be incorrect?

[Teotzlcoatl]

1st page has been updated...

How about your young Ilex vomitoria?

Ya I do need to get pics of that. I'm going back to the Outer Banks in Oct. 2010, I'll get some pictures of the plants in their native habitat.

Have you worked out how to determine gender before first flowering?

Nope. Gender doesn't matter as far as caffeine content, etc. goes so I'm not really worried about it.

[Auxin]

Hey, I forgot about this thread

Gender doesn't matter as far as caffeine content, etc. goes

Actually thats only really true if the plants are fertilized. In (nitrogen) fertilized plants the female has more, but only barely, and the plants have like 7 times the normal caffeine content. In unfertilized plants the males have like 60% more caffeine than the females. (for more precise data click)

Besides, only the girls make berries and they need boys for that, so good to have both

[t st tantra]

any tips for doing cuttings? have female and access to male....

t s t .

[planthelper]

i have probagated the ilex strain which i have spread around years ago, with medium success.

the most important thing i found probagating ilex paraguariensis, was that the cutting material had to be made out of, recent (soft)wood, meaning the mother plant had to be prunned back repeatedly, to produce this young growth.

some ilex species, i think make very easy cuttings, but the yerba mate tree is not as easy to probagate, unfortunately.

Edited August 4, 2010 by planthelper