Dahoon Holly

 

    

     Welcome to December in Central Florida! We are finally starting to see some cooler weather and a few leaves changing colors. We are also seeing more and more red berries throughout all of our woodlands and wetlands. These red berries, more often than not, belong to any one of our 10-11 species of Holly. 

     The Holly Family, Aquifoliaceae, has a great reputation for being beneficial medicinally, though most species have toxic berries, so they aren’t the most edible of plants. The Ilex genus is the only genus in the family that contains around 400 species. The family name translates to “trees with needles on their leaves” which is pretty darn accurate for most species. However, the genus name is an old word for Oak. The Holly species I wanted to introduce you to today is the Dahoon Holly or Ilex cassine. 

     Like every species of Ilex, Dahoon Holly is dioecious, meaning that male and female flowers are on different trees. These flowers are usually really small and develop in clusters at the leaf axils. Only female plants produce the small berry-like fruits that are actually drupes. These drupes are often mistaken for berries because they contain multiple seeds where traditional drupes only contain one seed, referred to as a stone. I. cassine berries are yellow, orange, or red, the ones I find most often around here are red. This species is native and reaches about 12 meters (about 39 feet) in height. Leaves are alternate and simple, around 3-14 centimeters (1.18-5.51 inches) long and mostly oval. Some leaves have a few small teeth on their otherwise smooth margins. These plants love to have their feet damp so you can often find them in wet hammocks and flatwoods, though they can survive in dryer areas. They are often mistaken for another species of native Holly, the Yaupon Holly, Ilex vomitoria, though Yaupon Holly’s leaves are much smaller and have a much more interesting margin. There is also an invasive species that has become quite common around the area that is a major look-a-like for I. cassine, that is the Brazilian Peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia. The most notable difference between these two is that S. terebinthifolia has pinnately compound leaves. 

 

Here's a video going over some info about this Holly as well as a close relative in the same genus.

 

Medicinal Uses:

 

Common Names- Dahoon Holly, Christmas Berry, Cassine

 

Scientific Name- Ilex cassine 

 

Edibility- The leaves can be used as a tea.

 

Summary of Actions- Diuretic, emetic, hypnotic, laxative, purgative, stimulant, vermifuge

  

Parts Used- Leaves

 

Traditional Native American Ceremonial Use- Ilex cassine is sacred to the peoples of Florida and the East Coast of North America and is used similarly to Ilex vomitoria to produce a ceremonial cleansing tea referred to as the black drink. This drink is high in caffeine (or theobromine) and causes vomiting, which is considered to be a desirable and cleansing event prior to certain ceremonies. The Apalachicola tribe of Florida prepare large quantities of I. cassine and place it in huge snail shells that are then used as offerings in rituals, where the beverage is also consumed. The shells may be beautifully engraved with mystical images and divine figures. During celebratory rituals, a great deal of tobacco is smoked alongside the drink, producing an intensely euphoric, stimulating effect. Many scholars believe that I. vomitoria was the preferred leaf for making the black drink, however I. cassine was still used. The leaves of I. cassine and I. vomitoria have also been smoked as tobacco substitutes by native tribes and settlers and were also used as tea substitutes by southern rebel troops during the American Civil War.

Tea- Dahoon Holly makes tea but it is the least recommended of all Holly teas. It can cause severe headaches, vomiting, and can be laxative when taken at larger concentrations. However, if the beverage is not brewed too long, one can enjoy the flavor, stimulating effects, and health benefits without going through a ritual purging like with the ceremonial black drink.

Caffeine vs. Theobromine- Many sources say that Dahoon Holly contains a large amount of caffeine. However, recent studies have determined that the alkaloid previously thought of as being caffeine is actually Theobromine. This is a very closely related alkaloid that has most of the same effects as caffeine and is found in cocoa.

Stimulant- Dahoon Holly tea works as a stimulant helping to improve cognitive function for a time.

Blood Pressure- Though stimulating, the leaves can have a calming effect, and they have been known to improve arterial function and blood circulation in some individuals. Theobromine has also shown cardioprotective tendencies in several studies.

 

Fevers and Malaria- Some compounds found in the leaves of Dahoon Holly have been known to be anti-inflammatories. This helps to support the traditional use, in some cultures, for reducing fevers and treating malaria.

  

Joints- Ilex cassine has also been used to help reduce joint pain and inflammation. 

  

Cautions, Contraindications, and Warnings- Although no specific reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, the fruits of at least some members of this genus contain saponins and are slightly toxic. They can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and stupor if eaten in quantity. There is also much caution surrounding the tea as large concentrations can induce vomiting, cause dizziness, and cause headaches. Do not use this herb if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

 

  

 

 

    

I only included a basic introduction to this amazing native holly. If you have any questions or comments please leave them below. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram or updates on my adventures in Nature. Find me on YouTube and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on Teespring, check it out! Also, if you like what I do and what to see more, Become a Patron!

Resources:

Cassine: Natural Medicinal Herbs: http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/i/ilex-cassine=cassine.php

Dahoon Holly: Eat The Weeds: http://www.eattheweeds.com/tag/dahoon-holly/

Dahoon Holly, Ilex Cassine: Wild South Florida: http://www.wildsouthflorida.com/dahoon.holly.html

Dahoon Holly (Ilex Cassine): Treasure Trees: https://treescharlotte.org/041-dahoon-holly/

Dahoon Holly…The Dollar Tree of Fruits: Treasure Coast Natives: https://treasurecoastnatives.wordpress.com/2018/10/26/dahoon-holly-starts-young/

Holly Ilex: Herb Wisdom: https://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-holly.html

Ilex Cassine: Florida Native Plant Society: https://www.fnps.org/plant/ilex-cassine

Ilex Cassine: Plants For A Future: https://pfaf.org/USER/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Ilex+cassine

Ilex Cassine: Practical Plants: https://practicalplants.org/wiki/Ilex_cassine

Ilex Cassine: Useful Temperate Plants: http://temperate.theferns.info/plant/Ilex+cassine

Ilex Cassine – Cassina Tree: Entheology.com: http://entheology.com/plants/ilex-cassine-cassina-tree/

Ilex Cassine Dahoon Holly: Environmental Horticulture: https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/database/documents/pdf/tree_fact_sheets/ilecasa.pdf

Paraguay Tea: A Modern Herbal: https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/p/partea05.html

Spiderwort

     I remember picking wildflowers as a little girl in North Florida. My favorite ones were always the purple flowers. Flowers like Spiderwort. Tradescantia virginiana is a three petaled, clump forming species in the Tradescantia family. This family includes a large number of plants that are used as ornamentals. The virginiana, however, is commonly considered a weed, and somewhat invasive, here in Central Florida. However, this tall, grass-like plant has a few fans that can't help but keep it in their gardens as a point of interest.

     This plant is high in mucilage, a slimy substance that provides a host of medicinal benefits. However it may have been the origin of a few different common names given to this plant. If you break a tip off of a leaf, or break the stem, then take some of the sap on your finger, when touched by another finger and slowly pulled away it will form a long slender string. This string resembles a spider’s silk. This is one origin of the common name Spiderwort or even the common name of Cow Slobber. However, the most commonly given origin for the name Spiderwort comes from it's traditional use for spider bites.

     Tradescantia virginiana is a traditional edible plant that can be prepared in a number of ways. However it's just one species in the Tradescantia family, and not every species is edible. But Spiderwort can be an excellent addition to your family's wild food list. The stems and young shoots can be steamed like asparagus, the leaves and flowers make a great addition to a salad, or dessert. The flowers were also used as a traditional decoration for cakes and other baked goods.
 
     There is one really amazing trait that these flowers posses. They are natural radiation detectors. The stamens of the flowers have fine hairs on them, that are typically a blueish purple. However, when exposed to levels of radiation that are dangerous, those fine hairs turn pink. If the dangerous pollutants get to be really dangerous, the whole flower will turn pink. So just like Marvel's Spiderman, who was bitten by a radioactive spider, the Amazing Spiderwort can be your hero and save you from danger.

Medicinal Uses:

Common Names- Spiderwort, Spiderlily, Widow's Tears, Cow Slobber, Virginia Spiderwort

Summary of actions-  Analgesic, Anthelmintic, Antidiarrheal, Anti-inflammatory, Antispasmodic, Antiperiodic, Astringent, Demulcent, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Emetic, Emmenagogue, Emollient, Expectorant, Galactagogue, Laxative, Sedative, Stomachic, Tonic, Vermifuge, and Vulnerary.

Edible- The young shoots and leaves are edible both raw and cooked. The flowers wilt under heat, so those are only edible raw. The stems are also edible cooked.

Traditional Native American Uses- The Dakota Indians used to carry spiderwort as a love talisman. The Cherokee used the root as a Cancer remedy, and a tea made from the leaves as a laxative. The Meskwaki used the root as a diuretic. Some tribes also used the gum, which comes from the root, as a remedy for craziness, by making an incision in the head and inserting the gum in that incision.

Wound Care and Insect Bites- The leaves, stem, and flowers can be used to help speed the healing of external wounds. The plant actually gets it's common name from the traditional use for spider bites. It can be used as a poultice to reduce inflammation and itch caused by insect bites.

Kidneys, Colon, and Stomach- A decoction made from the root is used as a laxative, to help improve kidney function, and to soothe stomach aches. The leaves and stems are used to help bulk up stool. The entire plant also contains mucilage, which helps reduce inflammation throughout the entire gastrointestinal track and helps to soothe ulcers.

Female Health Concerns- The root and leaves can be made into a decoction or tea to help reduce menstrual pain.   The tea from the leaves is also supposed to help increase milk production in women who are breastfeeding.

Cancers- A number of the Native American Tribes have used this plant for various cancers in their traditional medicine. It's currently being studied for these purposes, though no conclusive evidence has been determined.

Laxative-  A tea made from the root can be used as a laxative.

Radiation Detection- The blue hairs on the stamens of the flowers turn pink under the influence of harmful gamma radiation, and under the influence of extreme pollutants, the whole flower will turn pink.

Cautions, Contraindications, and Warnings- This plant may cause skin irritation in some individuals who are sensitive to the clusters of needle-like crystals, called raphides, contained in it's internal tissues.


     I hope you have a new appreciation for this common plant.  If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below.

References:

Plant of the Week- Spiderwort: University of Arkansas: https://www.uaex.edu/yard-garden/resource-library/plant-week/spiderwort-06-23-06.aspx

Mucilage: The Naturopathic Herbalist: https://thenaturopathicherbalist.com/plant-constituents/mucilage/

Spiderwort as an Ornamental: Dengarden: https://dengarden.com/gardening/Using-Common-Spiderwort-As-An-Ornamental-Garden-Plant

Spiderwort Flowers: Gardening Know How: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/spiderwort/growing-spiderworts.htm

Spiderwort, Pocahontas, and Gamma Rays: Eat The Weeds: http://www.eattheweeds.com/spiderwort-pocahontas-and-gamma-rays/

Spiderwort- Tradescantia virginiana: Edible Wild Food: http://www.ediblewildfood.com/spiderwort.aspx

Spiderwort- Tradescantia virginiana: Herb Rowe: https://herberowe.wordpress.com/2011/04/08/virginia-spiderwort-%E2%80%93-tradescantia-virginiana/

Tradescantia: Southern Living: https://www.southernliving.com/plants/tradescantia

Tradescantia virginiana: Fine Me A Cure: https://findmeacure.com/2011/11/04/tradescantia-virginiana/

Tradescantia virginiana: Practical Plants: https://practicalplants.org/wiki/Tradescantia_virginiana

What is Tradescantia?: WiseGeek: https://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-tradescantia.htm

Rabbit Tobacco

     Sometimes the plants just speak to you. Not like we speak to each other, but with different means. You might find yourself attracted to a plant for no known reason, you may notice a plant that you've never noticed before, or you may just think a certain plant is pretty or cute. There's an herb that grows in my yard, and on quite a few trails here in Central Florida. My husband is completely enthralled with this herb. It was the first herb that he learned to identify in the wild, and every time he sees it he gets so excited. It's rather adorable. But for some reason, I had never thought to find out what it's medicinal uses could be. Once I did look it up, I found that it's almost the perfect herb for my husband who grew out of childhood asthma just to have a different set of breathing problems as an adult, and who has a tendency to work himself so hard that he has major muscle cramps.

     Rabbit Tobacco, Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium, is also known as Sweet Everlasting because of it's sweet smell and the fact that even after the plant is dead, the seed heads remain on the stalk and look like little white flowers, so that it appears to be alive even after it's dead. There is a whole group of herbs that are considered the “everlastings,” and they are used all over the world for various things. From pillow and mattress stuffing to medicine. Here in America, it has mainly been used by the Native American tribes of the South East, and has become a Southern Folk Medicine for a great variety of ailments. But what's with it's other name?

     There are two explanations for the name “Rabbit Tobacco” from Native American traditions. In one story, rabbit discovered how wonderful this herb was for wounds when it became tangled up in a briar patch. As all native people know, rabbit skin is super thin and easy to tear, even just when running away from a predator. So finding such a useful herb was very good and important for rabbit. This story explains some of the medicinal uses of the plant, and some of it's connection to rabbits, but it does not explain the “tobacco” part of it's common name. However a Native American observation does explain this. Long ago, Native Americans noticed that rabbits would congregate around where these plants tend to grow. So this must mean that it was their connection to the Creator, just like Tobacco is the Native American connection to the Creator. So the plant was deemed Rabbit Tobacco.

     I found a great video that might help anyone who wants to be able to identify this plant. It may also provide a good introduction to the beautiful world of Rabbit Tobacco.

Medicinal Uses:

Common Names- Rabbit Tobacco, Sweet Everlasting, Cudweed, Old Field Balsam, Sweet White Balsam, Indian Posy, Life of Man, Poverty Weed, Fussy Gussy

Parts Used- The whole plant.

Summary of Actions- Anaphrodisiac, Antiphlogistic, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Expectorant, Sedative, Vermifuge.

Upper Respiratory- Used internally, as a tea, to treat most chest complaints, especially those involving mucus in the chest. The tea also helps to sooth throat ulcers. You can also burn the leaves, as incense, and waft the smoke into your face. This is done to help treat symptoms of asthma. An alternative to this is to boil some water and add Rabbit Tobacco leaves to the boiling water. Cover your head with a towel and put your head over the boiling water. Breath in the steam to help ease your asthma symptoms or to help clear up congestion.

Smoke It!- Aside from burning Rabbit Tobacco as incense, it's also used in several smoking blends, along with other herbs. Most of these help people who are trying to stop smoking cigarettes, but often these blends can also help alleviate symptoms of asthma and clear chest congestion. The smoke is not harmful to the lungs, but if you're worried about the heat of the smoke being too warm, feel free to burn the leaves as incense and waft the smoke into your face. This makes sure the smoke is much cooler when it gets to your lungs.

Digestive- A tea made from the leaves is slightly bitter in taste. Anything that tastes bitter is going to help with your digestion. The bitter flavor helps to release bile into your digestive tract. The bile helps to break down hard to digest foods. This helps prevent flatulence, ease stomach aches, and improves nutrient absorption. Rabbit Tobacco, specifically, is also an antispasmodic and diuretic, helping to ease intestinal cramps and improve kidney function. This herb is often called upon when digestive issues involve cramps or spasms.

Skin and Wound Care- Native Americans of Virginia have used Rabbit Tobacco as a wound herb for a long time.

Muscle Cramps and Twitching- Rabbit Tobacco is great to add to a bath for muscle cramps and spasms. It's also great to use in a sweat lodge or sauna, for the same symptoms as well as fevers. It also makes a great fomentation for sprains and bruises.

Sleep Pillows and Sedative Effect- Rabbit Tobacco is a traditional stuffing for mattresses, cushions, and pillows. It works especially well in a sleep pillow because it has a slight sedative effect. Sleeping on a sleep pillow stuffed with Rabbit Tobacco can help ease you into a calm, fulfilling sleep. A sleep pillow made from Rabbit Tobacco is also a traditional remedy for those who suffer from “consumption,” or tuberculosis.

Aphrodisiac or Anaphrodisiac?- Some sources list fresh Rabbit Tobacco juice as a mild aphrodisiac, but even more sources list it as an anaphrodisiac, having the opposite effect. However, those sources that consider it an aphrodisiac tend to use it specifically in cases of impotence, so maybe it only works as an aphrodisiac in those cases.

Contraindications and Warnings- None known, though several people avoid the use of this herb for various reasons.

I only included a basic introduction to this amazing herb. I hope you have learned a new appreciation for how beautiful Rabbit Tobacco is. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below.

Refrences:

A Few Late Summer (Possibly Underappreciated) Plants: Elephantopus: https://bandoteam.wordpress.com/tag/elephantopus/

An Engaging Herb, Rabbit Tobacco: The Annotated Flora: http://www.ibiblio.org/carrborocitizen/flora/2009/11/an-engaging-herb-rabbit-tobacco/

An Intuitive Study of Rabbit Tobacco: Rabbit Tobacco: http://www.rabbittobacco.com/gnaphalium.html

Helpful Herbs & Plants with a Purpose- Rabbit Tobacco: Steemit: https://steemit.com/nature/@papa-pepper/helpful-herbs-and-plants-with-a-purpose-rabbit-tobacco

Plant Database: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PSOB3

Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium: Go Botany, New England Wild Plants: https://gobotany.newenglandwild.org/species/pseudognaphalium/obtusifolium/

Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium: Plants for a Future: https://www.pfaf.org/USER/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Pseudognaphalium+obtusifolium

Rabbit Tobacco, Everlasting: Alternative Nature Online Herbal: https://altnature.com/gallery/rabbit_tobacco.htm

Sweet Everlasting (Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium): Identify That Plant: http://identifythatplant.com/sweet-everlasting-pseudognaphalium-obtusifolium/

Sweet Everlasting: Illinois Wildflowers: http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/sw_everlasting.htm

Sweet Everlasting: Prairie Moon Nursery: https://www.prairiemoon.com/gnaphalium-obtusifolium-sweet-everlasting-prairie-moon-nursery.html