Witnessed by: TCM
Pubescent holly (Ilex pubescens), of the Aquifoliaceae family. Evergreen shrub or small tree with downy young twigs; native range: hills and thickets of southern China. Globally recognized as mao dong qing (毛冬青) in Chinese, and hairy holly root in English. The part used is root. Hard woody root, pale within, bitter and slightly sweet with a lasting cooling aftertaste.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
PUBESCENT HOLLY
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- pubescent holly
- Scientific name
- Ilex pubescens Hook. & Arn.
- Family
- Aquifoliaceae
Form
- Part used
- root
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- bitter · sweet
Temperature
- TCM
- cool
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Heart · Lung
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- invigorates the blood, unblocks the channels and vessels, clears heat, relieves toxicity
Cautions
- Contraindications
- caution in those with a bleeding tendency
- Toxicity
- large doses may cause nausea or abdominal discomfort
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