It would be amiss of me not to render holiday cheer to international readers of this column. I hope to stimulate the consciousness of all readers as we explore today.
In fact, the icy frost blanketing some parts of the world deserves observation. Personally, this frost relates a glitzy story about some international silent doctors and their nurturing aspects, nativity and empowering prospective.
Thereby, invincible and incredible are words best used to describe this silent doctor. By any means necessary, it yearns for our attention, even under the guise of being incorporated artificially into corsages or decorative pins.
During this season, these corsages or decorative pins with bright red berries are worn near to the breast of females, therefore we must recognise the healing connection.
Like most North American tourists who flock to Barbados during the winter, it too may appreciate escaping the cold.
Additionally cerasee, breadfruit and sweet potatoes await its authentic entry. These trees with their red berries are mysterious, thus Holly or Ilex aquifolium is being discussed today.
Holly is a member of the Aquifoliaceae family. One of its relative referred to as guayusa, pronounced “why-you-suh”, is located in the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest.
Some indigenous hunters call it the Night Watchman because they claim it has assisted in keeping them awake during the night. It also promotes peaceful sleep.
However, researchers made several claims about Holly to which the emphasis of this article is devoted. They claim it elevates the rate of urination.
The leaves were employed for catarrh, rheumatism, jaundice, gout, pleurisy, small pox and as a fever reducer. Holly extracts were used to remove harmful toxins from the skin, for closing wounds, treating burns and preventing infections.
It is used in cosmetic products and contains antibacterial, antifungal and antitumor properties.
The obromine found in holly suggest it can reduce blood pressure and relax lung muscles.
Nicholas Culpeper (1653) claimed in The Complete Herbal that “the bark and leaves are good when used as fomentations for broken bones . . .”. The dried bark employed as a bowel cleanser.
In conclusion, study these lines: “We plough the fields and scatter the good seed on the land, but it is fed and watered by the Creators Almighty hands.”
Indeed! The unconditional love of our Creator ensures that Holly survives the icy weather to provide healing remedies for us. As Mother Earth evolves, she ensured that we Barbadians developed a love even to adorn ourselves and houses with holly.
Today, examine holly and understand the symbolism. Also investigate why holly sailed the waters of the Caribbean Sea to settle in Barbados, even though it is mainly artificially incorporated into corsages and wreaths.