Herbarium of the Ancients — Detailed RecordFR · EN
Ilex verticillata
Ilex verticillata
Read before use: the information below describes traditional and informational uses — it does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. If in doubt, pregnant, breastfeeding, undergoing treatment, or using with children, seek advice before use.
Enhanced precautions for this plant: The berries are considered toxic and must never be ingested, especially by children; their ingestion can cause vomiting and severe digestive disturbances. The bark contains compounds whose therapeutic margin is poorly established: any internal use must be supervised by a healthcare professional or experienced herbalist. Contraindicated in pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as in young children, due to insufficient safety data. Do not combine with other plants or treatments without professional advice, due to the lack of studies on possible interactions.
Decoction — Dried bark of young twigs
Bark decoction for external use
Gently boil the dried bark in water for about fifteen minutes, then allow to cool before straining. This preparation was traditionally used in washes or compresses on the skin, never for internal use without professional advice. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.
Tincture — Dried bark
Bark tincture
The bark was sometimes macerated in alcohol to obtain a bitter tincture, used in very small doses as a tonic. This preparation requires precise dosing and should only be undertaken under the supervision of a qualified herbalist. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.
Where to find it
Obtaining the plant
Winterberry grows naturally in marshy areas and moist woodlands of eastern North America; in Europe, it is mainly found as an ornamental shrub planted for its decorative winter berries, rarely in standard herbalism.
Harvest season
When to harvest it
The bark is traditionally harvested from young twigs in late autumn or early winter, once the sap has descended.
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