The holly is an evergreen shrub with typical red berries used as Christmas decorations, belonging to the Asparagaceae family. The holly is cultivated as an ornamental plant, especially for decoration during the Christmas holidays. The holly shoots, with a slightly bitter taste, are harvested from March to May and are used in cooking, boiled as a substitute for asparagus in salads, soups, and omelets.

In folk medicine, due to its diuretic properties, holly is used in the "composizione delle cinque radici" (composition of five roots), which includes holly, parsley, celery, fennel, and asparagus. Among the main components of holly are flavonoids, including rutin. It is precisely rutin that is indicated and referred to as vitamin P (with similar characteristics), and therefore recommended for increasing the resistance of capillary walls.

As a result, its main use is in the therapy of venous varices, hemorrhoids, and phlebitis. The plant is also indicated as an anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and antirheumatic. Holly is usually prescribed orally, in the form of a decoction.