FLOWER RXS HOME

AGRIMONY
ASPEN
BEECH
CENTAURY
CERATO
CHERRY PLUM
CHESTNUT BUD
CHICORY
CLEMATIS
CRAB APPLE
ELM
GENTIAN
GORSE
HEATHER
HOLLY
HONEYSUCKLE
HORNBEAM
IMPATIENS
LARCH
MIMULUS
MUSTARD
OAK
OLIVE
PINE
RED CHESTNUT
RESCUE REMEDY
ROCK ROSE
ROCK WATER
SCLERANTHUS
STAROF BETHLEHEM
SWEET CHESTNUT
VERVAIN
VINE
WALNUT
WATER VIOLET
WHITE CHESTNUT
WILD OAT
WILD ROSE
WILLOW

The remedy Holly belongs to the group of Oversensitive to Influences and Ideas, as classified by Bach. Additional remedies in this group are Agrimony, Centaury, and Walnut, all helping those suffering from vulnerability to disturbances from outside. Specifically, Holly treats negative or aggressive feelings or thoughts that are often marked by anger or agitation in response to a perceived threat.

In the Holly state, one easily perceives disturbances in the form of circumstances or other people as threats to one's peace and well-being. One reacts with oversensitivity to often minor occurrences which would leave many others undisturbed. The irritated mind is set on rejection in such a state, on being free of the annoyance, even to the point of inflicting harm, as happens in extreme cases. The Holly state is a fighter's mentality, an agitated, aggressive state, either expressed through words or gestures or simply held within, as stirred-up emotions grip the self.
The mind, being too quick to perceive others as threatening, is prone to be swayed and become unreasonable due to suspicion, envy, jealousy, revenge, anger, and wounded pride.
In regard to mental disorders, this remedy is of value in treatment of antisocial personality disorder, conduct disorder (cf. Chestnut Bud, Vine), paranoid personality disorder, and delusional or any other disorder with aggressive or jealous features. In persecutory or paranoid delusions, there can be heightened accusation and antagonism against the imagined threat of others (cf. Beech, Willow). In problems with impulse control, when rage is not bridled, Holly can restore the necessary inner control (cf. Cherry Plum, Impatiens, Vervain, Vine).

Emotions experienced in the Holly state can be very strong and rule the self. Oftentimes, they are invested in with much personal force, as one relishes and stirs up the negative. One may even feel empowered or invigorated by such sentiments, since the fighter's charge runs through the self. Then again, as the initial thrust cools off, one may find oneself plotting calmly or quietly engaging in devious thought.
The more one loses perspective and augments the negative sentiment, the more difficult it is to find the heart-centered balance that is called for.
This remedy is also of help to a person with good intentions who is irritable and easily annoyed without necessarily investing in negative thinking or doing. The Holly state can be a state of exhaustion, frazzled nerves, and of being overstimulated by environmental impact. Excessive noise and turmoil, as may be caused by children, can spoil the mood and create the urge to "fight" oneself free. If held within, there is much internal suffering and agony; if expressed, others suffer as well, while there might be the illusion of having helped the self to feel less stifled. Much violence and abuse originate in this agitated Holly state, and uncontrolled behavior may happen even if not wished for (cf. Cherry Plum).
To be prone to vexation and upset is a painful experience, creating much internal suffering. Often, these people long for quiet repose and peaceful surroundings. There is the tendency to seek the cause of disturbance in the outside world, although it is the internal balance between impact and reaction that needs to be restored, ideally by avoiding unnecessary turmoil or vexing situations, while seeking tolerance of response and a loving attitude within.
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To reduce oversensitivity and force of negative emotions by calming the inner, easily agitated self and allowing for feelings of kindness to come forth more readily. To instill the desire to give love.