Further treatment, if necessary, should be directed toward the specific compound ingested. If the cyalume is ingested, dilution with sweetened liquids is recommended. The berries of a few of the hundreds of varieties of this plant, commonly used in Christmas decorations, are reported to be toxic. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and central nervous system depression may occur following ingestion of holly berries. Emesis should be induced as soon as possible after the berries are ingested.
Further treatment is non-specific, being dependent upon the nature of manifestations which occur.
There are a least 400 different varieties of holly. Some have berries that are colored black, brownish-black, red or rarely yellow. Although the exact nature of the toxic chemicals in holly is not yet known, it is claimed that deaths have occurred in children who have eaten as few as 12 berries. Some varieties of holly do not have sharp leaves. Children might eat these leaves which could also contain potentially toxic chemicals.