While the olive fruit itself has been used as a Mediterranean culinary delicacy, it is the olive leaf which has the most potent health benefits. The olive plant has a remedial substance known as “oleuropein” with the most potent doses of the substance found in its leaf rather than the actual olive itself. Oleuropein is a powerful host of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and disease-fighting properties
In fact, it’s antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and even antinociceptive properties (reduces pain stimuli) makes it a significant addition to any first aid kit or medicine cabinet. Olive leaf extract can help achieve a healthy body weight, improve heart health, reduce inflammation and even diminish recurrent herpes outbreaks
Source: Originally propagated for culinary and medicinal uses in the Mediterranean, the olive plant is grown around the globe in temperate climates including locales such as South Africa, Chile, Peru, Australia and New Zealand. Additionally, olive trees are grown in desert climates with proper irrigation like the Cuyo region of Argentina
Benefits:
Herpes Simplex: Due to OLE’s antiviral and antimicrobial properties, it reduces the ability for herpes virus to infect surrounding cells and stops the spread of recurring infection
Diabetes: Studies show that those who took Oleuropein daily showed a significant decrease in blood sugar levels. This is promising for those with insulin and glucose dysregulation issues
High Blood Pressure: For those suffering from hypertension, OLE has been shown to reduce blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and inflammatory markers in lab work
Antiviral Properties: Clinical testing shows Olive Leaf Extract is effective in treatments for herpes, mononucleosis, rotavirus, shingles and potentially the flu or HIV
Anti-inflammatory Properties: It has been seen to reduce inflammatory markers and can be quite effective for stiffness or joint pain associated to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It also protects from cognitive decline, helping slow the progression of neurodegenerative disease including as dementia and Alzheimer’s
Reduces Cancer Risk: Shows evidence of inhibiting cancer cell growth. More research is needed but the evidence is promising for use in conjunction with conventional cancer treatment such as radiation or chemotherapy
Risks: Some people may have an allergic reaction to Olive Leaf Extract due to the contamination of pollen from the plant. It can cause respiratory issues for people allergic to plants in the Oleaceae family. Some may experience gastrointestinal issues or headache
Additionally, it may interact with certain blood pressure prescription medications, causing blood pressure to drop significantly. For those who take insulin or prescriptions for blood sugar regulation, please exercise extreme caution as Olive Leaf Extract can cause hypoglycemia
Sustainability: Fueled heavily by a universal demand for olives, olive oil and its global harvest, olive leaf extract is one of the most abundant substances available. And that demand doesn’t seem to be slowing down!
Processing: The leaves can be processed with heat, CO2 extract, or alcohol into a tincture, tea or salve. The teas are far less potent but contain twice the amount of antioxidants as Green Tea! The tincture or powder will be the most effective and bring the greatest internal health benefits. Salves can be used for inflammation and skin issues when deemed appropriate by a healthcare practitioner
Resources:
https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMR/article-full-text-pdf/E09C2B158944 - Treatment of herpes
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jmf.2011.0243 - OLE as a hypoglycemic agent
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00394-016-1188-y - Effects on blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammatory markers
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5838478/ - Effects against the progression of Alzheimer’s
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19194970 - Anti-carcinogenic activity