OLIVE LEAF

OLIVE LEAF
(Olea europaea)

Olive-leaf (1)

Olive leaf, as the name suggests, is derived from the olive trees. It has been medicinally used since Ancient Egyptian era where it was considered a symbol of heavenly power and was used in mummification of the Pharaohs. Recorded medicinal use of olive leaves in modern history dates back to the early 1800s. when pulverized leaves were used in a drink to reduce fevers. A few decades after that green olive leaves were reportedly used in tea as a treatment for malaria.

With the newfound respect for herbal medicine, many researches are being carried out to scientifically explain and revive ancient medicinal wisdom. Olive leaves have also kindled the interest of modern herbal practitioners, and even mainstream doctors.

Modern use of Olive Leaf first began in 1995, when it was first made available in the form of extract. Although long term researches are not yet available, initial results of its use are very encouraging. It is being recognized as a promising and unique herb with widespread applications. Olive leaf extract is gaining recognition as a powerful tonic with considerable therapeutic actions against many common illnesses.

 BENEFITS

 The most beneficial and effective products are those made from freshly harvested and whole olive leaves. Some of its many benefits include the following:

  1. Anti-microbial PropertiesExtract from fresh olive leaves can be extremely potent in protecting the body from microbes. It is the cocktail of powerful components found in the leaves or polyphenols that were found to be especially effective in preventing damage, caused by bacteria. Researches have found olive leaf extract to be effective in fighting microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoa among others that cause numerous conditions.Some of these treatable conditions include influenza, the common cold, candida infections, meningitis, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), encephalitis, herpes I and II, human herpes virus 6 and 7, shingles (Herpes zoster), HIV/ARC/AIDS, chronic fatigue, hepatitis B, pneumonia, tuberculosis, gonorrhea, malaria, dengue, severe diarrhea, dental, ear, urinary tract and surgical infections.
  1. Tonic for the BodyPeople who live stressful lives or are susceptible to common colds and flus can benefit from the long term use of olive leaves as a preventive agent. In the early 1900s scientists isolated a bitter compound called oleuropein from olive leaf that was thought to give the olive tree its disease resistance.
  1. Stronger than AntibioticsResearch suggests that olive leaf may be a true anti-viral compound because it appears to selectively block an entire virus-specific system in the infected host. This appears to offer healing to effects not addressed by pharmaceutical antibiotics. Olive leaf’s broad killing power includes an ability to interfere with critical amino acid production for viruses; an ability to contain viral infection and/or spread by disabling viruses by preventing virus shredding, budding or assembly at the cell membrane; the ability to directly penetrate infected cells and stop viral replication.
  1. Cardiovascular HealthAs an antioxidant, Olive leaf extract protects those blood vessels from damage and has been shown to be effective in protecting the heart from coronary occlusion. When taken over an extended period of time, it is believed to have the ability to reverse arteriosclerosis.
  1. AntisepticOlive leaves are astringent and antiseptic. Both the leaves and the bark have valuable febrifuge qualities (ability to reduce fever).

HOW IS IT AVAILABLE?

Olive leaves are processed into capsules, liquids, powders  and teas. Each has its uses and benefits, and it is best to get the recommendation of a practitioner on what form may work best for you.

  • Olive Leaf Capsules

Olive Leaf capsules contain dried olive leaves, concentrated powdered extracts of olive leaves or a combination of both. Even though they do not work as quickly as tinctures but they are effective for longer term systemic use and intestinal cleansing.

  • Olive Leaf Liquid

Olive leaf extract liquid comes in tinctures and water/glycerin-based liquid extracts. The tinctures are fast acting and ideal for stopping early stages of viral and bacterial infection in the upper respiratory tract and gut. They are also excellent for mouth/dental ulcers and infections. The water/glycerin extracts are good general preventative tonics and contain no ethyl alcohol.

  • Olive Leaves in Powder Form

Olive leaves are also processed in the form of powder or concentrated powdered extracts which can be sprinkled on foods, added to honey, teas or however one prefers to use it. You can also fill your own capsules with the powder.

  • Olive Leaf Tea

Olive leaf tea is a pleasant-tasting beverage with a plethora of benefits.
It can easily be made from good quality dried olive leaves from your garden or can be purchased from herbal stores or the internet.

RECOMMENDED DOSAGE

There are many factors that need to be considered before determining the dose including gender, weight, age, and overall health. Dosage will also differ depending on whether the herb is being used as a tonic or to fight a particular disease. Therefore  it is highly advisable to use the herb under the guidance of a professional instead of self-administration.

YOU MAY FEEL WORSE BEFORE FEELING BETTER

This is how it works:[i]

  • Olive leaf compounds attack and damage the cells of pathogens. (disease-causing microbes)
  • These dead pathogens leak toxins which and are absorbed by surrounding tissues that were already displaying symptoms due to the infection of the pathogens.
  • This increase in the concentration of toxins worsens the original symptoms and elicits a further immune response from the body causing histamine release, swelling and pain.
  • The body increases its cleansing processes which may result in other uncomfortable symptoms.
  • As the overload of dead organisms is removed, person experiences healing and feeling of good health.

Drinking 4-6 glasses of water daily helps the body eliminate these toxins more quickly. Some of the common side effects that may be felt with the initial use of the herbs are:

  • Dull headaches
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Feverishness and sweating
  • Nausea
  • Sore throat and nasal passages
  • Vaginal irritation especially in the case of yeast/fungal infections
  • Diarrhea

These side effects do not occur in everyone and normally last only for a few days and are usually mild.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

  • It is not advisable to take olive leaf extract when pregnant or breast-feeding. It may cause you to detox heavily, lower blood pressure etc. There have been no animal or human tests conducted to demonstrate safety during pregnancy.
  • Always use a very small dose when first starting off on a new herb to gauge its effects on your body.
  • Olive leaf lowers blood pressure. If you take blood pressure medication, do not take without consulting your physician first.
  • Olive leaf has shown hypoglycemic and antidiabetic properties in animals. If you are on diabetic medication, consult your physician first and always use very small doses.
  • Olive leaf extract may increase the effect of blood thinners such as Warfarin. If you are on blood thinners, consult your physician first before taking the herb.

SCIENTIFIC DETAILS

 Family Name: Oleaceae
Common Name(s): Olive, Olive tree, Zaitoon (Unani)
Part(s) Used: fruit, leaf
Habitat: The olive tree is native to Mediterranean region and Asia Minor.
Properties: Antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, and tonic

 [i] www.about-olive-leaf-extract.com

Tags: Antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, cardiovascular, antibiotics, tonic