Scientists are slowly discovering the medicinal potential of olive leaf. Early studies are showing it may play an important role in treating many diseases.
Olive Leaf also known as Olea europaea is derived from the fresh or dried leaves of the Olive tree. Its medicinal use dates back as far as 3500 BC, mainly because of it’s powerful anti-microbial properties. The people of Crete used it to clean wounds to prevent infection. It also has a long history of use to treat many other common ailments. It is available in capsule form, herbal teas, powder and oils in most health food shops. This article discusses the properties of olive leaf, its medicinal uses and side effects.
Olive leaf consists of various phytochemicals. Phytochemicals naturally occur in most plants and are prized for their ability to prevent and treat disease in humans. The chief phytochemical in olive leaf is called oleuropein and this chemical is a powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory. It is also a potent anti-microbial, meaning it is useful in preventing and treating bacterial, viral and fungal infections. It also exhibits blood sugar lowering properties as well as lowering blood cholesterol and lowers blood pressure. These innate abilities of oleuropein make it useful for treating many of today’s common ailments. It is also found in the fruit of the olive tree but is in higher concentrations in the leaves. Unfortunately there has been little scientific research supporting its use in humans but some animal studies in laboratories are showing positive results.
The Health Benefits of Olive Leaf
- Powerful Anti-oxidant
Anti-oxidants help to fight and destroy free radicals in the body that attack healthy tissue causing initially inflammation and then disease. Free radicals can be thought of as rust forming chemicals in the blood stream that cause the oxidization of tissues.
- Bacterial, Viral and Fungal Infection Prevention and Treatment
Laboratory studies have proven that Olive leaf extracts is a powerful anti-microbial. It has been shown to prevent the replication of bacteria, viruses and fungals. It is effective at destroying the infectious strains of E Coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida. It has also shown positive results in treating hepatitis and herpes. Early studies are showing it may be useful in treating Aids. Olive leaf supplements can help prevent colds and influenza. People who take a daily supplement or drink olive leaf herbal tea report fewer incidences of colds and influenza. Duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms are reduced when supplementing with olive leaf.
- Diabetes Treatment
The phytochemical oeuropein helps to lower blood sugar levels. It promotes the release of insulin from the pancreas which is required for moving sugar molecules in the blood into cells, to be used for energy. It also makes cell walls more sensitive to insulin. It should be noted that if you are taking blood sugar lowering medication, you should not consume olive leaf without medical supervision.
- Lowers Bad Cholesterol
Olive leaf shows blood cholesterol lowering properties in rats in the lab. Bad cholesterol in the blood causes fatty plaques to build up on the walls of arteries. These fatty plaques cause narrowing of arteries which results in high blood pressure. Eventually these fatty plaques can occlude the flow of blood through these arteries leading to heart attack and or stroke. Some studies indicate that olive leaf may be useful in preventing heart disease.
- Lowers Blood Pressure
The phytochemicals in olive leaf have been shown to lower blood pressure by relaxing the smooth muscle in blood vessels causing vasodilation and widening blood vessels. Significant drops in both systolic and diastolic values have been shown in scientific studies. It should be noted that if you already take blood pressure lowering medication, you should not consume olive leaf unless under strict medical supervision.
Side Effects
Olive leaf consumption has shown few side effects. It may cause stomach irritation and therefore it is recommended to consume it with food. Due to very little scientific testing in humans, any severe side effects of long term use, remain unknown. It is not recommended for pregnant and breast feeding women and or if you have kidney or liver disease. If you are taking diabetic medication or blood pressure lowering medication, do not consume it without medical supervision. If you are considering taking olive leaf in any of its forms for the treatment of your ailments, always consult your doctor first.
In conclusion, Olive leaf is showing some amazing medicinal qualities that may be soon introduced into mainstream pharmacology. Until more human trials of olive leaf have been performed, its safety, recommended dosages and approval to treat many of the diseases of the 21st century will remain inconclusive.
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