Benefits of Olive Leaves

One of the main purposes of this blog is to share useful information with our readers. Particularly all that has to do with a good diet and the health of our body. That is why we are going to talk about an interesting natural remedy, Olive Leaves.

History and Origin

The experts date the presence of the Olive Tree 12 000 years B.C.

Popularly, its origin is located in the Mediterranean, a renowned area for the production of the most refined extra virgin olive oil. This product is known all over the world for its medicinal properties. Although there is still information that locates its origin in Minor Asia.

Olive belongs to the Olea genus.

Properties of Olive Leaves

Even though some people advise replacing green tea and coffee with an olive leaf infusion, its properties go beyond this.

The medicinal uses of the leaf were already knew in Ancient Egypt.

Oleuropein

One of the main components of olive leaves is oleuropein, which has been classified as an antioxidant. But it also has flavonoids and polyphenols.

The effect of oleuropein has already been scientifically proven, and its anti-hypertensive properties are being compared with captrotil. This is a medicine prescribed by cardiologists in order to treat hypertension.

In fact, this can be achieved by taking 500 mg of the extract. Moreover, it can positively lower the bad cholesterol and triglycerides, factors that can trigger heart attacks.

This is another positive effect of the extract, since its components increase the blood nitric oxide levels. Consequently, this element dilates the arteries, improving the blood flow.

One of the important substances that we can extract from this leaves is oleuropein. All in all, it is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory polyphenol that is also present in olive oil.

Anti-inflammatory and antiaggregant

In other words, it changes the blood coagulation, preventing the formation of clots.

This natural resource could also work as a neuronal protector. Above all, this is due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which protect the neurons against possible deterioration.

Antibacterial and antifungal

In addition, you can drink a tea made up of its leaves and bark in order to treat the symptoms of colds, fever and germs.

Vitamin C Supply

Apart from having antioxidant properties, the leaf extract also has vitamin C. Therefore, it protects us from the free radicals and cleanses the blood from chemical and cancerous elements. Moreover, it also protects us from degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer.

Joint pain

Let’s not forget about its role in preventing and relieving the symptoms of rheumatoid, gout and arthrosis.

Remedies

Wound healing

You can add a splash of olive oil to the leaves and then put them on skin injuries.

Against constipation

In order to achieve the desired effects, take some dry leaves, make a tea and sweeten it with honey or stevia. Drink 2 cups on an empty stomach, cold or hot, whatever you like. It is advisable to use 30g per liter of water.

Formats

You can purchase the leaves in an herbalist’s shop or in tea bags. The latter format is quite comfortable because you just have to put them in boiling water.

Extract

Usually, it is available in drops or syrup. You will have to take a specific dose to treat a specific problem.

Powder

You can buy the leaf powder and mix it in water or juice.

Capsules

These tend to come with 20g of oleuropein. You will have to take them before the meals.

Olive leaf infusion

If you want to make an olive leaf infusion you will have to boil a cup of water. Then, add a spoonful of olive leaves, let it settle for 10 minutes and sweeten.

If the leaves are fresh, you will have to clean them in a blend of water and bicarbonate for 5 minutes. Rinse and strain afterwards.

You will need more than 20 leaves to put them in a recipient with 2 liters of water.

Curious facts

Let’s stop for a moment because we want to share these historical facts with you. On 776 B.C, during the celebration of the first Olympics, an olive branch was used to lit the first Olympic torch.

Moreover, an olive branch has always been a symbol of peace or a way to cease a conflict by handing it over to the opponent.

A pigeon holding an olive branch is a universal symbol of Peace.

In fact, it became an important element in Christianity and the Bible. The books talked about both the olive branch and oil, which was used by Moises to anoint his people. This tradition was passed on to the Greeks, who anointed their kings and priests with this oil.

Contraindications

Despite its extraordinary benefits for health, you should follow the advice from a doctor or nutritionists if you are taking some medication. Moreover, it is not advised during pregnancy or lactation.

Likewise, it could trigger allergic reactions to some of the components from the leaves in hypersensitive people.

If you suffer diabetes and you are following a treatment, you should also consult your doctor. It is good to learn about the stages of this plant in order to pick the leaves at the right time in order to avoid any risk of toxicity.

Do not take them if you suffer fat digestion problems, if you have bladder stones or if you have undergone surgery to remove them.

If you want to learn more about a natural lifestyle and how to take care of you health, keep an eye on our blog.

Bibliography

1. “Aceite de oliva todo mal quita” Desde la antigüedad hasta hoy. Augusto Jurado
2. “100 plantas medicinales escogidas” Una guía de plantas de todo el mundo seleccionadas por su valor terapéutico” Alfredo Ara Roldan
3. “Recupera tu salud a través de la nutrición” Alicia Herrera
4. “Medical Industrial Complex” James y Lance Morcan
5. “El olivo, fruto de los dioses” Fondo editorial.

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