3 Herbal Ways to Use Olive Leaf Medicinally

Olive leaf products are made from the leaves that come from olive trees (Olea europaea). The key active ingredient in the leaves is oleuropein which is a phenolic compound that has been identified as having healing effects for a variety of health conditions. To find out more about the benefits of olive trees and how to grow them visit this website.

The Benefits of Olive Leaf

Olive leaf extract contains antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a key component of the Mediterranean diet and has been used for thousands of years as a medicinal and culinary herb. The key constituents of olive leaf are Secoiridoid monoterpenes (e.g., oleuropein), triterpenoids, flavonoids, and hydroxytyrosol.

Olive leaf has many health benefits and herbal actions, some of which are:

· Anti-bacterial

· Anti-inflammatory

· Anti-microbrial

· Antioxidant

· Astringent

· Hypertensive

· Antifungal

· Antiseptic

· Neuroprotective

· Anti-viral

· Could help prevent cognitive decline

· Has the potential to help with osteoporosis

· Could help prevent cancer

· Improve cardiovascular health and lower blood pressure

· Lower your risk of diabetes

Olive leaf is a wonderful vulnerary for wounds, cuts, and burns as well with it's Antiseptic and anti-microbial constituents. It can also aid with reducing fevers and much more. It's taste is bitter and astringent causing cooling and drying energy effects on the body.

How to use olive leaf herb medically

Olive leaf extract is a concentrated amount of the bio-nutrients found in olive tree leaves. It’s different to olive fruit as it has different properties, mainly oleuropein.

This supplement can be found in many forms including tinctures, capsules, tea and softgels. The recommended dose is between 500mg to 1000mg per day. This amount can be divided into 4 smaller doses per day. Below are 4 herbal ways in which you can make and use different forms of olive leaf medicinally.

Olive leaf tincture:

A tincture is a concentrated extract of a herb or plant. An olive leaf tincture is made by soaking the olive leaves in either 80-100 proof alcohol, glycerite, or vinegar. Alcohol and vinegar act as a medium to pull out all of the plants beneficial compounds thus creating a concentrated liquid with all of the active ingredients to use as needed. The recommended dosage is 2-3ml about 2-3 times per day. Alcohol extracts and vinegars should be mixed with 2 oz of water or another beverage of your liking as to not irritate the taste buds. Glycerites are sweeter and can be taken directly on the tongue.

Olive leaf tea:

Olive leaf tea has a lovely flavor to it as well as being packed full of health benefits. The tea is made from dried olive leaves and flowers. The recommended amount to use is 1 teaspoon for every 1 liter of water. Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes.

Olive leaf oil:

Olive leaf oil is different to the standard olive oil you find in most grocery stores. It’s made purely from the olive leaves rather than the fruit itself. The polyphenol levels in olive leaf oil can be up to 30 times higher than standard extra virgin olive oil. You can take it straight from the bottle on a spoon or dilute it in a drink. This oil can also be used as a vulnerary and antiseptic for minor wounds or burns. If you want the herbal benefits of both the leaf and the fruit of the olive than you can make your oil using the dried or fresh leaves and organic cold pressed extra virgin olive oil.

For more information on how to make your own herbal tinctures, teas, and oils. Follow our Instagram or Facebook for our 'How To Videos' @thegreenwitchllc.