Olive leaf is the leaf of the olive tree
(Olea europaea) was first used medicinally in Ancient Egypt. It is gaining
recognition as a powerful defender against sickness and numerous scientific
studies have been conducted to investigate the extracts beneficial properties.
The reported benefits of olive leaf extract range from promoting increased
energy and healthy blood pressure, to supporting the cardiovascular system and
the immune system.
Olives are native to Asia Minor and Syria,
but are cultivated in Mediterranean countries and also Chile, Peru and South
Australia. Olive leaf was first used medicinally in Ancient Egypt and was a
symbol of heavenly power. It was also used to mummify pharaohs. More recent
knowledge of the olive leaf's medicinal properties dates back to the early
1800s when pulverised leaves were used in a drink to lower fevers. A few
decades later, green olive leaves were used in tea as a treatment for malaria.
Modern health
professionals first started using Olive Leaf extract in 1995 when it first
became available and although a long-term perspective is not yet possible,
initial results are very positive. It is emerging as a very promising and
unique herb with multiple applications. It shows considerable therapeutic
action against many common conditions. Olive leaf extract is gaining
recognition as a powerful defender against sickness, and numerous scientific
studies have been conducted to investigate the extract's beneficial properties.
The reported benefits of olive leaf extract's range from promoting increased
energy and healthy blood pressure, to supporting the cardiovascular system, and
the immune system.
From research and
clinical experience to date, we can say that supplemental olive leaf may be
beneficial in the treatment for conditions caused by, or associated with, a
virus, retrovirus, bacterium or protozoan. Among those treatable conditions
are: 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, and
dental, ear, urinary tract and surgical infections.
Many people who
live stressful lives or who may be particularly susceptible to colds and
viruses may benefit from long-term use of olive leaf as a preventive agent.
Some patients have expressed other unexpected benefits of olive leaf, including
improved psoriasis, normalisation of heart beat irregularities, diminished
cravings, less pain from hemorrhoids, toothaches and chronically achy joints.
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.
In 1962 an Italian researcher recorded that Oleuropein had the ability to lower
blood pressure in animals. It dilates the blood vessels so that blood may flow
more easily throughout the system. Other European researchers validated that
claim and also found it to increase blood flow in the coronary arteries,
relieve arrhythmia and prevent intestinal muscle spasms. In the years to come,
a Dutch researcher identified that a primary ingredient in oleuropein inhibited
the growth of viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. This chemical was
elenolic acid. Further European research determined this compound to have
strong bactericidal, antiviral and antifungal capabilities. A safety study on
calcium elenolate was tested with laboratory animals and published by the
Upjohn pharmaceutical company in 1970. The study concluded that even in doses
several hundred times higher than recommended; no toxic or other adverse side
effects were discovered.
Research 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 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
inactivating viruses by preventing virus shredding, budding or assembly at the
cell membrane; the ability to directly penetrate infected cells and stop viral
replication.
As 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 reverse arteriosclerosis. Olive leaves are astringent
and antiseptic. Both the leaves and the bark have valuable febrifuge qualities.