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Olive Leaf Extract
The olive tree has served humanity faithfully for thousands of years, particularly in the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. This remarkable plant has nourished and supported us through the ages, with olive fruit and oil for food; and olive leaf extract (OLE) for our medicine.
It is a hardy tree and can remain productive for an unbelievably long time. One of the oldest known specimens that still bears fruit, is in Vouves, Crete, in Greece. It is estimated to be somewhere between 2,000 and 5,000 years old! I'm sure you'll agree that's an impressive age…even for a tree!
The reason I mention this is because the olive tree's anti-aging and immune-boosting properties are the main reason why olive leaf extract is so greatly valued. Whether you're a tree or a human, you cannot live to a "ripe old age" without a strong, healthy immune system.
Olive leaves are an ancient remedy. As far back as we can remember, people have used them in poultices, tinctures and teas, to help with boils and rashes; sore throats and fever; coughs and colds; and as a general health tonic.
At that stage, no-one knew about free radicals, or viruses, or antibiotics. They didn't know how olive leaf medicine worked, they just knew from experience that it did. However, human nature being what it is, some bright people set out to discover the healing secrets of the olive.
It is a hardy tree and can remain productive for an unbelievably long time. One of the oldest known specimens that still bears fruit, is in Vouves, Crete, in Greece. It is estimated to be somewhere between 2,000 and 5,000 years old! I'm sure you'll agree that's an impressive age…even for a tree!
The reason I mention this is because the olive tree's anti-aging and immune-boosting properties are the main reason why olive leaf extract is so greatly valued. Whether you're a tree or a human, you cannot live to a "ripe old age" without a strong, healthy immune system.
Olive leaves are an ancient remedy. As far back as we can remember, people have used them in poultices, tinctures and teas, to help with boils and rashes; sore throats and fever; coughs and colds; and as a general health tonic.
At that stage, no-one knew about free radicals, or viruses, or antibiotics. They didn't know how olive leaf medicine worked, they just knew from experience that it did. However, human nature being what it is, some bright people set out to discover the healing secrets of the olive.
The Search For Answers
In the 1800's, there were two scientifically inclined, keen observers who became catalysts for further studies into the healing nature of olive leaf extract. Both gentleman observed how the leaves helped to reduce fever. Both of them believed that this attribute came from an unknown bitter compound in the leaves.
First, was a French Colonel, Etienne Pallas, M.D. who examined the olive leaf and identified a bitter, crystallisable compound that he called vauqueline. Second, was Daniel Hanbury, a British botanist and pharmacologist, who published his findings, (in 1854) regarding the efficacy of olive leaf tea in treating Malaria.
The bitter-tasting substance that they both believed was the healing ingredient from the olive leaf, was not identified as the phytochemical we now call oleuropein (pronounced oh-lee-ah-ro-pin) until the mid 1900s.
Scientists have now discovered why olive leaf, the latest "super nutrient", works so well and how the key components, oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, (hy-droxy-ty-ro-sol) benefit the human body.
First, was a French Colonel, Etienne Pallas, M.D. who examined the olive leaf and identified a bitter, crystallisable compound that he called vauqueline. Second, was Daniel Hanbury, a British botanist and pharmacologist, who published his findings, (in 1854) regarding the efficacy of olive leaf tea in treating Malaria.
The bitter-tasting substance that they both believed was the healing ingredient from the olive leaf, was not identified as the phytochemical we now call oleuropein (pronounced oh-lee-ah-ro-pin) until the mid 1900s.
Scientists have now discovered why olive leaf, the latest "super nutrient", works so well and how the key components, oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, (hy-droxy-ty-ro-sol) benefit the human body.
Not All Olive Trees, Or All Parts Of The Olive Tree,
Are Created Equal
There is only one species of olive tree, Olea europaea, which is native to the Mediterranean area, but there are many subspecies (or varieties) of olives being grown in many parts of the world. Although all olive trees are protected from insect invasion and pathogens, by the chemical compounds within their cells, not all varieties have the same concentration of these beneficial chemicals.
Polyphenols, oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, are not the only beneficial compounds that are found in the Olea europaea leaves. These olive leaves contain more than 100 naturally occurring compounds, but there are only a few varieties that yield them in high enough quantities, and in the best synergistic balance to create an effective medicine.
The different parts of the tree will also yield different quantities of the desired compounds. The leaves, especially when they are processed as fresh leaves instead of dried, contain a greater amount of oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, plus other polyphenolic antioxidants and flavonoids, than do either the fruit or the oil.
Polyphenols, oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, are not the only beneficial compounds that are found in the Olea europaea leaves. These olive leaves contain more than 100 naturally occurring compounds, but there are only a few varieties that yield them in high enough quantities, and in the best synergistic balance to create an effective medicine.
The different parts of the tree will also yield different quantities of the desired compounds. The leaves, especially when they are processed as fresh leaves instead of dried, contain a greater amount of oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, plus other polyphenolic antioxidants and flavonoids, than do either the fruit or the oil.
What Are The Benefits Of Taking Olive Leaf Extract?
The main benefit is the olive leaf's ability to fight off infection due to its antimicrobial properties. It strengthens the immune system; and kills or inhibits many viruses, bacteria, yeasts and parasites, even some that are resistant to synthetic antibiotics.
It also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, both through topical application to the skin (for example with psoriasis), and by ingesting the liquid, tea or capsules. This can help with a variety of health issues, including arthritis, hayfever and atherosclerosis.
Tests have shown that the extract from olive leaves is an excellent antioxidant, which greatly surpasses the results (as shown by its ORAC or Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) of even the best known super nutrients like gogi juice, grape seed extract and vitamin C.
OLE has also been shown to assist cardiovascular health; reduce blood pressure; reduce excess weight; lower blood sugar; and increase energy levels. Anecdotal reports indicate that olive leaf extract may help with the management of musculoskeletal pain, asthma, sore throats and coughs and colds.
Go to Olive Leaf Extract Benefits for more information.It also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, both through topical application to the skin (for example with psoriasis), and by ingesting the liquid, tea or capsules. This can help with a variety of health issues, including arthritis, hayfever and atherosclerosis.
Tests have shown that the extract from olive leaves is an excellent antioxidant, which greatly surpasses the results (as shown by its ORAC or Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) of even the best known super nutrients like gogi juice, grape seed extract and vitamin C.
OLE has also been shown to assist cardiovascular health; reduce blood pressure; reduce excess weight; lower blood sugar; and increase energy levels. Anecdotal reports indicate that olive leaf extract may help with the management of musculoskeletal pain, asthma, sore throats and coughs and colds.
How Is It Taken?
OLE comes in several, commercially available forms, though some are more easily obtained than others. It is taken either orally (by mouth) or used topically (on the skin).
Olive Leaf Extract Liquid
This comes in 100ml, 200ml, 500ml, 8oz and 16oz bottles. It can be prepared from dried or feshly-picked leaves. The fresh-leaf one is stronger and has a clearer, more pleasant taste. The liquid is available in a few different flavours and is sometimes mixed with other products such as aloe vera or CoQ10.There are a few companies, around the world, that advertise the use of fresh-leaves. The one I know, for certain, that only uses fresh leaves in their liquid extract (without adding any dried leaf component) is Olive Leaf Australia. I believe that several companies use their Envirolea® extract as a basis for their own product.
Olive Leaf Extract Tincture
Small 2oz bottles of concentrated liquid are available from a few companies. Tinctures may be mixed with alcohol or glycerin. They are usually made from dried leaves and the process may have involved heating the liquid, especially in those containing glycerin. The small bottle and dropper make this form more convenient for travelling, though it can be a more expensive option.
Olive Leaf Extract Capsules
There are some liquid-filled capsules available but the majority of them are filled with dried leaf product. Capsules allow for a stronger dose in some cases, and of course, no bitter taste. They are more convenient for travellers, although it can be a little more expensive, depending on the number of capsules required per day. Vegetarian capsules are available. The only drawback is the fact that the capsule has to be digested before the olive leaf product can enter the blood stream, so it slows the process down.
Olive Leaf Tea
Fresh (if you can get them) or dried olive leaves can been used to brew a healing caffeine-free tea, that can be a gentler alternative to the extract, for those who are very ill or weak. It is also a pleasant healing herbal tea. Some companies offer teabags or packets of dried leaf tea.
Olive Leaf Powder
Olive leaf powder can also be used to make tea (you'll need your own teabags or filter) or it can be added to food. There are two types of powder. One is from crushed dried leaves, the other comes from freeze-drying the liquid extract. Olive leaf powder will readily absorb moisture in the air, particularly the freeze-dried variety, and therefore needs to be stored in an airtight container to prevent the powder from clumping together.
Other Olive Leaf Extract Products
Olive Leaf Australia produce a 20ml size Oral spray. This combines the olive leaf liquid with sage, peppermint and lemon for oral hygiene and fresh breath.
They also have olive leaf extract drops which contain Manuka honey and (unfortunately, in some people's opinion) corn sugar.
Their olive leaf skin repair contains sea salt, olive leaf extract, extra virgin olive oil, and is lightly scented with lavender.
Seagate has a 1oz olive leaf nasal spray to help with sinus inflammation and colds. They also have a 1oz raspberry-spearmint flavoured throat spray, or an unflavoured one. It is sweetened with Xylitol.
Olive Leaf Powder
Olive leaf powder can also be used to make tea (you'll need your own teabags or filter) or it can be added to food. There are two types of powder. One is from crushed dried leaves, the other comes from freeze-drying the liquid extract. Olive leaf powder will readily absorb moisture in the air, particularly the freeze-dried variety, and therefore needs to be stored in an airtight container to prevent the powder from clumping together.
Other Olive Leaf Extract Products
Olive Leaf Australia produce a 20ml size Oral spray. This combines the olive leaf liquid with sage, peppermint and lemon for oral hygiene and fresh breath.
They also have olive leaf extract drops which contain Manuka honey and (unfortunately, in some people's opinion) corn sugar.
Their olive leaf skin repair contains sea salt, olive leaf extract, extra virgin olive oil, and is lightly scented with lavender.
Seagate has a 1oz olive leaf nasal spray to help with sinus inflammation and colds. They also have a 1oz raspberry-spearmint flavoured throat spray, or an unflavoured one. It is sweetened with Xylitol.Go here to buy Seagate olive leaf sprays
There are also beautiful soaps, body washes and hand creams available.
Best prices on olive leaf soaps and lotions
Click on the links, for information on dosages and benefits
AND...HERE ARE SOME BOOKS THAT MAY INTEREST YOU.
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