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.
Herbal actions :
- gastroprotective (protects digestive system)
- neuroprotective (protects central nervous system)
- antimicrobial (inhibits microorganism growth)
- anticancer (reduces risk of cancer)
- anti-inflammatory (reduces risk of inflammation)
- antinociceptive (reduces pain stimuli)
- antioxidant (prevents oxidation or cell damage
- Bitter tonic -Substance that is bitter tasting and stimulates the upper gastrointestinal tract via the bitter -sensitive taste buds of the mouth.Bitters promote on components of the upper digestive function ,namely the stomach ,liver and pancreas .In addition to appetite and digestion they improve general health and immune function.
- Hypotensive – Substance that reduces blood pressure
Herbal indications;
The Olive Leaf was so important to the Ancient Egyptians that they regarded it as a symbol of heavenly power. Not only did they extract the oil to mummify their kings, it was used as a powerful defender against a wide variety of maladies too.
This tree was so important it was referred to as the “Tree of Life” in the bible, held in such high esteem that Moses is said to have excluded olive tree growers from military service.
Olive leaf comes from the leaves of an olive plant. It contains an active ingredient called oleuropein . This nutrient is thought to contribute to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of olive leaf extract.
You may have heard how a Mediterranean diet has been linked to a decrease in chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular disease. This is thought to be due to the focus on olive oil, leaves, and fruit in the diet. It’s been used as traditional medicine for centuries in countries like Greece, Morocco, and Tunisia.
Immune System
Olive leaves have been traditionally used for centuries to support the immune system, maintain overall good health and to relieve symptoms of coughs, colds and flu. It has five times (400%) more antioxidant power than the equivalent amount of Vitamin C.
The Olive Leaf also has anti-viral properties with research showing that extracts can effectively fight against a number of disease causing microbes. These powerful compounds destroy invading organisms and don’t allow viruses to replicate and cause infection.
Immune System
Olive leaves have been traditionally used for centuries to support the immune system, maintain overall good health and to relieve symptoms of coughs, colds and flu. It has five times (400%) more antioxidant power than the equivalent amount of Vitamin C.
The Olive Leaf also has anti-viral properties with research showing that extracts can effectively fight against a number of disease causing microbes. These powerful compounds destroy invading organisms and don’t allow viruses to replicate and cause infection.
Heart health
Olive leaves have a long history of use as a herbal medicine to support cardiovascular function.
The polyphenol, Oleuropein, has been found to reduce cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure. It does this by vasodilatation or relaxing and increasing the width of the blood vessel walls making it easier for blood to flow, this in turn reduces blood pressure.
Diabetes
There is evidence to suggest the Olive Leaf could provide a natural alternative for diabetes. Researchers from the University of Auckland have discovered extract of this leaf has the ability to decrease insulin resistance and increase the production of insulin by the pancreas.
In a randomized, double-blinded and placebo-controlled clinical study, the researchers found that the olive leaf extract lowered insulin resistance by an average of 15% and increased the productivity of the pancreas’ beta cells – which produce insulin – by 28%.
This effect is due to the olive leaf’s hypoglycaemic properties (lowers blood sugar in the body), and its ability to control blood glucose levels. The polyphenols in this leaf play a vital role in delaying the production of sugar, which is the pre-cursor to inflammatory diseases such as diabetes.
Rosemarie
References:
https://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-olive-leaf.html
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