The olive tree is a beautiful evergreen that commonly reaches ten feet in height. Although it is native to the Mediterranean, the olive tree is cultivated in other areas with similar climates, such as Asia, Australia and Africa. An olive tree can live for over 3,000 years and there are some in the world that are believed to be over 4,000 years old.
Olive leaf has 98 constituents including oleuropein, which has a wide range of benefits to our health. It also contains flavonoids such as rutin, apigenin and luteolin. It is a potent antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic and antioxidant. Clinical research has shown that olive leaf extract is successful against viral, bacterial, fungal and protozoan infections. Tests completed by Estes Park Research found that olive leaf extract would treat as many as 120 illnesses, while Upjohn Co. found the extract capable of killing 56 pathogens. Olive leaf extract has been used successfully to treat West Nile Virus, HIV, colds, flu, dental infections, ear infections, candida albicans, Crohn’s Disease, chronic fatigue, shingles, surgical infections and the list goes on.
Olive leaf extract is available in liquid and capsule forms. It has a fairly long shelf and requires no refrigeration when opened. Olive Leaf has strong detoxifying properties and many individuals will experience die off symptoms (Herxheimer Reaction) such as fatigue, flu like symptoms, diarrhea, and body aches, if they do not proceed slowly. If you are considering trying this product, please do so under the supervision of your healthcare practitioner. As with all supplements, quality matters, look for pure olive leaf extract.
According to Science Daily, taking 1,000 mg of EFLA®943, a specific olive leaf extract, can lower cholesterol and lower blood pressure. During their study on identical twins, each twin received a separate treatment, one a placebo and the other olive leaf extract. After eight weeks researchers in Switzerland and Germany discovered that olive leaf extract reduced high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Oleuropein, derived from the olive tree has show to be a potent anti cancer compound. During test studies, when given orally to mice with spontaneous tumors the oleuropein completely regressed tumors in 9-12 days.
If you are considering using this product, please consult with your healthcare practitioner, especially if you have some form of EI, as mentioned previously, its detoxifying effects are potent.
References:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080827002717.htm
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16024000
http://www.drugs.com/npp/olive-leaf.html
http://eastparkresearch.com/studies/
Handbook of phytochemical constituents of GRAS herbs & other economic plants. by James A. Duke, Author (U.S.D.A.)
Olive Leaf Extract, Natures Antibiotic, Dr. Morton Walker, How olive leaf extract works against Microbes. Pg 42, 1997
Olive Leaf Extract, Nature’s Antibiotic, Dr. Morton Walker, Benefits of Taking Olive Leaf Extract Components. Pg. 44, 1997
Olive Leaf Extract, Nature’s Antibiotic. Dr. Morton Walker. Uncovering the Therapeutic Components of Olive Leaf Extract. Pg. 53, 1997
