Condition
Treatment Support
laxative
Application
oil
Olive
(Olea europea)
Botanical Information
A small-leaved evergreen tree with silver-gray and green foliage. The fruits are purple.
Working with Olive
Part(s) Used
Fruit Oil, Leaf
Herb Forms
Oil, tincture, extract in capsules, tablets
Christopher Hobbs:
“Olive oil is used externally for cradle cap and both internally and in enema form for impacted colon. Olive leaves are high in bioflavonoids, and a tincture is used for mild hypertension and as a general cardiovascular tonic. Recent clinical reports show that olive leaf extract acts as an effective antiviral and may be a promising new treatment for herpes.
Olive has a taste of BLAND and a temperature of WARM.”
Historical Uses
- Olive trees have been cultivated for over 6,000 years in Mediterranean regions. Historically, olive oil was used for cooking, as a skin moisturizer, and for medicinal purposes.
- Olive leaves were used to treat fevers and infections, and its oil was prized for its heart health benefits.
Modern Clinical Uses
- Herbalists and naturopaths use olive leaf extract to support cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, and manage blood sugar levels. It is also used for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.
- Olive oil remains a staple in dietary recommendations for heart health due to its monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
Chemistry and Pharmacology
- Olive leaf contains oleuropein, a polyphenol that has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It is thought to promote heart health by improving blood flow and reducing oxidative stress.
- Olive oil is rich in oleic acid (a monounsaturated fat), as well as phenolic compounds, which are believed to contribute to its health benefits.
Clinical Trials
- Several studies suggest that olive leaf extract can lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular function. It has also shown promise in controlling blood sugar and reducing inflammation.
- A study in 2021 found that olive oil consumption was associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke, particularly in Mediterranean diets.
- Other studies indicate that olive extract may have antimicrobial effects and help with managing chronic conditions like arthritis and type 2 diabetes.
In conclusion, olive, particularly in the form of its leaf extract and oil, is widely recognized for its health benefits, particularly for heart health, and shows promising results in clinical trials. However, more research is needed to establish definitive treatment guidelines for some of its uses.
Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs
Cautions
Olive oil is generally considered safe when consumed in typical food amounts. However, excessive consumption (e.g., several tablespoons a day) may lead to digestive upset due to its high fat content.
Olive leaf extract can cause mild side effects such as headaches, digestive disturbances, or allergic reactions in some individuals.
It may interact with blood pressure-lowering medications, so caution is advised for those on antihypertensive drugs.
Conditions treated with Olive
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
antiviral
Application
extract
Condition
Treatment Support
cardiac tonic
Application
tincture
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
