Olive Leaf
The olive is a small shrubby tree that grows native to some middle eastern areas, the Mediterranean, Asia minor, and the southern Caspian Sea area. The olive and olive oil is widely enjoyed as a food product throughout the world, and much has been said about the healthy properties of olive oil. The olive leaf, however, is often harvested for use in special herbal supplements and is used for many purposes to maintain health.
Medicinal Claims
Folk herbalists have used the olive leaf as an astringent, treatment of hemorrhoids and hemorrhaging, a fever reducer, blood pressure treatment, and to relieve many other illnesses and symptoms. As a bile stimulant, olive leaf has been used to cleanse the liver. Some have used it as an antiseptic as well.
The compound oleuropein is thought to be the therapeutic agent in the olive leaf, but is also found in the root, fruit, and tree bark. This flavenoid helped protect the tree from diseases and insects. About 40 years ago, a substance in this compound was found to be active against certain viruses, including herpies, rabies, polio, common flu, and stomach viruses. Since then it has been found to have some action against fungi and some bacteria.
Oleuropein is also thought to be a strong antioxidant that can help protect arteries, and studies have shown it to have potential for relaxing blood vessels. Olive leaf’s traditional uses are somewhat borne out, although further well-designed research and testing will need to be done. Those with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Epstein Barr virus have reported alleviation of symptoms and increased energy with this supplement.
Due to the claims that olive leaf increase blood circulation as well as acting as an astringent, various cosmetic preparations as well as sports salves contain the compounds. Some have reported its effectiveness in treating fungi and yeast infections.
Despite the claims made by proponents of olive leaf as an herbal remedy, more study needs to be done to verify the actions and potency. |
