Olea europaea
Part Used: Dried leaf (winter harvested)
Olive Leaf (Olea europaea) is a small, ever green tree, averaging 20 feet or more in height. It has many thin branches with opposite branchlets and shortly-stalked, opposite, lanceolate leaves about 2 1/4 inches long, acute, entire and smooth, pale green above and silvery below. The exuding gum-resin contains benzoic acid and olivile. Mannite is found in the green leaves and unripe fruit. The main constituent of Olive Leaf is the phytochemical oleuropein, which has broken down to elenolic acid, having a powerful anti-bacterial effect, and the ability to interfere with critical amino acid production essential for viruses. It also dilates coronary artery and regulates heartbeat; lowers blood pressure and lowers cholesterol in blood. The leaves are antiseptic, astringent, febrifuge and sedative. A decoction is used in treating obstinate fevers. They also have a tranquillising effect on nervous tension and hypertension. Experimentally, they have been shown to decrease blood sugar levels by 17 - 23%.
Olive Leaf Extract has a scientifically backed reputation for helping to protect against a wide variety of viral, bacterial and parasitic invasions without harming beneficial bacteria. It also supports several circulatory needs at the same time, including blood pressure balance, healthy arteries, normal heart rhythm and free radical protection. Additionally, it serves the urinary and digestive systems. it can be helpful in the treatment of the common cold, flu, cold sores (herpes), ear infections, eye infections, nose and throat infections, impetigo, pink eye, parasites, and a host of bacterial, viral and fungal infections.
References:
Plants for a Future. http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Olea+europaea&CAN=COMIND
Botanical.Com. http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/o/olive-06.html
101 Herbs. http://www.1001herbs.com/olive-leaf/
