Find out how to prepare a decoction of olive leaves, an ancient natural remedy with antibiotic properties. Learn the benefits, uses and contraindications of this natural treatment rich in antioxidants.
THE’olive it is an emblematic tree of the Mediterranean landscape, known mainly for its fruits from which extra virgin olive oil is obtained, an indispensable presence in cuisines around the world. However, not everyone knows that even the olive leaves they have an ancient history of use thanks to their remarkable therapeutic properties.
Since ancient times, the olive tree has been appreciated not only for its fruits but also for the healing virtues of its leaves, used to prepare decoctions capable of fighting fever and infectious diseases caused by viruses and bacteria.
Today, despite the abundance of natural and pharmacological remedies, olive leaves deserve renewed interest for their multiple health benefits. This natural remedy in fact, it behaves in all respects like a natural antibiotic even if today we tend to choose other types of natural solutions, forgetting about this “home” plant.
But let’s find out exactly the benefits that we can achieve by hiring a decoction or extract based on olive leaves.
How to use olive leaves
A very simple way to use olive leaves is prepare a decoction. They are simply needed 5 grams of dried leaves for every cup of water used. Preparing it is very simple: boil the leaves in water for a few minutes, let them rest and cool, then filter and drink. The generally recommended dose is one cup per day.
In the herbalist’s shop you will also find it available olive mother tincturetheready-made fluid extract very convenient to use since you just need to take a few drops in water once or twice a day. Always ask a herbalist for advice based on the problem for which you intend to use the olive tree.
Wanting to summarize the methods of use that allow you to fully enjoy all the benefits
- Decoction: Add 5 grams of dried leaves to each cup of water, boil for a few minutes, let sit and then strain. It is recommended to drink one cup a day.
- Mother tincture or fluid extract: Available in herbalist’s shops, it can be taken by diluting a few drops in water, once or twice a day.
- DIY Extract: Use 100-150 fresh leaves per liter of water (or 30-50 if dry), boil and then leave to rest for 15 minutes. Filter and store in the refrigerator.
DIY olive leaf extract: recipe
You can also prepare a homemade olive leaf extract. It takes a lot fresh olive leaves (between 100 and 150) for every liter of water used. If they are dry, however, they can still be used but the quantity must be halved to about a third, therefore 30 to 50 leaves are needed.
First of all, the leaves must be carefully washed (better to choose those from organic or untreated trees) with water and bicarbonate. After rinsing them well, place them in a large pan with plenty of water, bring to the boil, lower the heat a little and leave on the heat for about 15 minutes. At this point, filter the leaves and store the liquid obtained in the refrigerator in glass bottles. It is generally recommended to hire 1 teaspoon 2 or 3 times a daypreferably during meals.
Properties of olive leaves
Olive leaves are particularly rich in properties, in particular they have proven to be active against pathogenic microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc.) and are therefore capable of defend against infections. Plus they are capable of support the immune system and to act positively on cardiovascular system in particular by improving blood pressure (see this research on hypertension) but also by rebalancing cholesterol values.
The much appreciated beneficial effects on the heart are due to the fact that the active ingredients contained in the olive tree are shown to be capable of increase the elasticity of the arteries. The consequence of this is better circulation, blood pressure and therefore a lower cardiovascular risk.
Other properties of olive leaves are the effect antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, energizing (improves states of tiredness and asthenia), febrifuge (reduces fever) and diuretic. Some research has subsequently demonstrated how the extract is useful against diabetes (thanks to its hypoglycemic action) but also degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or cancer. Regarding this last aspect, some studies have highlighted in particular how the active ingredients of olive leaves are able to prevent healthy cells from transforming into malignant ones and consequently from proliferating, creating tumors.
Finally it seems that this natural remedy is also able to prevent osteoporosis thanks to the presence of oleuropein (in reality most of the benefits of olive leaves are due to the presence of this active ingredient).
In summary, olive leaves are:
Benefits of olive leaves
The benefits of olive leaf extract or decoction occur in different fields of health: cardiovascular, immune, etc. We can use this natural remedy on different occasions: in all diseases for which viruses, bacteria, fungi, yeasts, etc. are responsible. including herpes, candida and mycosis. To improve circulation or regulate blood pressure, in case of chronic fatiguein periods of particular psycho-physical stress in which you feel drained, to have an antioxidant or diuretic effect but also if you suffer from hemorrhoids.
We summarize some of the situations in which this remedy can be useful:
Bach Flower Olive
For those who want to try flower therapy the Bach flower Olive exists, ideal for combating tiredness, nervous breakdowns, asthenia, drops in energy, recovering after convalescence, surgery or other. They are generally recommended 4 drops 4 times a daybut since each case is different, it is always better to ask for advice from a flower therapist or herbalist who is well informed on the use of these flowers.
Contraindications
Olive leaves do not have any major contraindications, the only thing to be careful about is if you suffer from low blood pressure. Better though always inform your doctor in case you want to make use of this natural remedy also because they are not excluded possible side effects with drugs or medicines that they assume.
The olive tree confirms its value not only in Mediterranean cuisine but also as a precious resource for our health, throughout the centuries.
