Olive Leaf Benefits

What are olive leaf benefits and the benefits of olive leaf extract? What are olive leaf side effects?

Since time immemorial, olive leaf has been used by many people because of its healing properties. Olive leaf comes from the leaves of the olive tree or Olea Europaea. It contains oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, which are powerful antioxidant compounds that help ward off stress and various diseases. The high levels of these ingredients create the olive leaf's bitter and strong taste.

Olive Leaf Benefits

Among the olive leaf benefits are prevention and/or remedy of common colds and flu, treatment of viral infections such as herpes, treatment of yeast infections and other fungal problems. It is also used as a remedy for heart health because it helps lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

The olive leaf is an excellent source of antioxidants, which promote cell renewal by preventing it from damage. Antioxidants are responsible for scavenging free radicals that are the major culprits in cell and tissue damage. In fact, olive leaf has twice as much antioxidants compared to green tea. Compared to vitamin C, olive leaf has four times as much. To achieve the maximum health benefits of olive leaf extract, one should make this herbal plant a part of his daily diet.

How to Make Olive Leaf Extract

You can make your own olive leaf extract. To make your DIY olive leaf preparation, wash fresh olive leaves thoroughly. Then, put your olive leaves on a dish and dry them well. You may expose your olive leaves to direct sunlight or cover them with a cloth, although it may take a longer time to dry.

Once the olive leaves are dry and brittle, put them in a food processor and grind well until it becomes a nice pulp. You can mix grape seeds with your olive leaves as well. You may then take these finely processed olive leaves in liquid form by mixing it with water or stuff them into a capsule if you prefer taking olive leaf in capsule form.

Dosage

Commercial olive leaf dietary supplements are available in the form of olive leaf capsules or tablets and liquid concentrate. A health care professional may recommend that you take 1 to 3 capsules of olive leaf extract a day for overall health and daily disease prevention. A capsule of olive leaf normally measures about ¼ teaspoon of its extract. It's best to take olive leaf with water to minimize its bitter taste.

Olive Leaf Side Effects

There are possible side effects for people who have low blood pressure or are diabetic. Other than that it has been found to have no serious side effects. Taking olive leaf in very high amounts, however, may result to headache, dizziness, nausea, muscle and body pain, fatigue and diarrhea. It is best to consult your doctor before you decide to add olive leaf supplement to your diet or if you are on medication or have health related problems.

Other Uses of Olive Leaf

Olive leaves are used as ingredients for hand wash and bar soaps. Many people are also using olive leaves to make their own olive leaf tea. Just like any other herbal teas, you just have to boil water and then add it into the tea infuser with the olive leaves.

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