Focus on Herbs: Olive Leaf

by Lynne Latella

Traditionally, the olive branch signified peace between opposing factions, and thus became part of the United Nations logo. Dating back at least 6,000 years, the olive tree is among the oldest living plant species. Related to the ash, jasmine and lilac, olive trees have symbolic as well as practical value.

Most people think of olives and olive oil only in culinary terms. But the byproducts from the olive tree have had countless other uses throughout history. Olive oil illuminated Mediterranean houses. It was used as axle grease by Roman legions and lubricated machines during the Industrial Revolution. The wood itself is highly prized in cabinetry. But the olive tree's usefulness goes beyond culinary, industrial and household applications. It has powerful medicinal properties, as well. Although the knowledge of olive leaf's benefits dates back to the 1800s, it was not until 1995 that the therapeutic component was discovered. This discovery showed the remarkable value of the powdered extract to inhibit or kill viruses and almost every other kind of microorganisms. It is by far the most useful, wide-spectrum antimicrobial herbal available on the market. Virus, bacteria, yeast and other fungi and parasites, all of which tax the immune system, are more prevalent than ever, and increasingly harder to combat. As the price of antibiotics decreases, bacterium's resistance to antibiotics increases, in part due to overuse and misuse of drugs. The cost of newer antibiotics has skyrocketed, leaving the pocketbook lighter and the immune system weaker.

Olive leaf is also an excellent aid to lowering high blood pressure and cholestrol. Herbalist David Winston says its effect on high blood pressure is slow, but "definite and long lasting." Olive leaf is useful for heart arrhythmia as well. Happily, olive leaf extract is a relatively inexpensive and highly effective alternative with certain types of conditions. Some of the conditions that respond favorably to this remarkable remedy are:

o Arthritic inflammation
o Athlete's foot
o Blood flow sluggishness
o Chronic fatigue
o Common colds
o Hemorrhoid pain
o Hiatal hernia
o HIV
o Insulin dependence
o Internal parasites
o Irregular heartbeat
o Malaria and other exotic diseases
o Psoriasis
o Ringworm
o Ticks and mites
o Ulcers
o Yeast infections

It is recommended that capsules be taken on an empty stomach several times a day. Dosage varies according to the type and severity of a condition, age and toxicity of the user. The Coop carries several brands of olive leaf extract.

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