Olive Leaf: Olive Leaf Infusion is Good for Your Health

We all know the olive fruit that graces many meals and events, serving as a source for olive oil and for simply eating olives. However, many are unaware that the leaves of the olive tree also possess medicinal properties acknowledged in traditional medicine and supported by recent research.

The active compound in olive leaves that makes them so significant for health is called oleuropein. This compound exists in the leaves to protect them from pests, bacteria, and more, due to its antibacterial and antiviral properties. Indeed, it has been found that because of this compound's antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral capabilities, olive leaves can also aid humans. Hence, olive leaves help with conditions such as colds, flu, candida, viral infections like herpes, mononucleosis, and more. Studies have also found that this compound inhibits the proliferation of various cancer cells, such as breast cancer, skin cancer - melanoma (in mice), and leukemia (in human cells). Research further shows that this compound encourages the production of bone-building cells, which can help in preventing bone density loss (osteoporosis). Additionally, its antioxidant properties help prevent the formation of blood clots, thus preventing the blockage of blood vessels. Olive leaves can also help lower cholesterol (LDL) and blood pressure, thereby aiding in heart protection, improving heart function, and reducing blood sugar levels.

In light of all this, olive leaf infusions can be used as a preventative measure against winter diseases and other mentioned conditions (of course, it is not recommended to drink olive leaf infusions in place of other treatments, such as diet and more as needed). Nonetheless, those suffering from the problems mentioned above should drink olive leaf infusion after consultation, especially if they are taking various medications such as pills to lower blood sugar, blood pressure, chemotherapy, etc. Likewise, those with low blood pressure should check themselves to ensure their blood pressure does not drop too much.

Different ways to prepare an infusion from olive leaves: You can take about 15 leaves, put them in a quantity of water that after the cooking process (steaming) will amount to one cup. Boil the water, and after boiling, continue to cook for about 15 minutes on low heat, cool and drink three such cups a day. You can even prepare a daily quantity like this. Regular consumption of olive leaf infusion can be a means for preventing winter illnesses and generally strengthening the immune system.

Eliahu Shechter is an iridologist and natural therapist