DavidWolfe.comThroughout history, people have referred to this plant as the Tree of Life, the King of the Trees, and the Immortal Tree. Hippocrates even used olive oil to treat wounds, and so the olive tree began its journey into the field of medicine. While not as well-known as the olive fruit and olive oil, the olive leaf boasts curative powers as well. (1)
Today, we recognize the olive leaf as a powerful elixir capable of treating and preventing a number of common diseases. The active ingredient in olive leaves goes by the name of oleuropein. Manufacturers actually remove oleuropein from olives; if you want to get your hands on it, then you’ll need olive oil or olive leaves. (2)
Believe me, you will want to get your hands on olive leaf extract after learning about the many benefits it provides.
Benefit #1 – It Treats Infections
According to Dr. Ronald Hoffman, there is considerable evidence proving that olive leaf can help fight the following (3):
- Influenza
- The common cold
- Candida infections
- Meningitis
- Herpes 1 & 2
- Shingles
- Pneumonia
- Gonorrhea
- Malaria
If you’re particularly susceptible to viruses, Dr. Hoffman says you might benefit from daily long-term use of olive leaf. This is because the active ingredient oleuropein is a very potent anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory compound. (4)
In other words, it strengthens your body against the main causes of illness.
You can buy olive leaf in whole form to make a tea or you can get it in extract form for a more powerful, concentrated dose.
Benefit #2 – It Regulates Blood Pressure
In one study, researchers observed oleuropein significantly reducing participants’ high blood pressure. The compound brought their readings from 137 mmHg to 126 mmHg (systolic) and from 80 mmHg to 76 mmHg (diastolic) in just 8 weeks. (5)
The researchers believe olive leaf extract works by “inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme.” (6)
In non-jargon, that would sound something like this:
Olive leaf extract relaxes your artery walls and reduces your blood pressure so you’re much less likely to have a stroke or other heart-related event. (7)
Benefit #3 – It Prevents & Treats Diabetes
You don’t have to look too hard for stats that show the average American could really use this benefit. Here’s one source that states half of all Americans either suffer from diabetes or are at risk. (8)
Greek researchers observing olive leaf extract discovered it reduces the body’s production of advanced glycation end products. Having a high level of these products is a major risk factor for diabetes. (9, 10)
For those with existing diabetes, olive leaf extract has a hyperglycemic effect, reducing your body’s blood-sugar levels. (11)
Benefit #4 – It Prevents Alzheimer’s
Let’s jump back to advanced glycation end products (AGEs) for a moment. In addition to causing diabetes, those pesky compounds are a major factor in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. (12)
So, when oleuropein eradicates advanced glycation end products, it does some serious reduction to your Alzheimer’s risk as well.
As an added bonus, oleuropein is also a very powerful antioxidant. This matters because oxidative damage is another major risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. (13)
Take a look at the video below to hear Dr. Richard Becker list off several more benefits to using olive leaf.
Do you use olive leaf or olive leaf extract? Let us know how it’s helped you!