Olive leaf extract contains some of the same substances as olive oil, but they are much more concentrated.
In the Mediterranean countries where the tree grows, an olive leaf extract is an ancient form of antibiotic. The reason for this is that several of the almost 100 substances that is produced by the tree kill micro-organisms. Best known is the substance oleuropein, which protects the tree from insects and micro-organisms. For this reason, an olive leaf extract is very useful against infections.
An extract of olive leaves is sometimes used by HIV patients on account of its believed ability to suppress the HIV virus' ability to propagate. Moreover, it can be used for gout because it promotes the body's excretion of uric acid.
Olive leaves are normally taken in the form of tablets or capsules, but a tea made of olive leaves is not unusual. Olive leaf tea is traditionally used for coughing, problems of the throat, high temperature and arthritis.
A diet which promotes formation of bases is said to increase the effect of olive leaf extract in cases where there is an excess of acid in the body.
Other effects
Approximately 1500 mg. of extract a day is said to be able to lower a moderately elevated blood pressure(<140/90) in a couple of months. Moreover, consumption of olive leaves has a slight effect on the blood sugar which might drop.
Dosage
Acute symptoms: 500 mg. of extract 3 times daily - to be taken between meals. In severe cases, the dose can be doubled.
Tea: 4 cups a day. Use 1 tsp. to one cup of tea. Let it draw for 15 minutes.
Side effects
Olive leaf extract does not have any side effects but it is known for being able to cause symptoms in people infected with a lot of damaging micro-organisms. When a large amount of these micro-organisms die suddenly, the toxins that are liberated in the process can cause a lot of unpleasant symptoms to appear. The symptoms vary from person to person, but can be e.g. headache, exhaustion, diarrhoea, pain in muscles and joints, or flu-like symptoms. In these cases, the dose should be stepped down or paused until the symptoms have stopped, after which you can continue, at a lower dose.
Warning
Consumption of olive leaves also has a small effect on the blood sugar which might drop.
