Olive Leaf, Powder (Olea europaea) – Dried Herb, Organic

The Olive tree is a small evergreen tree is typically 3 to 12 metres high and has numerous branches. The leaves are leathery, lance-shaped, dark green above and silvery on the underside and are paired opposite each other on the twig. The bark is pale grey and the wood is resistant to decay. If the top dies back, a new trunk will often arise from the roots.

There are two types of flowers on trees: the male flowers that produce pollen and hermaphrodite flowers that have both male and female parts that develop into fruits. These whitish-yellow flowers bloom in the spring and are pollinated by the wind. The fruit begins to appear after three to five years of growing and these trees can live up to 1,000 years old.

Olive is native to the Mediterranean and has since been naturalized and cultivated around the globe. Olive is a member of the Oleaceae family, also know as the Olive family and includes Forsythia, Lilac, Ash and Jasmine. In Roman times, the Olive was known as a symbol of peace because Pax, their goddess of peace, was frequently depicted holding an Olive branch. The Olive tree also symbolizes peace, aging, longevity and rejuvenating in many religions, including Christianity, Judaism and Islam.

The Olive plant was first cultivated some 7,000 years ago in Mediterranean regions and the Olive tree has been a source of food and medicine for millennia, first used by Ancient Romans, Greeks and Egyptians. In 1633, the English herbalist John Gerard said that Olive Leaves and Buds were useful in supporting the body’s proper function; and in the 1898 edition of King’s American Dispensatory it was noted that a strong decoction of Olive Leaves could play a role in regulating body temperature. The Leaf was traditionally used to support healthy glycemic, cardiovascular and immune health.

Properties:

The taste and energetics of Olive Leaf are bitter, cooling and astringent. Olive Leaf has an affinity to the cardiovascular system, musculoskeletal system, pancreas and immune system. Combine Olive Leaf with Fenugreek, Cinnamon, Aloe or Milk Thistle. To support circulation and blood vessels combine Olive Leaf with Bilberry Leaf, Hawthorn Leaf & Flower or Gotu Kola.

How to use:

1/2 to 1 teaspoon of Olive Leaf powder to one cup of boiling water. Steep for 15 minutes, strain and drink up to three cups a day.

Cautions & contraindications:

If you take any blood pressure medication or blood thinners or have diabetes, check with your doctor before taking Olive Leaf.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. Please consult your healthcare provider prior to the use of this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have a medical condition. Individual results may vary.