Olive leaf – When you think of it, it is peace that comes your mind, isn’t it? Yes, the dove carrying olive branch has been used as a symbol of peace right from the 5th century B.C. It is generally believed that the dove is the symbol of peace in ‘Dove and olive’ but it is not true. It is the olive that is actually the symbol of peace. Olive leaf is native to Asia and Syria but is cultivated in abundance Mediterranean countries. Its scientific name is Olea euorpaea.
According to Greek mythology, Athena – Goddess of wisdom, planted the first Olive tree at Acropolis and instilled the tree with powers of healing and nourishment. It is of no wonder that olive leaves have been used for health maintenance for centuries. It was first used medicinally by the Egyptians. The modern medicine recognized its medical uses only after the year 1900. Many researches and studies have been conducted to prove the health benefits of olive leaves.
Olive leaves are miraculous source of health with numerous health benefits. Most people seem to have knowledge about the benefits of olive oil and fruits but not about olive leaves. Olive leaves are rich sources of flavonoids, anthocyanins and polyphenols etc. That makes them the miraculous source of health and immunity.
1. Immunity and Antibiotic properties of Olive leaf
Improving the immunity is the secret weapon to fight against all diseases and to stay healthy and fit. Olive leaf contains oleuropein which is known for its antibacterial and antiviral effects. It helps in keeping away colds, yeast infections, allergies, fungal infections and sinus infections etc. What do most antibiotics do? They kill the beneficial bacteria along with the disease causing pathogens. What is the result? The immunity levels are lowered and the risk of occurrence of yeast infections and others are increased. Olive leaf inactivates the pathogens and not the good bacteria.
2. Antioxidant properties of Olive leaf
The antioxidant properties of olive leaf is higher than green tea. There are many health benefits caused by the antioxidant properties of olive leaf. These benefits are clearly stated in http://www.about-olive-leaf-extract.com/benefits-of-olive-leaf-extract.html.
3. Anti inflammatory properties
4. Diabetes
5. Blood clotting
6. Stomach disorders
7. Cancer
8. Increased energy
9. Mental health
10. Anti-microbial properties
Olive leaf extracts are available in tablets and tonic forms in the market. It can be powdered at home and used in many ways.
Keep the leaves on a large tray or long piece of cloth and place it in the sunlight. Let it dry completely. Make sure you store the leaves in a box overnight. Repeat the process until the leaves are completely dry. Dry grind the leaves and store it in a airtight container.
You can add it to juices, soups and salads. If you feel that the powder spoils the taste of your recipes, you can fill empty capsules with this powder. You can take a capsule a day. This improves the immunity. If taken regularly you can prevent the occurrence and recurrence of flu and yeast infection and it is also used in sinus infection remedies.
Do you have cold? You can take 3 capsules a day or mix a teaspoon in hot water and drink it. Do you have diabetes? You can take up to one teaspoon a day to lower the sugar levels. This is the recommendation in http://www.naturalnews.com/026950_olive_leaf_healing_flu.html
Olive leaf tea has a unique taste. Drink olive leaf tea and avoid caffeine. It can also be added to green tea. You can feel energetic if you drink olive leaf tea in the morning.
Summary
Olive leaf is a natural wonder with amazing health benefits. Most of the olive leaf health benefits have been proved, but it is better to consult your doctor before taking olive leaf capsules or other extracts.