Contents:

• Health benefits of olive leaves
• How to use dried olive leaves?

Everyone knows about olive oil and olives . We know how healthy they are, how, and why they're worth eating. However, not everyone knows that you can also use an infusion or extract of olive leaves to promote health. Olive trees grow mainly in the Mediterranean region, in Greece, Italy, Spain, Israel, and Turkey. Its leaves are narrow, up to 10 cm long, and have an interesting silver-green color. They also have a thin, elongated shape. Let's examine when it's advisable to use olive leaves and what effects they have on our health and well-being.

Health benefits of olive leaves

Oleuropein is responsible for the health-promoting properties of olive leaves—a compound that is part of the polyphenols and is responsible for strengthening the body's overall immunity. Oleuropein also has immunostimulating properties, meaning it activates cells that fight bacteria and viruses. Therefore, the use of olive tree leaves rich in oleuropein supports the treatment of diseases caused by harmful pathogens. Olive leaves also have a hypoglycemic effect, meaning they help lower blood sugar and control glucose levels, support the fight against diabetes, and influence the regulation of thyroid hormone levels. However, this is not the only effect of oleuropein—it relieves the symptoms of dementia. Thanks to their high antioxidant content, olive leaves are also effective when applied externally and in the form of teas, helping to delay skin aging, improve the condition of the skin and the entire body, and visibly reduce cellulite. In addition, these leaves have antiviral properties and help fight various diseases and ailments, such as:

• Herpes,
• weakened immunity,
• Fungus of the skin and nails,
• Acne,
• Skin lesions caused by streptococcal and staphylococcal bacteria.

In summary, olive tree leaves:

• anti-inflammatory,
• antifungal,
• antiviral,
• hypoglycemic,
• Strengthening immunity,
• delay the action of free radicals,
• support the work of the cardiovascular system.

How to use dried olive leaves?

Olive leaves can be taken in capsule form at the recommended dosage on the package. You can also choose dried olive leaves. Simply place about a dozen leaves in a pot, add water, and boil. After boiling, let stand for about 10 minutes. Strain and add a little honey. Another method is to pour boiling water directly over a few leaves in a cup and let it steep for about 10 minutes. The resulting infusion, which has antibacterial and moisturizing properties, can be used to wash the skin.

Although the use of olive leaves is quite unpopular in our country, it is actually very simple and safe, and above all, it can provide us with numerous health benefits. Due to its antihypertensive properties, olive leaves should be used with caution by people who regularly take blood pressure medication, as well as by diabetics taking blood sugar-lowering medications. Olive leaves are not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.