CategoryHerbs & Supplements
Olea europae, Oleaceae (family).
Olive leaves come from the olive tree (Olea europae), a native of the Mediterranean. Although olives and olive oil are used as foods, olive leaf is primarily used medicinally or as a tea.
Laboratory studies indicate that olive leaf may be beneficial as an antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, or antioxidant. However, there is insufficient evidence in humans to support the use of olive leaf for any indication.
In the Middle East, olive leaf tea has been used for centuries to treat sore throat, coughs, fevers, high blood pressure, cystitis (bladder infection), and gout (foot inflammation), and to improve general health. Olive leaf poultices have been applied to the skin to treat dermatological conditions, such as boils, rashes, and warts.
EvidenceDISCLAIMER: These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
TraditionWARNING: DISCLAIMER: The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.
Antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, antiviral, boils, common cold, conjunctivitis (pink =eye), controlling blood pressure, coughs, cystitis (inflamed bladder), ear infections, eye infections, fever, gout (inflamed foot), herpes simplex- 1 virus, high blood pressure, HIV/ AIDS, impetigo (pus- filled blisters), influenza, mouth and throat infections, nose infection, parasites, rashes, skin conditions, sore throat, tonic, warts.