Throughout centuries, the olive leaf was used for nutrition and medicine. The Bible shares many instances of the olive tree. The olive leaf was used even before Christ. Ezekiel 47:12 “The fruit thereof shall be for meat and the leaf thereof for medicine”. Christians claim that the leaf in this scenario is the olive. The Bible contains answers to some of the greatest problems. When properly comprehended, it addresses all our necessities and faults. Many cultures attributed divine power to the olive.
Egyptians also harvested oil from the olives and used it to protect their king’s bodies. It is hard to ignore how remarkable the first herb described in the scriptures is that of the olive leaf. (Genesis 8:11) “And the dove came to him in the evening, and lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf plucked off. So, Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth”. This symbolized the end of God’s wrath to humanity.
(Romans 11:24) “If you were cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree how much more will these, the natural branches be grafted back into their olive tree. According to (James 5:14), olive oil was a sacred tool. “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord”.
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Scientific Reports and Discovery of Wild Olive
The first documented description of the olive leaf was in 1854, when Daniel Hanbury published a paper on how fever and malaria are cured by the olive leaf. He got the following recipe: Boil a bunch of leaves in a tiny amount of water. Then give the patient 150 ml every three hours, until the fever is gone. In England, this process has been used for several years to treat sick people coming from tropical colonies.
A century later, researchers discovered oleuropein, an essential component of the olive leaf. Oleuropene prevents bacteria and insect damage. This also increases blood flow and provides relief from spasms in the intestinal muscle. After a few studies, it was found that oleuropein dissolves the outer lining of micro-organisms and thus kills them. Enolic acid is an element used in oleuropein.
It hinders bacterial and viral growth. Scientists in Tunis have found that an aqueous extract of olives has decreased the chances of developing lifestyle diseases. The olive leaf has become increasingly popular and recognized in science today. Some of the substances in the leaf are actually being used to treat pneumonia, tuberculosis, meningitis, flu and hepatitis B.
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Benefits of Olive Leaf Extract
Natural cancer treatment – Oleuropein has an anti-angiogenic and antioxidant effect. This increases tumor growth by hindering cancerous cell development. The olive leaf extracts contain high levels of antioxidant, according to studies conducted in Greece. The extracts hinder the development of breast, bladder and brain cancerous cells.
The cure for Arthritis – The extracts of the olive leaves serve as anti-inflammatory agents. It reduces the pain that happens as bones rub together and cut down the development of inflammatory enzymes and cytokines.
Eliminates fungi and bacteria – Olive leaf extract is known for combating infections of the bacteria and fungi. It also treats infections in the ear and in the urinary tract. The extracts destroy dermatophytes which cause infections of the skin, nails and hair.
Boosts immune system – It has properties to counter harmful viruses, and to prevent flu. Research has shown that people taking olive tea are less likely to get respiratory infections like influenza. The leaf is particularly beneficial to humans and animals alike.
Healthy skin – The olive leaf has anti-aging characteristics. It is achieved by its antioxidants which prevent oxidation from damaging cells. For optimum benefits, it can be ingested orally or applied directly to the skin.
Lowers blood pressure – According to a study carried in 2011 when two hundred and fifty milligrams of olive leaf extract is taken twice a day for two months, blood pressure reduces significantly. Olive leaf extract has more benefits compared to Captopril which is the approved high blood pressure drug as it also decreases cholesterol levels.
Choosing to take extract of olive leaves over Captopril will save you from side effects including dry cough, dizziness and headaches. Oleuropein acts by relaxing the arteries, controlling blood pressure, and raising clot formation. Extracts of olive leaves enhance blood flow to all parts of the body, control heartbeat and maintain blood sugar levels.
Neuroprotection – Extracts of olive leaves counteract Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s. The extracts protect the central nervous system and the brain against damage caused by the aging and strokes. Extracts from olive leaves boost memory and increase concentration. This does this by reducing oxidative stress and harmful proteins.
Improves mood and fights cholesterol – Olive oil is a healthy fat which has effects on the hormone balance. Depression and anxiety also have to do with low-fat diets. Cognitive problems arise when there is inadequate substance, such as serotonin and dopamine. These hormones help with faster processing of emotions, enhancing mood and adequate sleep. On top of that, the olive leaf prevents bad cholesterol from developing by preventing oxidation. Oxidized cholesterol is highly harmful to our health and is responsible for weight gain.
Stronger bones – Oleuropein stimulates the development of osteoblasts which are the bone building cells in the body. This enables you to age beautifully with high bone density.
How to Prepare Olive Extract at Home
You will need fresh olive leaves, ethanol or vodka that has 40% alcohol content, a glass pickle jar with a wide neck, muslin and glass dropper bottles.
Preparation Procedure
- Shred the leaves until they become mulchy; then put the shredded leaves in a glass jar and cover them with ethanol.
- Close the glass jar and place it in a dark place with moderate temperature.
- Ensure that you shake the glass jar daily and that the alcohol is enough to cover all the leaves.
- After two weeks, your tincture is ready; filter and bottle the solution.
Dosing (oral)
Take 30 ml of olive oil daily, to alleviate high blood pressure. A dosage of 30 ml is recommended to prevent constipation. In case you suffer from cholesterol, all you need are two tablespoons of olive oil a day. Consume about a liter of olive oil every week to prevent cardiac arrest.
Precautions
Olive oil reduces blood sugar, and people with diabetes can ensure their blood sugar level is tested regularly before using it. In addition, if you are expected to undergo surgery, it is best to avoid taking it at least two weeks before, because it can alter blood sugar. Nevertheless, olive extract is recommended after surgery, as it facilitates wound healing.
In a nutshell…
… the best way to get those benefits is to make your own olive leaf extract. We also need to accept the “Tree of Life” and appreciate all of its benefits. All races should be enlightened about this sacred tree, and all those who wasted thousands of dollars trying to get cured should seek the extract of the olive leaf.
