- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Europe (Mediterranean), Asia (west), Africa (north)
- Other names
- Olijfblad
- Traditions
- Ancient Egyptian medicine, Greco-Roman medicine
Europe · Food · № 362
Olea europaea
Food · Europe
Olive
Olea europaea
Olive oil is the basis of the Mediterranean diet, which is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Olive leaf extract is sold as a remedy for infections and high blood pressure; the evidence for this is limited and there is no evidence that it treats flu or other viral infections.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Preparation
Olive oil in food or on the skin; olive leaves as tea or extract. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
The olive has been grown around the Mediterranean for 6,000 years. In ancient Egypt and Greece olive oil was food, lamp oil, ointment and a base for medicines; athletes rubbed themselves with it. Hippocrates called it 'the great healer'. An olive branch is the symbol of peace.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbs for viral infections
Attributed effects
Antiviral and antibacterial (oleuropein), inhibits viral replication, lowers fever; especially against flu; further for high blood pressure, insect bites, arthritis, diseases of old age.
Preparation and amount
Olive leaf extract according to the package leaflet, or olive (oil) in food (30–40 g a day).
Natural skin and hair care
Attributed effects
Cares for and hydrates the hair.
Preparation and amount
External: olive oil in nourishing hair treatment (castile soap is olive oil soap).
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)
- Recipes
- Nourishing hair treatment