Olive Leaf Tea: Uses, Health Benefits & How to Make It

The olive tree offers several potential health benefits because its leaves and fruits contain important chemical compounds, such as olein, palmitic acid, stearin, cycloartanol, benzoic acid, and mannitol. These components are often studied for their biological and antioxidant properties.

Olive leaf tea is prepared from the leaves of the olive tree, which contain active substances believed to support digestion and help regulate blood sugar levels. These compounds are also associated with protective effects on blood pressure and cellular health.

Despite these potential benefits, olive leaf tea should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. It is recommended to consult a doctor or a healthcare professional experienced in medicinal plants to determine the appropriate dosage and duration of use.

What olive leaf tea is used for

Olive leaf tea is associated with several health benefits, and its main uses include:

1. Improve digestion

Olive leaf tea may help soothe irritative and inflammatory digestive conditions such as indigestion, heartburn, gastritis, colitis, and peptic ulcers. It has also been traditionally used for gastric lavage in cases of poisoning by corrosive substances, as it may help soothe irritated mucosa and promote elimination.

Because it can stimulate bile flow, olive leaf tea may also support liver and gallbladder function. In addition, it may be used in warm enemas to help relieve constipation.

2. Help with weight loss

Olive leaves may help lower blood sugar levels, which can reduce circulating insulin levels. This effect may contribute to less fat accumulation in the abdominal area and better control of blood sugar spikes, potentially leading to lower overall calorie intake.

Because of this blood sugar lowering effect, olive leaves may also be useful for people with diabetes as a complementary approach alongside medical treatment.

3. Reduce blood pressure

Olive leaf tea may help relax blood vessels, promoting vasodilation and lowering blood pressure. For this reason, it is sometimes used in cases of hypertension, angina, arrhythmias, and other circulatory conditions.

4. Improve flu and colds

Drinking hot olive leaf tea can increase sweating, which may help regulate body temperature and reduce fever.

Olive leaf tea may also help soothe dry, irritating coughs as well as coughs with mucus. It has traditionally been used to support the treatment of laryngitis and other upper respiratory tract infections.

5. Help treat cancer

Olive leaves contain antioxidants such as hydroxytyrosol, caffeic acid, oleuropein, and tyrosol, which may help protect cell membranes from damage caused by free radicals. For this reason, olive leaf compounds have been studied for their potential role in reducing the risk of certain cancers, such as breast cancer and promyelocytic leukemia, and in slowing cellular aging.

6. Improve skin problems

Olive leaves may be used for various skin conditions, including boils, eczema, herpes simplex, dry skin, brittle nails, insect bites and stings, and minor burns.

Tea made from olive leaves may also be used as an oral antiseptic for gum bleeding and infections. It can be used for gargling and may help relieve sore throat discomfort.

7. Help reduce inflammation

Olive leaves contain oleocanthal, a compound with anti-inflammatory activity that has properties similar to ibuprofen. This substance may help reduce inflammation related symptoms and improve associated discomfort.

8. Help control blood glucose levels

Oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol found in olive leaves have hypoglycemic properties that may help lower blood sugar levels.

Tyrosol may also help protect against conditions related to elevated blood glucose levels, such as diabetes.

How to make olive leaf tea

Olive leaf tea is prepared using olive leaves, which contain the active substances responsible for its medicinal properties.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of fresh, crushed olive leaves

• 1 liter of boiling water

Preparation method

• Add the fresh olive leaves to the boiling water and let steep for 10 to 15 minutes

• Strain and drink 1 cup, 3 times per day

Because olive leaf tea may have antihypertensive effects, it is important to consult a doctor before using it. It may alter blood pressure levels and, in some cases, cause hypotension, which is characterized by a sudden drop in blood pressure.

Olive leaf supplement

Olive leaves are also available as dietary supplements in the form of dry extract. The commonly recommended dose is 275 mg taken 3 to 5 times per day, with a total daily intake ranging from 630 mg to 1,375 mg.

It is important to read the product label and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Regardless of the form used, olive leaf products do not replace medical treatment and should only be used under medical guidance.

Possible side effects

Side effects associated with olive leaf tea are rare but may include low blood pressure, low blood sugar, or diarrhea when taken in high doses or by sensitive individuals.

When it is not recommended

Olive leaf use is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as there is insufficient scientific evidence confirming its safety during these periods. It is also not recommended for children and adolescents.

People who are taking medications to lower blood pressure and or blood glucose should consult a doctor before using olive leaf tea or olive leaf supplements. Combining these products with medication may increase the risk of hypotension or hypoglycemia.