Most people across the globe are familiar with the health benefits of olive oil. However, there is also another key part of the olive tree that has many reported medical applications and therapeutic activity –  the olive leaf.

The olive leaf has been used as a health remedy for many centuries, dating back to the Ancient Egyptians. The Bible references the use of olive leaf in medicine – “the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.”

In more recent years, there is a growing body of scientific evidence evolving that demonstrates the clinical effectiveness of the olive leaf for a variety of diseases and conditions.

Olive leaf has been incorporated in the diet as an extract, tea and powder (in consumable products and cosmetic preparations). The leaf contains a wide variety of bioactive compounds that are beneficial for health and wellness.^1,2

References

1. Vogel P, Machado I, Garavaglia J, et al. Polyphenol benefits of olive leaf (Olea europaea L.) to human health. Nutr Hosp. 2015;31(3):1427–33.
2. Ali Hashmi M, Hanif M, Farooq U, et al. Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Olea europaea (Olive). Ev Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015; doi:10.1155/2015/541591.