Make Your Own Olive Leaf Tea For Incredible Health Benefits

Learn the health benefits of olive leaf and how to make your own olive leaf tea. Check out the article we found over at Healthy and Natural World.

The wonderful qualities of olive oil are well known to us all, but did you know you can also use the leaves of this magnificent tree? A variety of new studies reveal what ancient cultures knew for centuries – infusion made ​​of the olive leaves has extraordinary health properties that work against a wide variety of diseases and symptoms.

It all starts with phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are actually chemicals found in plants (phyto in Greek means plant) and aim to protect the plant against diseases and various pests. When we consume the plants, we absorb the phytochemicals into our body and allow them to also protect us from those hazards. One of those phytochemicals found in olive leaves is called oleuropein, and this is one of the main active ingredients responsible for it’s health benefits.

The Amazing health benefits of olive leaves:

1. Inhibition and prevention of cancer
Olive leaf extract has been shown to have anti melanoma effect in mice. Late phase tumor treatment significantly reduced tumor volume. Other studies have also shown protective capabilities against breast cancer and showed an arrested growth in a tissue culture of human breast cancer cells at an early stage in the growth cycle.

2. Building bone
A Spanish study from 2011 found that oleuropein stimulates production of bone-building cells (osteoblasts), thus preventing the loss of bone density and fights osteoporosis.

3. Anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties
The oleuropein, and other compound found in olive leaf, have a unique feature that makes the leaves particularly effective in fighting against various micro-organisms such as bacteria and viruses. These substances impair the ability of the viruses to create amino acids, thus preventing their ability to reproduce and multiply. These compounds act just against the micro-organisms, actually achieving what antibiotics could not achieve – a targeted attack of the problem, instead of attacking the micro-organisms along with the body.

4. Antioxidant effect
Olive leaf also contains many phenols, antioxidants that neutralize the action of free radicals. Free radicals are active substances that damage the process of creating DNA. A damaged replication of DNA causes our cells to age more rapidly.

How to prepare olive leaf tea at home?

Olive leaf can be purchased as an extract in health stores or online, but if you have access to olive trees, you can make your own tea,  just make sure the leaves are of a good quality and haven’t been sprayed with pesticides. Pick olive leaves in the mid-morning when any dew has dried. The leaves should ideally be oven-dried at just below 150 deg F. (65 deg C). When the leaves are dry, crush them by hand and remove the stalks. Steep 1 tsp of dried leaves in a cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes, then strain. You may drink three cups a day. The tea is bitter so sweeten with honey. Take this tea with food to avoid stomach irritation.

Side Effects
Olive leaf considers to be safe, but can interfere with certain chemotherapy drugs. In addition, people with low blood pressure are better to pay attention to their blood pressure, so the extract doesn’t reduce it too much. As a general rule, it’s always best to check with your doctor first before taking it.

Read full article: 10 Amazing Health Benefits of Olive Leaf and How to Make Your Own Olive Leaf Tea