Olives bring a multitude of benefits to our wellness with visible results inside and outside our bodies. No wonder that people have been using olive leaf extract since ancient times.
Olive leaf extract benefits
The olive leaves are processed to extract Oleuropein, a chemical compound that has been used for traditional medicine for centuries. This bitter extract has pharmaceutical properties such as:
Antioxidant
Anti-aging
Protects the skin
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-viral
Anti-microbial
Anti-cancer
Anti-atherogenic
Anti-rheumatic
Antipyretic
Diuretic
Neuroprotective activity
A number of scientific studies have shown its benefits for people suffering from heart diseases, its healing proprieties including:
Vasodilatory action
Hypotensive action
The olive leaf extract can be bought in the form of powder, capsules, and liquid (tincture). It’s worth reading a few reviews before deciding which one to choose and work out which formula would better suit your needs. Check the labeling for the ingredients list, dosage, and eventual side effects.
Olive leaf extract side effects
If you are worried about the eventual side effects of consuming this extract here is a list that we think it might prove useful for you:
Clinical studies show no side effects of consuming olive leaf extract.
People suffering from diabetes need to be aware of the hypoglycaemic effects, reducing blood sugar levels. It is recommended to pay attention to the amount taken.
When taking medication for long-term conditions, such as hypertension pills, have a discussion with your doctor. Your doctor could give you recommendations linked with the appropriate dosage of olive leaf extract supplements to be taken daily.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding it is recommended to discuss about taking olive leaf extract supplements with your doctor
Children – ask for medical advice before giving any kind of supplements to children to avoid allergies or other complications.
In relation to the side effects of olive leaf extract on the skin – eruptions have been reported as a result of the antibacterial action, a reaction known as Herxheimers. It was observed by two dermatologists in 1895 whilst treating Syphilis with the aid of olive leaf.
Some people reported a feeling of nausea when taken on an empty stomach. It is recommended to take your extract with your meal or just before it.
As with any food supplement, any underlying illnesses could cause various body reactions. Our advice is to talk to a pharmacist if there are any issues or questions that need to be answered before taking the olive leaf extract.
Quantities might need to be adjusted, your body might react differently to each dosage.
Olive leaf extract dosage
As the extract comes in various forms, the exact dosage cannot be prescribed. Each type of supplement will have the precise dosage included in the package information.
Patients with diabetes, heart conditions, pregnant, and breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before taking any supplements and ask for dosage tips.
Depending on your situation and the reason you may want to use the olive leaf extract, the dosage might need to be adjusted.
If you are ever in doubt it is worth asking a pharmacist about the correct amount that you should use when taking olive leaf extract supplements of any type.
As we said previously, look for any side effects when you first start using this extract. Start with a smaller dosage and increase the amount step by step to avoid any unpleasant side effects.
Olive leaf extract uses
As you have seen there are multiple benefits brought by the olive leaf extract, backtracked scientifically in the pharmaceutical study. Here are some of its uses:
To boost immunity
To prevent infections
To prevent and alleviate allergies
Fight against cold
To help fight off infections
Alleviates fever discomfort
Alleviates flu symptoms
Used daily can act as a preventing aid against common viruses
Used for a good digestion
To lower high blood pressure
Improving skin appearance
Help against hair loss
As nourishment for hair and nails
Taken before/after exposure to X-ray radiation to protect healthy cells
Healthy supplement during a diet for weight loss
Helps weight management
As an aid to managing stress
Alleviates respiratory symptoms (protects the lungs)
To combat tiredness
Used to improve symptoms given by arrhythmia
Used to help against fungal yeast growth (Candida Albicans) and other fungal infections
Used to aid your gut
Used against bacteria and bacterial infections (antiseptic)without killing the good bacteria that live in our bodies
At the moment, you can buy on the market olive leaf extract supplements in these formats:
Capsules
Powder
Liquid
Spray
Olive leaf extract Capsules:
Taking olive leaf extract in the form of capsules is the fastest and easiest option. You just need a glass of water and that’s all.
Capsules offer a higher quantity for the same amount of money when compared with liquid extract. They are easier to carry and travel, especially on holidays.
Also, you won’t need to worry about the bitter taste given by the Oleuropein content.
1. Sunergetic Premium Olive Leaf Extract Capsules
The company prides itself on its high-quality products. Their products are made in a GMP certified facility.
This olive leaf extract food supplement comes in packaging containing 120 capsules. Each capsule contains olive leaves in a quantity of 750 mg with 150mg Oleuropein.
The suggested dosage is 1 capsule taken once or twice per day with your meal.
Pros:
Good quantity for daily use
Strong dosage in each capsule
Easy to transport
Standardized 20% Oleuropein
Doesn’t leave a bad aftertaste
Easy to swallow
They don’t contain lead
Vegetarian
Good report price/quality
Cons:
Strong dosage – might need to be adapted for some people
This product is manufactured in the United States, in a GMP facility, by Olivus. The company prides itself on sourcing the best organic ingredients for its supplements.
Olivus Olive Leaf Extract Capsules are vegetarian, contain 25% Oleuropein, with a shelf life of two years from the production date that can be found on their packaging. The recommended dosage is 1 to 2 capsules per day taken with a glass of water. This amount can be increased during illness periods.
Pros:
Easy to store
A high content of Oleuropein
Sourced from Spanish olive trees
Vegetarian-friendly
No fillers were used
Enough for a month
Don’t leave a bitter aftertaste
Excellent results in common colds (users reviews)
Cons:
The high content of extract might affect people suffering from allergies, ask expert opinion before using
Olive leaf extract Powder
The powder is made by processing the dried olive leaves.
It can come in various sizes and is good to use daily as added into your food as a food supplement. If wanted, the powder can be mixed to create your own tincture.
You can use the powder olive leaf extract to infuse your daily cup of tea.
It can also be used as an ingredient to create your own cosmetics such as home-made soaps, bath bombs, shampoos, conditioners or creams.
It is made from organic olive leaves imported from Spain.
This powder olive leaf extract comes rather surprisingly in a plastic jar instead of a bag. This makes for easier storage around the house and easy to travel with. When not using the powder extract it needs to be stored in a place away from direct sunlight and heat and kept away from humidity.
Olivus recommends as a dosage: a quarter or half a teaspoon daily. This can be adjusted as needed and as per the doctor’s/ pharmacist’s recommendation.
Pros:
Good quantity for daily use – 8 ounces
High strength dosage
Easy to transport
Easy to store
Standardized 25% Oleuropein
Shelf life – 2 years
Good report price/quality
Cons:
Very strong dosage – might need to be adapted for some people
Could cause allergy due to its strength
A bit pricey
Olive leaf extract Tincture Liquid
Tincture olive leaf supplements are a good way to add to your drinks or yogurt. It is important to follow up the instructions on the dosage as it could irritate your stomach due to its strength.
A disadvantage might be the strong bitter taste, but as it usually is taken once per day, it becomes easier to get used to the taste.
This extract is easy to use and is sufficient for around 130 servings. It is produced and sold by Herbal Wellness International.
Pros:
Contains 20% Oleuropein
Easy to store
Easy to use
No additives
Suitable for vegans
Fast absorption
Cons:
very bitter taste
Conclusion:
As you can see it is easy to find products that contain olive leaf extract. To choose your favorite product you need to think about why you want to start using these supplements, what type do you prefer (liquid, capsules, or powder), and pay attention to any adverse reactions.
Based on other customers’ reviews and opinions along with our own period of testing, we recommend Olivus Olive Leaf Extract supplements as they contain a high amount of Oleuropein.
Please remember to check the dosage on the packaging of the chosen product and consult a health specialist if you suffer from long term illnesses and allergies.
