Olive leaf tea has been consumed for centuries in Mediterranean countries and has many beneficial qualities, including being rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal. It can help strengthen the immune system and relieve inflammatory conditions. Olive leaf extract and supplements are also available. There are no negative side effects from drinking the tea, but olive leaf extract can cause the Herxheimer effect.
Olive leaf tea is a mild tea made from the dried leaves of the olive tree. It has been consumed for hundreds of years in Mediterranean countries, where it was believed to have many health benefits. Current research has shown that this tea has many beneficial qualities, including being rich in antioxidants. It also works as an anti-inflammatory and has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Some people find the taste of olive leaf tea relaxing and pleasant. It has been described as a green tea, only milder and a bit minty. Honey tends to pair well with the light olive flavor. Steeping generally takes longer than with other teas, taking 4-7 minutes to bring out the full flavor. Loose olive leaf tea generally has a more intense flavor than what is found in tea bags.
Other olive products, such as olive oil and the olive fruits themselves, are known for their healthy traits. Olive leaves seem to have several good qualities of their own. For example, the leaves contain powerful antioxidants. They also contain oleuropein, a potent phytochemical that is said to be a natural antibiotic with antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral qualities. It may also have the ability to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Olive leaf tea can also help strengthen the immune system, helping to prevent colds and flu, and even shingles; the tea is sometimes used to relieve inflammatory conditions as well.
Olive leaf tea is typically made from Manzanillo and Mission olive trees. The leaves are washed after being picked, then allowed to air dry, out of direct sunlight. When properly stored, tea can stay fresh for about a year. If used after that time, it may lose some of its health benefits and taste.
The taste of olive leaf tea may not be for everyone. For those who can’t tolerate the taste, or just don’t want to drink the tea, there are other ways to get the health benefits of olive leaf. Olive leaf extract and olive leaf supplements are readily available in many health food stores and claim the same benefits of the tea. There are several websites that also offer olive leaf products.
Although not well studied, there does not appear to be any negative olive leaf side effects from drinking the tea. Olive leaf extract, however, has a notable side effect called the Herxheimer effect. This occurs when the olive leaf extract begins to kill bad microbes in the body, which can accumulate toxins. The body tries to help eliminate toxins and you can feel overwhelmed, causing symptoms such as diarrhea, fatigue, muscle aches, and headaches. These symptoms usually last a few days and can be reduced by drinking plenty of water.
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