Unlock Your Natural Beauty: Learn About Olive Leaf Extract Benefits, Uses, And More! 

Olives are amazing! Have you heard of anyone who doesn’t like at least one form of an olive? Be it an aglio e olio made with olive oil goodness or some good ol’ pieces of olives on a pizza. Everyone seems to enjoy them in their own way. And they’re so good for your health that indulging in them will not guilt trip you to do some extra weights in the gym the very next day. You know olives are so abundant with goodness that the Mediterranean diet- which of course is filled with them- is considered one of the healthiest in the whole wide world. Well, if you didn’t now you do! :) 

However, were you aware that beyond the beloved olive oil, the olive leaves are also very beneficial for your health and SKIN? Well, the olive leaf extract has been a historical beauty secret for the people of the Mediterranean! If you weren’t aware of the greatness of olive leaf extract, don’t worry. We are here to rescue you! In this blog, we’ve covered everything for you, from the secret benefits of olive leaf extract to how you may use it, so you can also give your skin a hug of care and love!  

But before we get to the juicier part of this blog (like learning about olive leaf extract benefits), let’s revisit a few facts about olive.

Olive- The Liquid Gold

The olive plant/ tree ( or as scientifically called Olea europaea) belongs to the family Oleaceae, which is native to the Mediterranean region, along with Africa and Asia. It flourishes well in places with dry and warm summers and dry and mild winters. A full-grown olive tree typically stands up to 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters) tall, with leaves thick and pointy in shape (almost like a lance). 

The olive tree bears white-fragrant flowers that often bloom in clusters- which develop into olive fruits. Now, when mature, these fruits can either turn deep purple/blackish or green in color.1 

Historic Significance Of Olives

For a very long time, olive plants have been cultivated for their fruits, firewood, and olive oil. Also, way before the olive leaves could be used as skin-related or health-related remedies, they were used in medicinal tea. 

Moreover, in ancient Greece, everyone would meticulously lather themselves with olive oil once a day. Apart from being medicinal and a crucial lifestyle essential, the olive has held great significance in religious rituals. It was also considered an emblem of wealth, peace, and prosperity.2  

Now that you’re well versed with the olive tree and its origin, let’s explore the health benefits of olive leaf extract and everything you need to know about it! 

But first, let’s take a look at…

What Is Olive Leaf Extract?

As the name suggests, olive leaf extract (OLE) is derived from olive leaves. The olive leaf extract is often mixed with organic dry or other organic solvents and consists of flavonoids and polyphenols. Olive leaf extract has up to 20 % of oleuropein, which is sold in capsule, liquid, or tablet forms.3 Moreover, oleuropein extracted from olive leaves has antioxidant as well as anti-inflammatory properties- which help prevent the attack of fungi, parasites, and bacterium. It also promotes circulation- helping with hypertension (high blood pressure), boosting immunity, enhancing cognitive function, and regulating cholesterol.4 

Oleuropein also has Elenoilc acid, which has an antibacterial property, making olive leaf extract even more favorable for medicinal uses. Oleuropein is known to have a soothing effect on gums, ears, and urinary tract infections (that may have developed due to surgery).4 Lastly, people also take olive oil extract to help with the digestive system, wound healing, and prevent nerve damage.4

Health Benefits Of Olive Leaf Extracts

As mentioned earlier, olive leaf extracts have high amounts of oleuropein- which has several health-related benefits. Some of these are mentioned below: 

1. Maintaining Blood Sugar Levels 

Olive leaf extracts have long been used to control diabetes. As per the research, oleuropein has an antidiabetic property that promotes insulin production. Another study suggests that olive leaf extract can be a potential cure and preventive supplement against Type 2 diabetes.3 

1. Cardiovascular Effects And Hyperlipidemia

Every 33 seconds in the United States, a person succumbs to cardiovascular diseases.5 However, there’s a ray of hope- olive leaf extract, which has proven beneficial in cholesterol regulation or hyperlipidemia (high fat/ lipid content in the blood); and prevention of subsequent cardiovascular complications. Another study has also demonstrated that oleuropein can potentially decrease the composition of “bad cholesterol.” Now, all of the research may still be in the nascent stage, though once developed effectively, the health benefits of olive leaf extract will be maximized.

1. Weight Loss And Management

This topic is a bit controversial since losing weight consists of various steps. Moreover, every individual body reacts differently, so we cannot say for sure that it definitely helps with weight loss and management. However, there have been studies that reflect that olive leaf extract can potentially help with appetite management, leading to weight gain and low cholesterol.6

1. Natural Therapy For Medicinal Effects

Olive leaf extract helps with rheumatism and there’s evidence to support that! Olive leaf extract is highly potent in decreasing cell damage that occurs in the initial stage. Also, it’s widely used to calm sciatica pain. Additionally, if you’re struggling with inflammation, fungal, bacterial, or viral infections and want to venture into natural therapy, then olive leaf extract is a must-try-on product for you!3

All in all, it’s considered comparatively safe to use olive leaf extract to prevent high cholesterol, hypertension, pain, swelling, etc. However, we recommend talking to your healthcare provider before you employ the extract (or any olive leaf-infused product) for any of the above-mentioned effects/ treatments.5  

Beauty Benefits Of Olive Leaf Extract

In the previous section, we read about the health benefits of olive leaf extract, but there’s more to it! The leaf extract of olive can also help you enhance your natural beauty. Want to know? Here’s how: 

1. On Skin 

Your skin is the largest organ in your body, so you need to take extra care of it! Now, as you age, your skin tends to show signs of aging due to time, environmental elements, pollutants, sun exposure, and weather. However, this premature aging of the skin can be prevented by applying olive leaf extract. It works wonders by creating a layer of protection while providing deep hydration, skin repair, and nourishment. As oleuropein is known to have anti-inflammatory and, anti-microbial properties, it may even help with getting rid of redness and skin irritation.3 Furthermore, the application of olive leaf extract has been also associated with wound healing, UV protection, and cancer protection!9

1. On Hair

Having protectant properties, olive leaf extract is also very potent in protecting hair and scalp. It promotes the natural shine and smoothness of the strands and is effective in guarding the hair against the dreadful UV rays!3 

1. On Wounds, Broken Skin, Infected Skin And Allergy-Prone Skin

As olive leaf extract has healing qualities, its application on rashes and wounds is highly beneficial. Moreover, it also may aid in draining the fluid buildup /puss, promoting faster wound healing and skin infection.3

After learning all the health and skin-related benefits of olive leaf extract, you must be eager to get the goodness of olive leaf extract. To help you with that, we’ve elaborated a few ways in the upcoming section so that you can reap the benefits of olive leaf extract! 

How To Use Olive Leaf Extract?

You can get the benefits of olive leaf extract, either by using its topical solution or supplement format. In the following, we’ve mentioned tips for employing both the formats:

A) Olive Leaf Extract For Enhancing Your Beauty!

1. Cleanse Your Face Clean With The Wonder Extract

Olive leaf extract is specialized gentle pore cleansing, absorption of oil without stripping your skin from its natural oils. You can use a cleanser with infused olive leaf extract on your face to diminish acne (caused by bacteria) without drying your skin. It may also help with pigmentation, discoloration, and lightening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 
So when you choose cleansing products for your skin, ensure to look for olive leaf extract as it will not only be subtle on your skin but will keep the acne-causing bacteria at bay!

1. Rejuvenate Your Scalp And Hair

You probably do not realize but your scalp is exposed the most to harmful UV rays, which often roots to hair-related problems. By using olive leaf extract with your hair oil, shampoo, and leave-in conditioner, you can limit UV damage. Furthermore, it’ll also give your hair a luster and great strength.

1. Natural Topical Medicine

Since olive leaf extract has medicinal properties (such as antifungal and antibacterial), it can be used to accelerate wound healing. Moreover, if someone is struggling with foot fungus, they can have an antifungal foot bath to get rid of the infection.

B) Olive Leaf Extract For Your Health

Olive leaf extract supplement may not cure all your ailments in a matter of days, but given that it has minimum to low side effects, you may consider taking it for: 

• Improving immune system
• Maintaining blood sugar levels
• Managing low blood pressure levels
• Reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular risk
• Reducing inflammation

The suggested dosage for olive oil extract supplement is 500-1,000 milligrams a day. However, you can start by initially taking a smaller dosage and then building your dose up gradually. 

Olive Leaf Extract Side Effects

Every form of supplement you take potentially has a certain degree of side effects, and they may not necessarily develop in everyone. Nonetheless, some people tend to develop these side effects easily. Listed below are some of the symptoms of the olive leaf extract side effects that you may need to look out for:7

• Coughing
• Headache
• Stomach issues
• Vertigo

Moreover, if someone is carrying a child with them, it’s highly recommended for them to seek their doctor’s advice first before taking the olive leaf extract supplement.

Final Take!

As we take off from our exploration into the world of olives, it’s evident that every bit of this natural treasure holds immense potential for both health and skincare! Specifically, how beneficial yet underappreciated the olive leaf extract is! From being useful against bacterial action and fungi- to protecting your cardiovascular health and combating the signs of aging, the olive leaf extract seems to be a promising solution to a lot of healthcare as well as skin care-related issues! 

By incorporating the goodness of olive leaf extract into your routine you’ll not only nurture your body but may also achieve optimal natural beauty from within! Whether combating your inner ailments or hoping to achieve a youthful glow -olive leaf extract is there for you at every step. 

Lastly, as you embark on this journey of natural holistic rejuvenation, we wish you the best and sure hope that olive leaf extract helps you unveil your true radiance! 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and recommendations tailored to your specific skin condition or health concerns. The content in this blog is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Any reliance you place on the information from this blog is at your own risk. We do not endorse or guarantee the efficacy of any specific skincare products or treatments mentioned in this blog. Individual results may vary. If you have a medical emergency or a severe skin condition, seek immediate medical attention.

References: 

1. https://sites.redlands.edu/trees/species-accounts/olive/ 
2. https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Olive 
3. https://karger.com/anm/article/76/1/10/52354/Olive-Leaf-Olea-europaea-L-folium-Potential 
4. https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/blog/products/all-about-olive-leaf-extract.html#history-of-olive-leaf-extract 
5. https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm#:~:text=Heart%20disease%20is%20the%20leading,groups%20in%20the%20United%20States.&text=One%20person%20dies%20every%2033,United%20States%20from%20cardiovascular%20disease.&text=About%20695%2C000%20people%20in%20the,1%20in%20every%205%20deaths. 
6. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-olive-leaf-extract 
7. https://www.healthline.com/health/olive-leaf-extract#side-effects