Olive Leaf

I decided I would post something that I consider a hobby. I love to research and sometimes personally test alternative therapy/medicines. With that said...

Other than using Airborne, if anyone is thinking of an alternative way to ward off colds along with other bacterial infections, I can actually vouch for this one. Olive Leaf works for preventing colds. I have been the only one to not get sick this past winter, and I think Olive leaf had something to do with it. I purchased olive leaf capsules 150mg 20% oleuropein. After researching, the percentage of oleuropein is more important than the mg taken, and the body can only utilize 20% of oleuropein every 4 hours, however, some research may say 40%.

I began taking Olive leaf at the beginning of December last year. I took 2 capsules daily and sometimes up to 4, when everyone I knew had a cold. I was the only one to not get sick. I actually went throughout winter without catching a cold. I stopped taking olive leaf at the end of March. I personally don't believe in taking anything daily permanently. Not even a vitamin. Just to give my liver a break, and not become addicted to any substance.

I also purchased the loose leaves from a local organic food and herb market, and prepared it as a tea. I did not go by any measuring tools for this. I just put 1-2 leaves/ cup of water and boiled it. I brewed a cup of tea everyday along with taking 2- 4 capsules internally when I felt like my body was given in to susceptibility. I must say that I think the tea preparation works just as good, if not better than the capsules. One warning, olive leaf tea is not like your classic tea. It is an acquired taste.

Not only is Olive Leaf known to be an immune system booster, it is an antibacterial/anti-fungal agent, blood pressure reducer, and blood sugar reducer as well. With that said, I am naturally hypoglycemic and had to made sure to use honey as a sweetener for the tea, because, yes, I did feel the affects of my blood sugar dropping too low. Please be careful with this herb. It works, but if you have low blood sugar, diabetes, hypotension, or even hypertension, please consult your physician first prior to use if need be. Warning, many doctors are truly into Western medicine and tend not to travel outside of this realm. You may want to consult a DO instead of an MD if this is the case. Of course anyone truly knowledgeable practitioner of herbal medicine will be able to elaborate more on the advantages and disadvantages of olive leaf.

I hope this information is helpful to someone.

FYI, I intentionally do not include my sources. I believe that everyone should do their own research before taking any traditional or alternative medicine. This is a hobby! I am a healthcare professional, but I am not a DO, MD, or consultant. Do your research first.