Long used in traditional medicine, olive leaf extract comes from the leaves of the olive tree (Olea europaea) and has a variety of health benefits. Research shows oleuropein, the main component in olive leaf extract, has antioxidant, antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-stimulating properties.
Olive leaves have a bitter taste, so when making a tea try blending them with a sweeter herb, like peppermint or ginger. To make a tea take 1 tablespoon of the dried leaves in 1 cup of boiling water. Steep in a covered tea pot for 15 minutes. Drink two cups daily as a preventative.
People use the oil from the fruit and seeds, water extracts of the fruit, and the leaves to make medicine. Olive oil is used to prevent heart attack and stroke (cardiovascular disease), breast cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and migraine headache.