For thousands of years tea made from the leaf of the olive tree (olea europea) has been enjoyed throughout the Mediterranean. We have sourced an olive leaf tea that captures the essence of this powerful infusion so that you can also begin to appreciate some of this herbal tea’s benefits. It is made from the dried olive leaves that can range from 4cm to 10cm in length. They are long green silvery leaves.
The active compounds that are present in olive leaf are hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein, and tyrosol along with other strong antioxidants. The high amount of antioxidants present in this herbal tea can also help the body effectively to fight against illness as well as premature aging.
Oleuropein is actually a natural pesticide. It is able to fight bacterial damage. It has been shown that oleuropein is capable of protecting the human body from bacteria, viruses and infections caused by fungus as well.
Hydroxytyrosol, another component of olive leaf tea, is believed to be among the most powerful antioxidants found in nature to date. This component is ten times stronger than the value of antioxidants that is present in green tea. Hydroxytyrosol is a type of phenolic phytochemical with antioxidant properties and is a naturally occurring compound found in the olive tree. Its oxygen radical absorbing capacity value is one of the highest found in plants. It is found in large quantities in olive leaves, in high quality, fresh extra virgin olive oils, and in naturally cured table olives.
Another highly powerful and efficient antioxidant tyrosol helps in protecting the body cells from injuries caused by oxidation.
Here are some of the health benefits*** that you can receive from olive leaf tea and/or olive leaf extract:
- It has anti-viral as well as anti bacterial features
- It has anti-fungal features (i.e., it is natural killer of pathogens by stopping their reproduction process)
- It can lower cholesterol (Olive leaf has been shown to reduce low-density lipoproteins (LDL), or bad cholesterol)
- It has anti-inflammatory features
- It helps in lowering blood pressure
- It can help increase blood flow by relaxing the arteries
- It maintains and enhances a powerful immunity system
- It can reduce the level of blood sugar
- It prevents premature ageing
- It can increase energy levels by treating chronic fatigue
- It can elevate your mood
- It aids in the treatment of allergies
- It may help prevent muscle spasms
- Tea made from olive leaves fights yeast infections and viral infections, such as herpes
- Some research suggests that antioxidants can help to treat tumors and cancers such as liver, breast, and prostate cancer. Olive Leaf Tea is best known for its preventive action in these circumstances, maintaining normal DNA repair
Olive Leaf Side Effects:
Because of its incredible power to reduce your blood pressure, olive leaf tea should not be taken without some precaution. Because of its ability to lower blood pressure and glucose levels in the blood, this tea can become quite a threat to those who have low blood pressure and glucose levels.
Be aware that interaction with medication to reduce blood pressure and glucose levels may be dangerous.
Be careful, and consult your doctor, monitor your blood pressure and always pick the right tea that suits your needs and circumstances.
If you have diabetes, make sure your doctor approves of this herbal tea with your daily diet.
Buy your Olive Leaf Tea now by going to our Gourmet Products and Fine Food page.
Tasting Profile:
Olive Leaf Tea has a very unique and pleasant taste, and is very different from other teas.
If we had to make a comparison to something recognizable, it could be compared to a very light or weak green tea, but with a very pleasant and pronounced flavour. A slight bitterness may be noticed on the palate. This is mainly due to its oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol components. If the tea is brewed for a period of three minutes or longer the colour will become darker, the flavour more pronounced, and the bitterness will become more intense. It is also worth noting that the stronger the brew (steeping the leaves for a longer period) will contain higher medicinal values as it contains more of the olive leaf's water-soluble, healing chemicals.
Olive Leaf vs Green Tea:
Olive Leaf Tea is an ideal alternative to Green Tea - because it is completely caffeine free! You can receive a boost of energy without the harmful effects caffeine. Olive leaf has also been shown to have double the antioxidant capacity of green tea and four times the content of Vitamin C.
Olive Leaf Tea Consumption Levels:
As with many herbal remedies, the quantity consumed per day will depend on whether you are drinking it as a health tonic, or to assist your body in dealing with a serious infection or illness.
For an excellent general health tonic: 1 to 3 cups per day, of a light amber colour, brewed for 3 to 5 minutes.
To assist a weakened or overworked immune system that is dealing with high levels of stress or disease: 2 to 5 cups per day of a darker, more bitter-tasting tea, brewed for 5 to 15 minutes.
Making the Perfect Cup of Olive Leaf Tea:
It is important to begin with a good quality clean water. Boil the desired quantity of water and let it cool slightly before pouring over the leaves, to prevent burning them. This helps the taste and avoids damaging the phytochemicals. If you like, you may also flavour your olive leaf tea with any of the following complimentary additions and herbs: Honey, Lemon, Milk, Cinnamon, Rose Petals, Peppermint, or Lavender Flowers.
Olive Leaf Iced Tea:
Allow your infusion to cool and keep in the fridge to enjoy for up to 2 days as a refreshing healthy beverage.
Olive Leaf Tea Storage:
You may keep your olive leaf tea in its re-sealable package for up to 2 yrs as long as it is kept in a cool, dark, and dry place. Also note that all our Olive Leaf Tea packages have an expiry date printed directly on the back label.
Read more about the health benefits of Olive Oil and Olive Leaf from Life Extension Magazine: Unexpected Benefits of Olive Leaf Extract.