May 1, 2010

MMH: From the Lab ~ Olive Leaf

Olive Leaf, botanically known as Olea europaea, is an herb deserving the spotlight during spring. The Oleuropein content of this herb is believed to possess many health benefits, such as supporting the Immune System, Respiratory System, Cardiovascular System, Digestive and Excretory Systems and even your Metabolism! Applied topically, Olive Leaf may also support soft, smooth skin.

It's no wonder the olive is so frequently cited in literature such as Homer's Odyssey and Iliad. Also in Greek Mythology Aristaeus had the understanding of olive husbandry along with bee-keeping and cheese-making. The Athenians would claim that the olive grew first in Athens. Did you know they even found olive leaves in Tutankhamen's tomb? They were used as a symbol of abundance, glory and peace as well as emblems of purification.

Olive oil was considered sacred and used to anoint kings and athletes in ancient Greece as well as being the eternal flame of the first Olympic Games. Many religious ceremonies today still include olive oil or leaves as well.



olive leaf

Botanical Information: The Olive is a small evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean, Africa and Asia. Its fruit, the olive, is of major agricultural importance as it is the source of Olive Oil.

Other plants in the same family include lilac, jasmine, ash trees, and forsythia.

Olive trees are very hardy, being drought-resistant, disease-resistant and even fire-resistant. They can live for a very long time and are even capable of regeneration when part or all of the above-ground portion of the tree is destroyed.


*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or other complication.

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