Olive Leaves (Whole) and it’s Uses©

Olive Leaves (Whole) and it’s Uses©

By Arlene Wright-Correll

We all know about olives.  In many parts of the world, including Morocco, Italy, Spain, France, Lebanon and Syria, olives are staple foods found on every table.  The trees are at least 100 years old, the olives give us olive both green and black and we get olive oil from them.  The first pressing of oil from olives, referred to as extra virgin olive oil, is highly prized among chefs worldwide, and is credited with playing an important role in the overall healthy nature of the Mediterranean diet. However, how many of us know the uses of whole olive leaves?

Whole olive leaves are the part of the olive harvest that is less known, yet imparts tremendous health benefits. This part of the harvest is called olive leaf which is a traditional medicinal herb whose therapeutic uses date back centuries.

Early references to the olive leaf as medicine can be found in the Bible: "The fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine." (Ezekiel 47:12) 

My research shows that early on the ancient Egyptians attributed heavenly powers to the olive leaf, and used preparations of it in the process of mummification and in traditional Moroccan medicine; an infusion of olive leaf has been consumed to stabilize blood sugar and control diabetes. This use has been corroborated in published studies.

Today, we find that olive leaf is becoming increasingly well-known and appreciated outside of olive-growing regions, as science on its benefits expands.

I discovered that one of the primary compounds in olive leaf, a substance called oleuropein, has attracted scientific attention since the early 1900s.

Years ago when I have cancer I discovered that Olive leaf is an especially good source of the anti-cancer compounds apigenin and luteolin, and is a source of the anti-malarial agent cinchonine. And oleuropein has also shown protective capabilities against breast cancer.  As a victim of a double mastectomy in 1992 with a 50/50 chance of living past the next 6 months I decided part of my recovery was olive leaf oil and to this day I take to olive leaf capsules.

Olive leaf extract also acts as an anti-inflammatory. Like oxidation, inflammation is a key factor in chronic and degenerative diseases. Animal studies additionally suggest that olive leaf extract may protect against nerve damage, and may be of value in cases of stroke.

As an herbalist since 1998 I discovered in the world of medicinal plants, it is often the case that traditional use of plants precedes, by centuries, the science that corroborates the same uses and this is certainly true with olive leaf. Regarded as somewhat of a tonic cure-all in ancient times, olive leaf and olive leaf extracts appear to promote better health overall and help to ward off a variety of serious health disorders.

Now as a small herbalist that grows and sells most of its products we cannot grow Olive trees in Kentucky but we do import the best whole olive leaf and you can order it at us at or you can order our Olive Leaf powder  by clicking in the highlighted words.

There is a steadily growing body of scientific research that points to the leaf as highly valuable and worthy of its ancient medicinal reputation.

Tread the earthy lightly and in the meantime may the Creative Force be with you.

Arlene at Home Farm Herbery LLC

What you cannot find at our Etsy store you may find at our Local Harvest Store.