Tag: therapeutic properties

The benefits of Olive Leaf Extract

Today’s post is all about Olive Leaf Extract.

Around this time of year many chemists and health food stores have big displays of this product along side other cold & flu preventatives.

I have always considered olive leaf extract a great supplement for the immune system. However, it helps the body with so much more than colds & flu.

The use of the products derived from the olive tree on human health dates back centuries. In several civilisations, the olive tree had and still has a very strong cultural and religious symbolism.

Recently, accumulating experimental and clinical studies have given support to the traditional beliefs of the health benefits provided by olives and olive derivatives.

 What is Olive Leaf Extract?

Olive leaf extract comes from the leaves of an olive plant. Just like olive oil, the extract from the plants leaves is chock full of potent antioxidants, polyphenols and flavonoids.

In particular, a polyphenol called oleuropein. This nutrient is thought to contribute to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of olive leaf extract.

How does it improve our health?

Besides protecting the body from harmful free radicals, oleuropein is also a well-documented antiviral. The oleuropein works on the protein coat of the virus. It is thought to inactivate micro-organisms by dissolving the outer lining of the microbe and penetrating the infected cells.

For its antimicrobial properties, oleuropein can be used for the treatment of respiratory tract and intestinal infections.

In addition, studies have shown that olive leaf extract also supports fat loss by improving how efficiently insulin works in your body, thereby reducing the amount of fat your body stores.

Olive leaf extract also helps stimulate the immune system to destroy infectious organisms. This can prevent the onset of colds, flu, and a range of viruses, yeast, fungal and mould problems, bacterial infections and parasites.

Several different studies have shown that the therapeutic properties of olive leaf extract may help in –

  • Lowering inflammation.
  • Protecting the digestive system and the central nervous system.
  • Inhibiting microorganism growth and preventing oxidation or cell damage.
  • Stabilising blood sugar and lowering cholesterol.
  • Protecting the brain against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
  • Improving heart health and lowering blood pressure

Another beneficial compound found in olive leaf extract is oleanolic acid. A 2006 study found that this acid interacts with the body in a way that increases the metabolism. It also boosts the thyroid, and ultimately leads to increased energy.

 How much should we take?

There are no official guidelines on how much olive leaf extract a person should take. In the human studies discussed above, participants usually took 500–1,000 mg per day of a standard olive leaf extract. Some of these were in divided doses.                 (Sources – www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, www.hindawi.com, www.webmd.com,)

 There are so many research articles and other information available on the benefits of olive leaf extract, I could have written so much more.

Basically, I think that all of this information shows that this extract, taken from the leaves of olive trees, is so good for us. We should take it every day to stay well and healthy.

Till the next post,

Live clean n prosper.

Do Weeds have Therapeutic Properties?

 Todays post is all about therapeutics properties of Weeds. 

Yes, you read that correctly. One of the subjects that Scott is currently studying is called Materia Medica, which is Latin for medical material or substance. Basically he is learning all about the medicinal properties of many different things.

It’s amazing to find out that many of the plants that we consider to be weeds, have medicinal properties. Scott recently joked about how previously he was trying to kill these plants. Now we are trying to keep some alive and cultivate them. Here are a few plants that you might think twice about removing from your garden. 

Euphorbia hirta or Asthma weed

Asthma weed is recognised as a medicinal herb in many different parts of the world. Traditional Asian medicine has used the herb for hundreds of years.

Its primary uses include treating asthma, bronchitis and various other lung complaints, usually in combination with other anti-asthma herbs. Euphorbia hirta is also used in the treatment of cancer, diarrhoea, dysentery, fever, bowel complaints, kidney stones and abscesses.

It should not be used without expert guidance as large doses can be toxic and cause gastro-intestinal irritation, nausea and vomiting.

Stellaria media or Chickweed

Chickweeds are medicinal and edible plants. They are very nutritious, high in vitamins and minerals. The leaves are commonly used raw in salads and sandwiches. They can be cooked in soups and stews as well.

As a medicinal herb, the whole plant is used. The dried herb, as an infusion, is used to treat coughs, and in treating kidney complaints. New research indicates Stellaria’s use as an effective antihistamine. Therefore the plant is also effective when used as a compress or in a cream for itching skin conditions.

Taraxacum officinale or Dandelion

Considered a weed by most gardeners, Taraxacum officinale or Dandelion plant has several culinary uses. The flowers are used to make dandelion wine while the greens are used in salads. Besides that, Dandelion roots are also used to make a coffee substitute.

Native Americans used the plant as a food and as a medicine. Dandelion has been used as an herbal remedy in Europe, North America, and China over hundreds of years. Its different parts are used to treat infections, bile and liver problems.

Other uses for Dandelion are a laxative, as a plant bitter for digestion and as a diuretic.

Elytrigia repens or Couch grass

Elytrigia has been an official medicine in a number of countries throughout the world.

Traditional Austrian medicine treatments used the rhizomes (roots) against fever, internally as a tea, syrup, or cold maceration in water.

Its other medicinal uses include treating rheumatism and gout. It is also described as a ‘mild diuretic’.

The dried rhizomes of couch grass were broken up and used as incense in medieval northern Europe.

Who would have thought – weeds in the salad and couch grass roots as incense! (Sources – Materia Medica of Western Herbs by Carol Fisher, Wikipedia)

Interesting to find out that these are just a few of the common backyard weeds, which have medicinal properties. 

Till the next post, 

Live clean n prosper