Olive Leaf

Olive leaves have been used for centuries as an internal healing tea, crushed as a poultice for wounds and ulcers, as a wash/gargle for mouth and gum infections and as a topical wash for skin infections.
Now scientific research is able to explain why they have been so successful and why they can play a very useful part in health recovery and daily wellbeing maintenance.

Scientists have recently discovered the olive leaf contains more than 100 naturally occuring compounds, some of which are strongly antiviral, antiparasitical, antibacterial and antifungal. These compounds, in combination with others in the leaf, work together as a powerful energy booster, immune system strengthener, cold and flu preventative and as a powerful antioxidant. It is a safe, effective and natural way to gain and maintain good health. See Here for more information on specific conditions olive leaf is reported to assist.

Preparation of Elaia Olive Leaf Tea for a refreshing, energising and cleansing herbal tonic

Olive leaves are very tough and require longer steeping than other teas. You can either pour boiling water over 1 tsp tea and leave for about 15 minutes stirring once or twice. Or boil the water with the tea. If you wish to use this method I suggest you make 1 litre at a time.

Put 1 litre hot water into a saucepan, add about 5gms ( 3 tbsp) olive leaf tea and stir to mix. Put a lid on and bring to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 3-5 minutes. Take the pot off the heat and leave for several more minutes. Strain into a jug and cool. Serve plain or if preferred, add honey, sugar or a slice of lemon. Can be drunk hot, warm or cold. If the taste is too strong just add more water. For specific conditions, drink 200mls 3 times a day with meals. Drink 5 days on and 2 days off, 3 weeks on and 1 week off. In summer, I keep the jug in the fridge and in winter on the kitchen bench. If you wish to serve several people just double the quantities. It is good to have plenty on hand. I use the tea to soak beans and lentils for sprouting or before cooking and for any of my other suggested uses.

Elaia Olive Leaf Tea can be added to other herbal teas to make your own unique blend. In summer, make up a blend of 3 tbsp olive leaf tea and 6-8 lemon verbena, lemon balm or mint leaves. Strain, cool and store in the fridge. When serving, a few slices of lemon and fresh lemon verbena or mint leaves can be added as an extra garnish. It is a delicious and very refreshing drink on a hot summer's day.

Preparation of Elaia Olive Leaf Powder for a refreshing, energising and cleansing herbal tonic Adult measure ( children ½ ) Put 1 tsp of powder in a teaball or directly into a cup and pour over freshly boiled water. Stir to mix. Leave to infuse for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. As with most teas, the longer it infuses, the stronger it gets. Remove the teaball or strain through a fine mesh sieve. If the taste is too strong, add a slice of lemon or just dilute with a little more water. With a little experimenting, you will be able to judge the infusion time to suit your taste.

Other everyday practical applications for Olive Leaf :

It is a perfect addition to the Home First Aid Kit. The powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties of the leaf make it essential. Prepare a strong tea using 1 1/2-2tbsp leaf or 1 tbsp powder to 1 cup of water. Any unused tea will keep for 3-4 days and can be diluted with water and used as a tea if no longer needed as a skin healer.

Prepare a strong tea using 1 1/2-2tbsp leaf or powder to 1 cup of water. Any unused tea will keep for 3-4 days and can be diluted with water to be used as a herbal tea if no longer required.

Uses

A gargle for mouth and gum complaints
A skin wash for cuts and grazes
A facial tonic
A handsoak for nail infections
A skin wash for troublesome acne
A scalp conditioner
A general hand rinse for gardeners, caregivers of young babies and kitchen staff
A footbath for athlete's foot and nail infections

Culinary uses of Olive Leaf Powder:

Add to a glass of hot or cold milk and whisk in.
Add to fruit juice and whisk in
Add to your favourite smoothie, before blending
Sprinkle over breakfast cereals
Add to porridge oats, before cooking
Add 2 tbsp to family stews and casseroles just before serving and mix well
Add to fresh pasta dough, before rolling out
Add to bread dough, before kneading
Add to pestos and pasta sauces

Olive Leaf for Pets

Reports show Olive leaf is an effective remedy for animals as well as humans.

Cats, dogs and horses have all reacted very positively to Olive Leaf powder. It can help with spring and summer allergies, is anti inflamatory so eases the skin irritation caused by fleas and summer grasses. It is a great tonic for them as well and can give renewed energy after an operation or illness. The recommended dose is 1tsp to 6.8 kilos ( 15lbs) animal body weight. Horses have a human dose. It is a safe and easy way to enhance your pet's health and wellbeing. Simply mix the powder with canned food or dampen fresh meat or dry food and sprinkle the powder to coat.

Helen Melser