As we begin to have articles on herbs printed in the Herald I will submit them in here for future reference. Olive Leaf Extract Kim Anderson
Olive Leaf extract has become my favorite herbal defense against many common maladies. I usually get my Olive leaf from Natures Sunshine Products
www.naturessunshine.com which provides a total for 400mg of olive leaf extract, standardized to contain 12% oleuropein and comes in capsules. I have also seen it in liquid from other companies, but haven’t tried it. One should be able to find it in most health food stores, too. I like to use it at the first sign of a cold or flu or if I think I might have been exposed. I’ve given it to all my family members- 2 teenage sons and husband. According to HART’S Herb Allure, p2., “Researchers have determined that a bitter glucoside known as oleuropein, along with its active constituent elenolic acid, are primarily responsible for olive leaf extract’s extraordinary antibacterial, antiviral and antiparasitic activity. For example, studies have shown that oleuropein inhibits the of Staphylococcus aureus, antibiotic-resistant organism that is the cause of nearly all hospital infections. Oleuropein is also a powerful antioxidant and the compound responsible for olive leaf’s extract’s ability to successfully inhibit oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Elenolic acid is the element that is the primary destroyer and growth inhibitor of viruses, interfering with bacterial and viral growth, while simultaneously activating immune cells that fight infection. Elenolic acid also kills numerous flatworm, hookworm, roundworm and tapeworm parasites.”
So, here we have an herb that not only fights infections; but also boosts the immune system. There have been no known side effects from taking olive leaf extract, but it is still not recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers. Also, according to A-Z Guide to Drug-Herb-Vitamin Interactions Revised and Expanded 2nd Edition, by Healthnotes copyright 2006,p.296, “At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with olive leaf.” So, it’s also presumed safe to take with other medications. Please note that if you begin to take this herb, especially in a large dose, a “healing crisis” may occur in which you may feel some flu like symptoms. Just reduce the dose until your body can adjust. I haven’t found anywhere that a person would have to cycle on and off doses to maintain its effectiveness-unlike some information on Echinacea. However, I don’t personally take it when I don’t need it. Realize that one should always consult their health care professional, pharmacist or prescribing doctor to get all the necessary information to make informed decisions about your health care.
To your perfect health!
Kim Anderson began her spiritual journey after a bout with breast cancer 6 years ago. Since then she has embraced a new life paradigm and explores various complementary health practices and procedures. She is a Shamanic practitioner, Reiki Master, certified teacher and healing arts student. She lives on a small farm with her husband and 2 teenage boys. Kim is not only full of life but she is filled with information and has joined us here at HippyMom as a guest writer to share her knowledge of alternative healing.