ALL ABOUT OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT

IN ESSENCE...

• Olive Leaf Botanical Extract is derived from the leaves of the Olea europaea botanical, better known as the Olive tree.


• Applied to the skin, Olive Leaf Botanical Extract can protect against the harsh effects of the weather, the elements, and environmental stressors and pollutants. It slows the appearance of the signs of aging, nourishes and purifies the skin, calms irritation, repairs damage, reduces redness, hydrates, stimulates the growth of new cells, and enhances circulation.


• Applied to the hair, Olive Leaf Botanical Extract contributes moisture and shine while working to smooth out the strands. It is reputed to address alopecia and to protect against the damaging effects of overexposure to UV radiation.


• Used medicinally, Olive Leaf Botanical Extract is reputed to help reduce swelling and to soothe symptoms of rickets, rheumatic pain, stomach and intestinal pain, sciatica, and burns. It is believed to improve circulation, address intestinal spasms, enhance cognitive function, and promote heart health.


• Applied to wounds and rashes, Olive Leaf Extract is believed to facilitate their healing while strengthening the afflicted areas of skin. It functions as a natural diuretic and laxative, benefits those who suffer from hypertension, and is believed to have aphrodisiac effects.

HISTORY OF OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT USAGE

Derived from the leaves of the Olea europaea botanical, better known as the Olive tree, Olive Leaf Botanical Extract has a long history as a vital and potent ancient Mediterranean preparation with healthful qualities that support, protect, and enhance immunity. As conveyed by Greek mythology, the Olive tree was believed to be the goddess Athena’s gift to humanity. It was reputed to have enthralled Zeus, who was delighted by its nourishing, remedial, and wound-healing properties as well as its effectiveness as a source of fuel for lamps; hence, the Olive tree came to be the revered symbol of the city of Athens. Accordingly, anyone found to be connected to the destruction of these trees would potentially become subjected to execution or banishment from the city. 

For thousands of years since the time of the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, Olive leaves and their extracts have been used extensively in Mediterranean folk medicine as a panacea for the treatment of numerous health conditions. Compresses and infusions enriched with Olive leaves were used to address pain, infections, fevers, high blood sugar levels, and even anxiety. In the 1800s, various parts of the Olive tree began to be used, albeit largely in liquid form, for medicinal applications, such as for the treatment of infections associated with malaria. In the 1900s, the leaves were found to contain an active and unique compound called Oleuropein, which was then isolated from the leaves by scientists, who discovered that it had antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This unique constituent was also discovered to prevent the growth of parasites, fungi, and harmful bacteria and to have the ability to stimulate circulation, lower blood pressure, boost immunity, enhance cognitive function, and regulate blood pressure as well as cholesterol levels. Later, it was learned that Oleuropein also contained Elenolic Acid, which was revealed to contribute an antibacterial property. All of these qualities make Olive leaves beneficial for medicinal applications. In 1995, Olive Leaf Extract began to be used clinically to treat and examine some individuals receiving medical care.

Today, some Olive leaf extracts continue to be taken as a safe natural dietary supplement to enhance immunity by addressing harmful bacteria and infections associated with colds, the flu, HIV/AIDS, meningitis, shingles, hepatitis B, and herpes, to name a few viruses. It is also used to ease symptoms of chronic fatigue, fever, hay fever, dengue, constipation, diarrhea, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, malaria, pneumonia, gonorrhea, and tuberculosis. They are reputed to be beneficial for soothing infections of the gums, ears, and urinary tract as well as infections that result from surgeries. They are often used to ease hypertension, to support and improve the health and function of the digestive system, to work as an antiseptic remedy for faster wound healing, to protect against nerve damage, and to benefit those who have suffered from strokes.

This article highlights the various cosmetic and therapeutic properties and benefits of NDA’s Olive Leaf Botanical Extract as well as several safe uses.

OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT BENEFITS

Used cosmetically on the skin, Olive Leaf Botanical Extract can protect against the harsh effects of the weather, the elements, and environmental stressors and pollutants. It can slow the appearance of the signs of aging, nourish and purify, calm irritation, repair damage, and eliminate harmful bacteria from developing infections, making it beneficial for soothing conditions such as dermatitis. It is known to reduce redness, to hydrate, to stimulate the growth of new skin, and to enhance circulation. In turn, the complexion appears to be detoxified, healthy, and rejuvenated.

Whether it is applied to the hair or the skin/scalp, it is reputed to protect against the damaging effects of overexposure to UV radiation by slowing the production of melanin and by preventing skin tissue from breaking down.

Used medicinally, Olive Leaf Botanical Extract is reputed to have antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, which hinder further development of viruses that are known to be responsible for causing the flu, common colds, and infections of the respiratory tract. It is believed to be beneficial for those suffering from arthritis, as it helps to reduce swelling and has a positive impact on bone health, thus it is valuable for soothing symptoms of rickets, rheumatic pain, stomach and intestinal pain, sciatica, and burns. Olive Leaf Extract is believed to improve circulation, address intestinal spasms, enhance cognitive function to prevent cognitive decline, and to promote heart health by helping to regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Applied to wounds and rashes, Olive Leaf Extract is believed to facilitate their healing while strengthening the afflicted areas of skin. With detoxifying properties, Olive Leaf Extract is believed to function as a natural diuretic and laxative. The anti-hypertensive properties of Olive Leaf Extract benefit those who suffer from hypertension, as it helps to reduce blood pressure and thus reduces the risk of heart-related conditions and discomforts. It is also believed to have aphrodisiac effects.

As illustrated, Olive Leaf Botanical Extract is reputed to have many therapeutic properties. The following highlights its many benefits and the kinds of activity it is believed to show:

• COSMETIC: Anti-inflammatory, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Astringent, Photo-Protective
• MEDICINAL: Anti-inflammatory, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antiseptic, Antiviral, Astringent, Cardiotonic, Hypoglycemic, Hypolipidemic, Hypotensive, Immuno-Stimulant, Immune-Boosting, Inflamomodulatory, Lipotropic, Vasodilator, Photo-Protective

OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT USES

Used in cosmetic or topical applications, Olive Leaf Extract cleanses the pores, absorbs excess oil, and facilitates the clearing up of acne breakouts by helping to dry them out and by eliminating acne-causing bacteria. In doing so, it also prevents future acne breakouts. For a facial cleanser soap bar that also helps repair skin damage, prevents the appearance of wrinkles and discoloration, and soothes other skin discomforts, begin by cutting and melting a Melt and Pour soap base. Next, stir in Olive Leaf Botanical Extract, Multani Mitti (Fullers Earth) Clay, and a total of 100 drops of personally-preferred essential oils. When the soap base mixture reaches the right temperature between 49-52 ᵒC (120-125 ᵒF), pour the blend into silicone molds. To eliminate any air bubbles, spray the tops of the filled molds with Isopropyl Alcohol. After the soap bars have been allowed to dry and harden, they can be used on the face like a regular face wash. Simply work a soap bar into a lather and gently massage the lather into the skin to promote clearer skin and to soothe uncomfortable symptoms of acne. This soap bar may also be used on the body.

Used in hair, Olive Leaf Extract is believed to discourage hair loss and to promote hair growth. For a natural hair care product that can enhance the health of the scalp, simply add a small amount of Olive Leaf Extract to a regular shampoo or conditioner, cap and shake the bottle well, then apply the blend to the hair and scalp as usual. The addition of Olive Leaf Extract is reputed to repair damaged hair, promote luster, preserve hair color, condition, cleanse, strengthen, and smooth the strands, and thereby enhance the growth of healthier hair.

To create a shampoo blend from scratch, combine the following ingredients in a clean, empty shampoo bottle or a foaming soap dispenser: distilled water, Liquid Castile Soap, Coconut Milk, and Olive Leaf Extract. 20 drops of any essential oil may also be added. Next, cap the bottle and shake it well to thoroughly combine all the ingredients. This natural shampoo blend can be stored in the shower and used for up to 1 month. Shake the bottle well before each use and aim to apply only as much as 1 tsp. to the hair and scalp.

Used in medicinal applications, Olive Leaf Extract is known to eliminate harmful bacteria and fungi. To make an anti-fungal foot bath, dilute Olive Leaf Botanical Extract in a foot tub filled with warm water. Simply soak the feet in this solution for 15-30 minutes to protect the feet from fungal infections.

A GUIDE TO OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT & ITS BENEFITS

OLIVE LEAF BOTANICAL EXTRACT

Botanical Name: Olea europaea

Country of Origin: China

Believed to:

• Have been used for thousands of years by Egyptian and Mediterranean cultures for a wide variety of health problems
• Contain nearly 100 phytochemicals and essential nutrients, which are known to assist in soothing dry and stressed skin when added to skin care preparations
• Be best known for its antioxidant properties
• Be ideal for use in formulations for personal care products, soaps, creams, lotions, facial products and tinctures
• Be best used in a ratio of 2.5 g per 100 ml of liquid, when formulating tinctures

OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT SIDE EFFECTS

As with all other New Directions Aromatics products, Olive Leaf Botanical Extract is for external use only. It is imperative to consult a medical practitioner before using this product for therapeutic purposes. Pregnant and nursing women are especially advised not to use Olive Leaf Botanical Extract without the medical advice of a physician, as it may have an effect on certain hormone secretions and it is unclear whether these effects are transferable to babies at these stages of development. This product should always be stored in an area that is inaccessible to children, especially those under the age of 7.

Those with the following health conditions are recommended to be advised by a physician: cancer, skin disorders, bleeding disorders, hormone-related ailments, and conditions of the heart, liver, or kidney. Individuals that are taking prescription drugs, undergoing major surgery, or who are at a greater risk of experiencing strokes, heart attacks, or atherosclerosis are also advised to seek medical consultation prior to use. Those with allergies to plants of the Oleaceae family as well as those who are taking medication for diabetes or for blood pressure should avoid using Olive Leaf Extract.

Prior to using Olive Leaf Botanical Extract, a skin test is recommended. This can be done by diluting 1 Tsp. Olive Leaf Botanical Extract in 1 tsp. distilled water and applying a dime-size amount of this blend to a small area of skin that is not sensitive. Olive Leaf Extract must never be used near the eyes, inner nose, and ears, or on any other particularly sensitive areas of skin. Potential side effects of Olive Leaf Botanical Extract include fatigue, dizziness, headaches, migraine, sadness, coughing, asthma, rhinitis, nausea, vomiting, flu-like symptoms, swelling in the mouth/throat, pharyngeal edema, abdominal pain, joint aches, diarrhea, hives, rashes, severe itching, hypoglycemia, erythema multiforme, and vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Those seeking medical care to manage moods, behaviors, or disorders should treat this product as a complementary remedy rather than a replacement for any medicinal treatments or prescriptions. In the event of an allergic reaction, discontinue use of the product and see a doctor, pharmacist, or allergist immediately for a health assessment and appropriate remedial action. To prevent side effects, consult with a medical professional prior to use.