Olive leaf
Olive leaf’s scientific name is Olea europaea and it belongs to the Oleaceae family. As you can see, here it is the leaf of the olive tree to which we are referring.
When consumed, dried meadowsweet has a sweet taste, along with aromatic and hay-like flavours, and some people also notice medicinal and almond notes. It offers a well-rounded, mellow flavour when enjoyed as a simple beverage, reminiscent of summer evenings in a meadow!
Salicylic acid, volatile oil, spireine (salicylaldehyde), gaultherine, flavonoids, tannins, mucilage and coumarins
Meadowsweet has a long history of traditional use as a gentle remedy for digestive issues such as diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting. It is known for its ability to ease excess acid and indigestion. Additionally, it was one of the original sources of aspirin and is valued for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in addressing headaches and musculoskeletal issues like arthritis.
Contraindications
Do not use when there is a known aspirin sensitivity. Do not use alongside anticoagulants.
Taste Profile
When drinking olive leaf tea, you definitely detect that olive note, but only mildly. This is accompanied by sweet, mellow, bitter, and astringent notes. The combination of these flavours makes for a very well-rounded, pleasant simple.
Active Constituents
Oleuropein and other secoiridoids, bitter principles, vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, and polyphenols.
Therapeutic Properties
Anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiviral, bitter (mild), cardiovascular tonic, hypotensive, neuroprotective, and nutritive.
Traditional Uses
Traditionally, olive leaves were used as a fever herb and to treat malaria. They were also commonly used as a cough and cold remedy, to boost the immune system and to maintain good health (and given the antioxidants within the leaves this was a very suitable way to use this herb!). Modern research has focused on the leaves’ ability to guard against diabetes, high blood pressure and heart and blood vessel disease.
Contraindications
Do not use alongside medications for high blood pressure. Best avoided during pregnancy and lactation.
