- Oleaceae
- Leaf
- Mediterranean basin
- Dried leaf, for infusion
Olive Leaf
Olea europaea
Select sizeThe plant
Olive is an evergreen tree with narrow leaves, green above and silvery beneath.
What's in it
Oleuropein is a characteristic bitter plant compound. Polyphenols are the wider group of plant substances to which it belongs.
Oleuropein
A secoiridoid. The principal marker, and intensely bitter.
Hydroxytyrosol
A phenolic breakdown product of oleuropein.
Oleanolic acid
A triterpene present in the leaf cuticle.
Flavonoids
Including luteolin and rutin.
How it works
Traditional wellbeing: Olive leaf has a history in Mediterranean herbal preparations, particularly those concerned with general wellbeing. Bitter character: Its natural bitterness gives the infusion a distinctive taste. This connects a familiar food tree with a separate leaf-based herbal tradition.
In the tradition
A Mediterranean botanical used alongside the tree’s better-known culinary fruit and oil.
The underside of an olive leaf is noticeably silver-grey.
- 1Steep 1–2 tsp dried olive leaf in 250ml hot water for 10–15 mins.
- 2Drink 1–2 cups daily.
- 3Green, bitter and slightly astringent.
- Check blood-pressure and diabetes medicines, pregnancy and breastfeeding.
A food supplement, not a substitute for a varied diet. Speak to your doctor before use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication.
Common questions
How do I prepare olive leaf?
Olive Leaf is steeped as an infusion. Steep 1–2 tsp dried olive leaf in 250ml hot water for 10–15 mins. Full directions are in the How to use panel above. See also: Infusion vs decoction.
What is olive leaf?
Olive Leaf (Olea europaea) belongs to the Oleaceae family; the leaf is used. Origin: Mediterranean basin. A Mediterranean leaf with a distinctive bitter taste and long herbal history.
How should I store dried olive leaf?
Keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and moisture. Dried herbs are at their best for around a year.
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