Olive (Olea europaea)

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Other names for olive

Olive Leaf
Olive Fruit
Olive Oil
Olive Extract

Synopsis of olive

The olive tree (Olea europaea) is a small, evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean basin and parts of Asia, long prized for its fruit, oil, and leaves, all of which have significant nutritional and medicinal value. Cultivated for over 6,000 years, the olive is one of the oldest cultivated trees in the world and remains central to traditional diets, natural medicine, and spiritual practices.

The olive fruit is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid, which supports cardiovascular, metabolic, and anti-inflammatory health. The fruit also contains polyphenols such as oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, and tyrosol, which act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. These compounds contribute to the olive’s protective effects against oxidative stress, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, and aging-related damage.

Olive oil, particularly extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), is the primary edible and medicinal product of the olive tree. It has been extensively studied for its role in reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cognitive decline. Olive oil is also used topically for wound healing, dry skin, and hair care, and its anti-inflammatory action has made it a component of natural formulations for eczema, psoriasis, and joint pain.

Olive leaf, another powerful component of the tree, contains high levels of oleuropein, a bitter compound with demonstrated antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and antihypertensive effects. Olive leaf extract is used in herbal medicine to:

  • Lower blood pressure
  • Support the immune system
  • Manage cholesterol and triglyceride levels
  • Combat viral infections and inflammation
  • Protect against oxidative damage and glycation

Olive leaves are typically consumed as tinctures, capsules, or teas, and are often included in herbal protocols for cardiovascular support, infection control, and metabolic regulation.

Historical Use
The olive tree has been a symbol of peace, wisdom, and healing since antiquity. It features prominently in Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Hebrew, and Islamic texts, where it is praised as a sacred and life-giving plant. Ancient physicians including Hippocrates, Galen, and Dioscorides prescribed olive oil and leaf preparations for a wide range of ailments, including wounds, digestive complaints, fevers, and pain.

In the Bible and Qur’an, the olive is referred to as a blessed tree, and its oil was used for ritual anointing, lamp lighting, and medicine. The Greeks used olive oil as a base for herbal infusions and salves, and it was also a key component of the ancient Olympic diet and massage therapy (anatripsis).

In Ayurvedic and Unani medicine, olive oil has long been used for joint lubrication, skin nourishment, and internal cleansing. Its gentle, nourishing qualities made it a preferred oil for children, the elderly, and the weak.

Today, olive and its derivatives remain central to Mediterranean diets, integrative medicine, and natural skincare, offering a well-researched and time-honored approach to supporting longevity, inflammation balance, and whole-body health.

Olive is used for these health conditions

Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Acid Indigestion (Traditional)
Alzheimer's Disease (Scientific)
Arteriosclerosis (Scientific)
Arthritis (Scientific)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Scientific)
Cancer (prevention) (Scientific)
Cardiovascular Disease (Scientific)
Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
Cholesterol (low) (Scientific)
Circulation (poor) (Scientific)
Convulsions (Traditional)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Fatty Liver Disease (Scientific)
Gastritis (Scientific)
Hypertension (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Memory and Brain Function (Scientific)
Metabolic Syndrome (Scientific)
Osteoporosis (Scientific)
Psoriasis (Scientific)
Triglycerides (high) (Scientific)
Ulcers (Scientific)

olive is used to support these body systems

Arteries (Scientific)
Blood (Traditional)
Brain (Scientific)
Circulatory System (Scientific)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gall Bladder (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Heart (Scientific)
Hepatic System (Traditional)
Immune System (Scientific)
Intestinal System (Scientific)
Joints (Scientific)
Liver (Scientific)
Mucus Membranes (Traditional)
Nerves (Traditional)
Skin (Scientific)
Stomach (Traditional)