The olive tree has numerous health benefits, as the leaves and fruits have very important chemical components, such as olein, palmitic acid, arachluine, stearin, cholesterin, cycloartanol, benzoic acid and mannitol, for example.
The part of the olive tree used to prepare tea are the leaves, from which active substances are extracted with properties that help the body improve digestion, blood sugar levels, as well as protecting against cancer and improving blood pressure. .
Although olive leaves have many health benefits, the use of the tea does not replace medical treatment, therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor or professional specializing in medicinal plants to indicate the dose and time for using the tea.
What is it for
Olive tea has many health benefits, the main indications being:
1. Improve digestion
Olive tea soothes irritative and inflammatory disorders, such as indigestion, heartburn, gastritis, colitis and peptic ulcers and can also be used for gastric lavage in case of poisoning by corrosive agents, to soften the irritated mucosa and accelerate elimination. As it stimulates the flow of bile, it can also be used to help treat liver and gallbladder problems.
Additionally, it can also be used in warm enemas to relieve constipation. Find out which fruits can help reduce constipation.
2. Help you lose weight
Olive leaves help lower blood sugar, causing there to be less insulin in circulation, leading to less fat accumulation in the abdominal region and better control of the glycemic peak, therefore consuming fewer calories. .
Furthermore, the fact that olive leaves lower blood sugar levels can be very useful for people with diabetes, making it a great home remedy to complement treatment.
3. Reduce blood pressure
Olive tea helps relax blood vessels, causing vasodilation and reducing blood pressure, which can therefore be used in cases of hypertension, angina, arrhythmias and other circulatory problems. Know how to recognize the symptoms of high blood pressure.
4. Improve flu and colds
Hot olive leaf tea increases sweating, helping to regulate body temperature, thus helping to reduce fever. See other home remedies that help reduce fever.
Olive leaf tea also helps to calm dry, irritating coughs and coughs with phlegm and also helps to treat laryngitis and other upper respiratory tract infections. Discover other remedies that can be used for dry coughs and phlegm.
5. Help treat cancer
By having antioxidants in its composition, such as hydroxytyrosol, caffeic acid, oleuropein and tyrosol, the olive tree makes cell membranes less susceptible to destruction by free radicals. For this same reason, it can help reduce some types of cancer, such as breast cancer or promyelocytic leukemia, and delay aging. Also find out what foods to eat to fight cancer.
6. Improve skin problems
The olive tree can also be used for different skin conditions, such as boils, eczema, herpes simplex, dry skin, brittle nails, insect bites and stings or burns.
Furthermore, a tea made from olive leaves can be used as a mouthwash, for bleeding and infected gums, for gargling and for sore throats.
7. Help reduce inflammation
Olive leaves contain oleocanthal, a substance with anti-inflammatory action, with properties similar to ibuprofen, which helps to reduce symptoms of inflammation and improve the discomfort associated with this symptom.
8. Help control glucose levels
Oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol present in olive leaves have hypoglycemic properties, which help reduce blood sugar levels.
In addition, tyrosol also helps protect against disorders related to increased blood glucose levels, such as diabetes, for example.
How to make olive tea
Olive tea must be prepared using olive leaves from which the active substances that provide medicinal properties are extracted.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of crushed fresh olive leaves;
- 1 liter of boiling water.
Preparation mode
Add the fresh olive leaves to the boiling water, letting it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and drink 1 cup, 3 times a day.
Due to its antihypertensive effect, it is important to consult a doctor before using olive tea, as it can alter blood pressure values and even cause hypotension, characterized by a sudden drop in blood pressure. Know how to identify the symptoms of hypotension.
Olive leaf supplement
Olive leaves can also be found in the form of a dry extract supplement. The recommended dose is 275 mg 3 to 5 times a day, with the daily dose varying between 630 and 1375 mg.
It is important to read the supplement label to check the manufacturer’s instructions for use. Furthermore, olive leaves, regardless of their presentation, do not replace the treatment recommended by the doctor, and it is important that they be used as directed by the doctor.
Possible side effects
Although it is very rare, side effects that may occur with the use of olive tea are low blood pressure, hypoglycemia or diarrhea in high doses and in sensitive people.
When it is not indicated
The use of olive oil is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as there are not enough studies to confirm its safety during these phases. Furthermore, it is also not recommended for children and teenagers.
In the case of people who are being treated with medications to lower blood pressure and/or glucose, it is important that the doctor is consulted before consuming the tea or olive leaf supplement, as hypotension or hypoglycemia may occur.
