Olive leaves

Olive leaves - the basis of our products

Did you know that the healing power of olive leaves is much greater than that of oil or olives?

The olive is one of the oldest and most famous crops in the world and is valued mainly for its fruit, the olives. However, not only the fruits of the olive tree and the oil are of great value, but also the leaves. Olive leaves have a long history as a medicinal plant and have been used in folk medicine in various cultures for centuries. In this article we will look more closely at the history of olive leaves, their use in medicine, especially in Mallorca.

The fascinating history of the olive tree

The olive tree (Olea europaea) has a long history in different eras and cultures. Originally native to the eastern Mediterranean and the Near East, in ancient times it was a symbol of peace, wisdom and prosperity.

The healing properties of olive leaves, especially through the active ingredient oleuropein, were known even then and are still important today. The use of the olive tree and its products extends from ancient times through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance to the modern world, where it also plays an important role in agriculture.

The olive tree: a journey through time, eras and cultures

The olive tree (Olea europaea) is an ancient tree whose origin dates back to the region of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Near East. The symbolic and economic importance of the olive tree and its fruit spans different eras and cultures, while its healing properties, especially the olive leaves, play a special role.

In ancient times, the olive tree was a symbol of peace, wisdom and prosperity in many cultures. Among the ancient Egyptians, the olive was a sign of immortality and was used to embalm the pharaohs. The ancient Greeks also held the olive in high esteem, especially in connection with Athena, the goddess of wisdom. In Greek mythology, the olive tree is considered a gift from the goddess Athena to the city of Athens. The olive tree was also an important symbol in the Roman Empire. It was even established by law that the owners of olive groves could receive tax relief.

The healing properties of olive leaves were discovered early and used in the traditional medicine of various cultures. Olive leaves contain oleuropein, a polyphenol that has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties. Even in ancient Egypt, the medicinal properties of olive leaves were known and used to treat wounds and infections. In ancient Greece, olive leaves were used against fever, joint pain and skin diseases, while in the Roman Empire olive leaf extract was used as a remedy against malaria.

During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the use of the olive tree and its fruit continued in different cultures. The Arabs used olive oil as a remedy for skin problems and as a general tonic. In medieval Europe, olive oil was used to preserve food and as fuel for lamps. During this time, the olive tree spread to other parts of Europe due to trade routes and expansions.

In modern times , the olive tree also gained importance in America when the Spanish and Portuguese brought olive trees to the New World. Today, the olive tree plays an important role in modern agriculture and can be found in many parts of the world.

Olive leaves in medicine

Olive leaves contain a variety of bioactive compounds such as oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol and oleocanthal, which give them their healing properties. These compounds have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiviral properties that make them a versatile natural remedy.

Among the beneficial effects of oleuropein are mainly its anti-inflammatory properties, it has an antiviral and antifungal effect. It has a calming and detoxifying effect, strengthens the immune system, can favor the lowering of blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as the stabilization of blood sugar levels.
By promoting blood flow, oleuropein also prevents arteriosclerosis.