Olive leaves: the properties of a popular natural remedy for hypertension

He oliveliving symbol of the Mediterranean, gives us two gastronomic jewels, the olives and the precious olive oilbut for medicinal purposes, its leaves are also used, a natural remedy that constitutes a exceptional natural help to treat hypertension and cholesterol.

Olive leaves properties

The Olive leaves they contain Mineral salts (potassium), flavonoids (olivine, luteolin, rutin and other substances), triterpenes (ursolic, oleanolic acids) and bitter beginnings such as iridoids, especially, due to their importance, oleoeuperoside or oleuropein, oleacin and others. They also contain mannitol, tannins, fats.

These active principles give the olive leaves remineralizing properties,antihypertensiveantiarrhythmic, vasodilator, hypoglycemiclipid-lowering, cholagogue, diuretic, purifying, antiulcer, antispasmodic, antiviral and antioxidant.

What are olive leaves used for?

Due to its properties, olive leaves are used for different medicinal purposes.

olive leaves for hypertension

Olive leaf remedies have been shown to be effective for treatment of moderate hypertensiongenerally combined with other hypotensive and diuretic plants, such as corn silk or hawthorn.

Olive leaf extracts have been the subject of various studies, as reflected in this meta-analysis published in Peer J Publishingwhich would demonstrate its effectiveness as natural support for the treatment of hypertension temporary and chronic and to prevent its appearance.

It is also indicated for the prevention of coronary accidents, arteriosclerosis, to treat arrhythmias and extrasystoles naturally.

olive leaves for cholesterol

Olive leaves are traditionally considered a good natural ally for combat high levels of LDL cholesterol.

Although studies on the effects of olive leaves on cholesterol levels are conflicting, a meta-analysis published in Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome at the end of 2022, he concluded that oleuropein, an antioxidant polyphenol found concentrated in olive leaves, improves cardiovascular risk markers in people with arterial hypertension, including lipid profile.

olive leaves for diabetes

Olive leaves are also used as a complement to treat diabetes, as a support to medication.According to a New Zealand study, they are able to reduce insulin sensitivity by 15% (which makes it more effective) and to increase its production by the pancreas by 28%.

Olive leaves as a diuretic

The Olive leaves they have one diuretic action very remarkable, as reflected in this study published in the Archives of Cardiovascular Diseases Supplements. These diuretic properties support, on the one hand, its use in arterial hypertension.

For them, olive leaves are also used in natural remedies to increase urine outputto treat urinary inflammation, to promote the expulsion of toxins through the urine and to facilitate the elimination of excess uric acid and urea.

How are olive leaves used?

Olive leaves can be used in different ways for the indications mentioned above:

in infusionfor blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol, up to three glasses a day, associated with other herbs. in tinctureliquid extracts, available in herbalists.In capsules and tablets for vascular health and hypertension.In compresses and enemas externally.

Olive leaf infusion

The infusion of olive leaves is indicated to treat hypertensionfor him high cholesterol and as a natural support for people with diabetes.

We leave you here a herbal formula, an infusion of olive leaves combined with related plants.

Ingredients: Fresh or dried olive leaves, goldenrod, hawthorn, corn stigmas, linden and bitter orange. 20 g approx of each.Preparation: We mix the different plants, we separate some 5 g of the mixture per glass of water. we put it to boil about 2-3 minutes and let it rest for another 10. Strain and add the bitter orange or lemon juice to taste.how much to take: Two daily cups.

Contraindications of olive leaves

Olive leaves have allergenic potential. People who know they are allergic to the olive tree in any of its forms should avoid it.

It is not recommended to take olive leaves in the pregnancythe lactation nor administer to children under 6 years.

People diabetic, hypertensive or with very high cholesterolmust consult with your doctor before undertaking olive treatments, even more so if it is as an alternative to medication.

It is not recommended to take olive leaves if you are prone to diarrhea or indigestion.

The hypotensive people or in case of fatigue It is also not recommended to take olive leaves.