I have a several posts about immune support but I haven’t mentioned olive leaf yet. This is a great option if you are looking for a high antioxidant boost as well as immune system support. Barlean’s, which is located just a couple of hours north of where I sit and type, (they are in Ferndale, Washington, so if you know where Bellingham is, then you probably know Ferndale), sent me these samples and I’m so impressed with the taste of the liquid! The literature makes a point of saying that they know “it doesn’t taste like candy” but actually the liquid is minty just like a really nice after dinner mint. It’s the only one of the three products I’ve tried so far but I assume the throat spray tastes similar and the capsules are capsules so there is not a lot of tasting to do.
Olive leaf is known for being high in polyphenols which are those antioxidants that berries, grapes, tea, and others are known for, and the reason wine became known as a health-promoting drink. Olive trees are extremely hardy and can live up to 1,000 years so there is obviously something extra about these plants, and that something seems to be the polyphenol, oleuropein. There are studies indicating olive leaf as an anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral, and there was a gold-standard scientific method clinical study that confirmed oleuropein was able to beneficially change the white blood cells’ response to invaders from immune havoc to immune balance. In other words, it really works in supporting the immune system’s prime function.
I’ve been taking a tablespoon of this liquid in about 1/2 cup of cold water and it tastes great. They have some recipes for using it in teas which I’ll share below, but really it’s so tasty I use it as little refreshing treat in the middle of the day. Here are two teas they suggest:
Sweet Dreams Tea:
- 1 Tbsp Olive Leaf Complex peppermint flavor (pictured above)
- 1 Chamomile Tea bag
- 1 Tbs raw honey
- Hot water in a mug
Apple Cider Cinnamon Tea
- 1 Tbsp Olive Leaf Complex peppermint flavor (pictured above)
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 Tbsp raw honey
It’s good to mix up your immune support supplements just as it’s good to mix up probiotics and adaptogens, so this has been a great find. I’ll add this into my rotation between astragalus, elderberry, and mushrooms, and use several of them when I feel like I might be coming down with something.
I hope you are all staying healthy and enjoying this spring (in the northern hemisphere).
Be well!
We talked about this on Insta – I did a bit of digging and as you said, it could be effective for allergies as it has an anti-inflammatory/decongestant effect. As a blocked nose is one of my worst symptoms I may give this a try😊
Nice! Thanks for the update!
I always learn something new here! I use a lot of olive oil but had no idea that the leaves were used for immune support.
Thank you! Olive treas are pretty amazing! I wish they grew around here, I’d love one in the backyard. :0).
Hi Kristen…this is so timely for all that is going on! For sure I am going to try it.
Hope that you and your family are well during this crazy time we find ourselves in! Sweet Blessings to you…I hope you have a wonderful week!
Thank you Lorrie! I hope you are doing well too and keeping healthy and sane <3. We are doing pretty well here, just kind of waiting to see what else 2020 has in store for us :0).
Healthy…yes…SANE? Hmmmm…what I have going on is self-created! But it is all good!!
Be well!