Olive leaf extract is a staple in my medicine cabinet all the time, but even more so now during cold and flu season.
That’s because it’s a broad spectrum anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal compound that knocks out whatever is ailing you. And… NEWS FLASH!—Several clinical studies say olive leaf extract can be an effective treatment for Covid-19 as well.
That means there’s no need to know if that cold (always caused by a virus) is deteriorating into bronchitis caused by opportunistic bacteria that can move in after you’re weakened by the virus.
If you’re anything like my husband, who thinks he is about to die of pneumonia at the first sign of a scratchy throat (I call it a Man Cold), olive leaf extract can be immensely comforting, not to speak of exceptionally effective whether it is a cold, the flu or something more serious like Covid.
Oleuropein, one of the active ingredients in olive leaf extract, has been shown to search out and inactivate harmful bacteria. Unlike synthetic antibiotics, it leaves the good bacteria alone, so you don’t risk swinging into dysbiosis or unbalanced gut bacteria by taking it.
In fact, olive leaf extract is one of the most effective treatments for dysbiosis recommended by Dr. William Crook, the late author of The Yeast Connection and other iconic books on yeast overgrowth, now known as dysbiosis.
Olive leaf extract is increasingly being used in Europe instead of synthetic antibiotics, which we all know are completely ineffective against viruses.
Because it helps strengthen the immune system, many practitioners recommend taking olive leaf for several months for optimal immune system strengthening effects, but it can be effective when cold symptoms first appear as well.
Dr. Ray Sahelian recommends 1500 mg or more daily.
Olive leaf extract has also been shown to:
reduce blood pressure and cholesterol
reduce inflammation
improve blood sugar control
have antioxidant effect that slows the aging processes and helps prevent the diseases of aging
boost energy
improve symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome
diminished herpes viral infections, including shingles
Look for an olive leaf extract product that is standardized to at least 15% oleuropein.
There are no known drug interactions or side effects.
