Olive Leaf, and some common infections it is used for.

• Can olive leaf cure sinusitis?

  Sinusitis is an inflammation of the membranes lining the sinus cavities in facial bones.
  It is caused by viral, bacterial or fungal infections, allergies, autoimmune diseases or irritants such as smoke or chlorine in swimming pools.
  The inflammation typically causes a build-up of mucous produced, by blocking the drainage holes into the nasal cavity. The congested mucous is now a breeding ground for secondary infections.
  
  Good reports have been received regarding the eradication of the infections mentioned by olive leaf tincture.
  It also has anti-inflammatory properties which may improve mucous drainage.
  It will however not prevent the initial inflammation due to allergies or irritants. This needs to be addressed to achieve a permanent solution in cases of recurring sinusitis.
  Read more on our natural antibacterial page about sinus and other bacterial infections.

• Is olive leaf extract an antifungal?

  It does display broad spectrum antifungal properties which extend also to yeasts.
  Taken internally for mouth, sinus or gut & vaginal infections, tinctures can also be used topically as they are for acne or athletes foot, or mixed in a little olive or flax seed oil to make a soothing salve.
  See antifungal properties for more information and dosage to learn about dosage for fungal infections.

• Is it good for osteoarthritis?

  It is good for reducing inflammation due to rheumatoid and osteoarthritis and some users have reported a reduction in arthritic pain and swelling. It is not known whether the antioxidant properties have a preserving effect on joints and there are no reports of any curative properties with regard to osteoarthritis.

• Does it help with angina.?

  There have been very good reports concerning angina, atrial fibrillation, arrhythmias and atherosclerosis. These conditions should be monitored by qualified health professionals who are aware of these benefits of the extract. See a case history in success stories.

• Does it kill parasites?

  In sufficient doses it is said to kill parasites including protozoa, flukes and helminths. (Ref: Olive Leaf Extract by Dr. Morton Walker pg 64).
  I do have personal feedback concerning a yearly recurring malarial fever in one person. In the first year that the extract was used the fever was quickly overcome (in 2 days) and never came back in the following 2-3 years that I was in touch with that person.

• Does it help for lung infections?

  Olive leaf works well for bacterial and viral lung infections according to in-vitro testing and customer feedback. See what customers say.

• Can fungal infections be treated in cats?

  I have had very good personal experience and feedback from others concerning the treatment of fungal infections in cats.
  While not the easiest thing to give a liquid tincture to a cat (there may be easier ways with powder from capsules) it worked as well as any drugs previously used. For more information read the pet testimonial on this page.

• Does olive leaf cure or prevent cancer?

  Dr. Morton Walker in his book mentions that medical science suggests that approx. 30% of all cancers are related to viruses, including the herpes family of viruses.
  They can be activating factors leading to a process causing normal cells to turn cancerous.
  By keeping these viruses at bay, an important part of cancer prevention is exercised, and the leaf extract can be used for that.
  There is further research in early stages showing it to have a preventative effect against breast, colon and liver cancer in laboratory animals.
  Beyond this it cannot be said that it has the ability to cure any form of cancer although individual claims have been made that olive leaf juice made in a blender and taken over a period of 4 months or more has effected some cures.

• Does olive leaf work for acne?

  This herb is a natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, both of which properties are useful in the treatment of acne.
  In order to avoid scarring, the pores into which the sebaceous glands feed sebum need to be cleansed and kept free from blockage to prevent infection from surface skin bacteria Propionibacterium acnes).
  Although the problem starts with hormonal changes in adolescents causing the overproduction of sebum, this condition will usually gradually correct itself. The important thing is to avoid infections in the skin which can result in an immune response, inflammation and subsequent scarring.
  We have heard good reports of olive leaf tincture applied directly to the skin helping with acne. Internal supplementation at the same time with any form of quality extract would likely assist further by working "from the inside out".

• Is olive leaf extract an athletes foot remedy?

  A strong tincture normally works well for Athlete's foot.
  Take a piece of cotton wool and soak it with tincture. Apply the tincture liberally directly to the affected area and cover with the cotton wool.
  Carefully put a sock on the foot over the cotton wool to hold it in place.
  Doing this once or twice a day should sort out the problem in a few days, especially if it is between the toes.
  Taking capsules or powder may also work but will take longer.
  If the infection has been well established over a long period it would be good to take it internally as well as externally.

• Is olive leaf a stomach virus treatment?

  It works very well for stomach viruses generally.
  Because it does not apparently harm beneficial bacteria - including Acidophilus strains, it is a great way to kill off viruses without damaging the whole ecosystem of flora in the gut.
  The fastest acting form would be a good quality tincture, but capsules also work well in my experience.
  Note: In small children, if diarrhoea is present a doctor should be consulted to prevent dehydration which is extremely dangerous.