How to make olive leaf tea

I. Introduction

Olive leaf tea is a beverage made from the leaf of the olive tree. It has been quite popular throughout the Mediterranean. It is from dried olive leaves ranging from 4cm to 10cm in length. Olive leaves work as an extract, an herbal tea, and a powder because of their healing properties.

The Mediterranean diet has contributed to a decrease in chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular disease, due to olive oil, leaves, and fruit in the diet. It has been used as traditional medicine for centuries.

The active compounds in olive leaf include hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein, and tyrosol. The high amount of antioxidants can also help the body fight against illness and premature aging. Oleuropein is a natural pesticide that fights bacterial damage and protects the human body from bacteria, viruses, and infections caused by fungus. Antioxidant tyrosol helps in protecting the body cells from injuries caused by oxidation.

Olive-leaf tea has anti-viral and anti-bacterial features. Its anti-fungal features are natural killers of anti-fungal diseases. It can lower cholesterol. Olive leaf extract can narrow the arteries, the highest risk factor for heart disease. High levels and bad cholesterol are risk factors for developing heart disease. 

Tea from olive leaves fights yeast infections and viral infections, such as herpes. Antioxidants can help to treat tumors and cancers such as liver, breast, and prostate cancer and weight loss. Olive leaf extract prevents high-fat, diet-induced obesity. It prevents obesity by regulating the expression of genes that affect weight gain and also aids in reducing food intake. It boosts the metabolism of fat cells, allowing the body to burn fat quicker and more efficiently. 

Olive Leaf extract can protect against several skin blemishes due to its antioxidant properties. It is also a wound-healing extract and prevents UV damage. Its anti-aging properties might reduce early signs of wrinkles, and its anti-inflammatory properties may eliminate inflammatory markers associated with acne and dermatitis.

Olive leaf tea protects you from cognitive decline, which appears in chronic diseases like dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Parkinson’s Disease. The antioxidant oleuropein prevents the loss or damage of dopamine neurons and delays the early signs of depressive behaviors.

Drinking olive leaf tea helps with vaginal thrush, a condition caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans (Cdc.gov). It is harmless in most instances, but an increase in the yeast numbers can lead to thrush symptoms, including discharge, itching and stinging during sex or urinating.

II. Ingredients

Olive-leaf tea is olive leaves and water. Olive leaf tea is made by steaming and rolling freshly harvested olive leaves. Leaves are then dried and cut for the tea. Tea leaves have a silvery-green color and a mellow taste, with a mild sweet olive flavor. Water is a component of good tea. Fresh or spring water is best, or filtered tap water.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to let it cool to approximately 185 degrees. Too hot water will burn olive leaves lowering the antioxidant polyphenol count and creating a bitter flavor. Allow the olive leaf to steep for 3-8 minutes, depending on your desired strength.

Before you know how to make olive leaf tea, understand what olive leaves you should look for. Choose the Manzanillo or Mission olives that have not been treated with copper sulfate or other chemicals. Look for organic suppliers in your area. Olive leaves should be dried at less than 150˚F to receive their full effect. You can make olive-leaf tea from scratch if you have an olive tree in your garden.

If you have an olive tree in your garden, ensure it is not treated with pesticides or other chemicals. Pick leaves that are fresh and do not have any blemishes. Try to pick them up in the early afternoon, as all the dew must have dried by this time. 

Dry these leaves in an oven at less than 150˚F. Drying them in the air or direct sunlight may reduce their benefits by causing oxidative damage. Once the leaves have dried, crush them by hand, and remove any stalks. Store them in a paper packet and keep them for use.

III. Preparation

Step-by-step instructions

1. Take one litre of water and 30 gms of dried or fresh olive leaves. Start with good quality clean water. Boil the desired quantity of water and let it cool slightly before pouring over the leaves so that you do not burn them. That way, you maintain the taste and avoid damaging the phytochemicals. Flavor your olive leaf tea with additions and herbs like Honey, Lemon, Milk, Cinnamon, Rose Petals, Peppermint, or Lavender Flowers.
2. Keep boiling the mixture until the water reduces to half. Taking two cups of this tea every day yields better results. This tea takes a long time to steep than regular tea. Drink it either hot or even iced. You may alter the quantity of the leaf as per your liking or even blend it with some other herbs for more flavors.
3. Allow your infusion to cool and keep it in the fridge to enjoy for up to 2 days. Keep your olive leaf tea in its resealable package for up to 2 years. Keep it in a cool, dark, and dry place. All Olive leaf tea packages have an expiry date printed directly on the back label.

IV. Serving

Combine Olive leaves with other herbs for flavorful, healthful blends. Find your method of the olive leaf to keep it in the diet and be consistent with any dietary supplement. Olive-leaf powder is a way to get olive leaf into your diet. Use olive leaf powder as powdered tea in blended drinks or as a cooking ingredient. Place a tablespoon in your favorite smoothie, yogurt, ice cream, pancakes, cookies, or casserole recipe. 

For children, it builds immunity, fights cold/flu viruses, controls hypertensive activity, and calms allergies and digestive challenges. Use about half the adult cup.

V. Conclusion

In conclusion, olive-leaf tea comes with multiple medical benefits. It helps you cure and prevent chronic diseases like heart attacks and tumors. Grasp the standard method and incorporate your flavors and other herbs for a healthier drink. Try making it home and experiment with different serving and pairing options, such as smoothies and muffins.