Olive tea and its health benefits

Where would we be without olive trees which supply us with, after processing, edible green and black olives, olive oil and kindling and wood for our wood burning stove. We have now discovered that the leaves are also a very useful resource and make a very healthy tea. A tea which has been brewed in the Mediterranean area for thousands of years.

Apparently, the tea is very beneficial and has antioxidant levels tens times that of green tea. Clinical trials are ongoing but the tea is said to lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, help build bone density and improve blood flow. The leaves also have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties and strengthen the immune system.

If you have your own olive tree or have access to a tree its easy to make your own tea.

Only pick leaves from a tree that has been kept organically to avoid any pesticides, insecticides or any other chemicals. Select and pick healthy and blemish free leaves about mid-morning when any dew has evaporated.

Wash and dry the leaves indoors and away from direct sunlight. When dried thoroughly, remove the stalks and place in an airtight container.

Simply add about 6-8 leaves (depending on the strength of tea preferred) to a pot and pour over sufficient boiling water for 2-4 cups. Allow the tea to infuse for 25-30 minutes before straining. We enjoy a cup every morning and the taste in not unlike loose leaf green tea and very pleasant.