Olive Leaf Extract Benefits for Your Dogs and Cats (antiviral and antibacterial)
Source: Dr Axe.com)
More and more studies are proving that olive leaf extract is a powerful medicinal tool, with benefits including immune system support, increased energy and promoting healthy blood pressure. Because of the promising scientific studies indicating its medicinal potential, olive leaf continues to gain recognition for its various health benefits.
What Is Olive Leaf Extract?
Olive leaf extract comes from the leaves of the olive tree, called Olea europaea.
In the early 1800s, crushed olive leaves were used in drinks to lower fevers, and a few decades later, they were used in tea as a treatment for malaria. In Moroccan medicine, olive leaf is infused in order to stabilize blood sugar and control diabetes. These medicinal benefits of olive leaf extract comes from the plants powerful compounds.
Oleuropein, one of the primary compounds in olive leaf, has attracted attention since the early 1900s because of its antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Studies have found that oleuropein, which is a polyphenol, is a potent antioxidant that helps to lower blood pressure naturally and prevent cardiovascular disease. Oleuropein also displayed anti-cancer functions when it made tumors in animals regress or disappear.
Health Benefits
Fights Diabetes
One study conducted in Greece measured the effects of olive leaf extracts on the formation of advanced glycation end products (known as AGEs), which are substances that can be a factor in the development of diabetes and many other chronic diseases. Inhibiting AGE formation is a preventive and therapeutic target for patients with diabetes, and a 2013 study found that olive leaf extract did just that, working to improve diabetes symptoms naturally.
Cancer Help
Olive leaves may play an important role in fighting cancer because of their ability to stop the angiogenic process, which stimulates the growth of tumors.
The compound oleuropein has an antioxidant and anti-angiogenic effect by inhibiting the reproduction and migration of advanced tumor cells.
A 2009 study conducted in Greece showed, for the first time, that olive leaf extracts have strong antioxidant potency and inhibit cancer and endothelial cell reproduction.
Olive leaf extracts slowed the growth of cells associated with breast cancer, urinary bladder cancer and brain cancer.
Improves Brain Function
Another olive leaf benefit is its positive effects on brain function. Studies show that oleuropein, one of the main components in olive leaf, reduces the symptoms or occurrence of age-related disorders, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
An in vivo study published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity found that oleuropein is able to induce autophagy, achieving a decrease of aggregated proteins and a reduction of cognitive impairment. Basically, this means that because of this compound, olive leaf extract promotes the orderly degradation and recycling of our cellular components.
Natural Anti-bacterial
An important olive leaf benefit is its ability to fight off infections, including candida infections, meningitis, pneumonia, chronic fatigue, hepatitis B, malaria, gonorrhea, shingles and tuberculosis. It also naturally treats ear, dental and urinary tract infections.
A study done in 2003 proved that olive leave extracts have an antimicrobial effect against bacteria and fungi. This suggests that olive leaf works as a natural antibiotic, due to it’s ability to fight some bacterial infections.
In the study, the olive leaf extracts killed almost all bacteria tested, including dermatophytes (causing infections on the skin, hair and nails), candida albicans (an agent of oral and genital infections) and Escherichia coli cells (bacteria found in the lower intestine).
And a 2017 study found that olive leaf extract works as an antimicrobial agent that controls foodborne pathogens, including E. coli and salmonella.
VIRUS Killing- Boosts Immune System
The olive leaf has antiviral properties, giving it the ability to fight or prevent the common cold, as well as treat dangerous viruses. Research shows that olive leaf extracts effectively fight against a number of disease-causing microbes, including some of the viruses that cause influenza and other respiratory infections.
The powerful compounds found in olive leaves destroy invading organisms and don’t allow viruses to replicate and cause an infection. In fact, the olive leaf is so beneficial to our health that treatment with olive leaf extracts reversed many HIV-1 infection-associated changes in a study done at the New York University School of Medicine.
And a 2019 study found that when olive leaf extract was given to high school athletes for nine weeks during their competitive season, there was a significant 28 percent reduction in sick days taken by those supplementing with olive leaf.
Safety
When olive leaf is used in appropriate amounts, it is generally safe.
- It may cause mild gastrointestinal side effects, so start small and be aware of this.
- Few to no secondary drug interactions
- If treating a diabetic, be aware that this may mean lower insulin doses are needed ( ie use in conjunction with your veterinarian)
Doses- these are the published ‘human’ doses
• Olive leaf capsules: Olive leaf extract is also available in capsule and soft gel forms. Capsules can be taken to support immune function and provide powerful antioxidants. Capsules can also be taken to promote cardiovascular health. The standard olive leaf extract dose ranges from 500-1,000 milligrams daily. It’s best to divide your daily dosage into 2-3 smaller doses and take it with a meal or snack.
• Olive leaf tea for immunity: Olive leaf tea is available in your local health food store and online. You can drink olive leaf tea daily to boost immune function and reduce inflammation. If you have access to an olive tree, then you can use the leaves to make tea. Start by washing the leaves thoroughly, then bake them at about 150 degrees or below until they are dry. Then crush the dry leaves and remove the stalks. Steep one tablespoon of the dried olive leaves in hot water for 10 minutes; drink a cup (or more) a day to get all of these amazing olive leaf benefits. If the taste it too bitter for you, add some organic honey or lemon.
Dog and Cat Doses
Dose range of 1mg-5 mg/lb twice daily
Start at the lower end, and up, assuming no vomiting/diarrhea
I would use this as a ‘new’ antiviral, and as a ‘natural’ antibiotic
For example I would consider using this on my dog/cat with a skin, bladder infection, or even kennel cough.
Currently there are 2 sick people in my house ( I am not one of them, but dealing with LACK of sleep with ALL the coughing..)
Both my wife and son are taking my ‘NEW’ antiviral, anti cough concoction of…
Elderberry concentrate (2000mg)
Licorice Root tincture (2ml)
Olive Leaf extract (500mg)
1 tablespoon of honey
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