OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT
Updated: Oct 21
My Lyme literate naturopathic doctor (LLND) has used olive leaf extract in my protocol for years. I also found it helpful against Babesia, and my Lyme doctor uses it in my EBV protocol.
Some people report herxing, but I have always handled this one well. My doctor started me low and slow. Right now I take 2 pills twice a day, but at times he has had me take it 3 times a day. He also cycles it, with 3 weeks on and 1 week off. My doctor goes back to Designs for Health for this one.
Short on time or energy? A quick-view graphic with the key points is at the bottom of this post.
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WHAT IT IS
-Olive leaf extract comes from the leaves of the olive tree (Olea europaea). Oleuropein is one of its main parts, and many products are standardized to it.
-Dr. Marty Ross uses olive leaf extract as a viral support, both for short-term bugs like colds and flu and for long-term viruses such as EBV, HHV-6 and CMV, which he feels can add to chronic Lyme illness.
-For long-term viruses, he starts with a small amount and slowly works up, much like my own doctor did with me.
-He also shares that a die-off (herx) reaction can happen. If it does, he suggests holding at the same amount and not going up until it passes.
-Dr. Nicola Ducharme, a Lyme practitioner, has shared that in her own practice olive leaf has been an important part of Babesia and Lyme treatment. This comes from her clinical experience, since olive leaf hasn't been studied for Babesia yet.
-A 2024 ILADEF (the ILADS educational foundation) article by Dr. Hinchey lists olive leaf extract among the herbal options for Lyme and among the options used to help break down biofilms.
A LITTLE ABOUT THE RESEARCH
-A 2022 mini-review focused on COVID-19 found antiviral and immune-balancing effects, mostly in computer, lab and animal studies. Human studies are still needed.
-Blood pressure: A 2022 review of 12 studies in people (819 adults) found olive leaf extract lowered the top blood pressure number by about 4 points, and by about 5 points in people with high blood pressure. It also lowered triglycerides.
-Candida: In a 2024 lab study, olive leaf extract had an antifungal effect on Candida yeast taken from people's mouths. It did not add extra benefit when used with standard antifungal drugs. This was a lab study, so human studies are still needed.
PLEASE BE CAREFUL
-Olive leaf may lower blood pressure. The Pure Encapsulations label says people on blood pressure medicines may need their blood pressure checked.
-The same label says people on diabetes medicines may need their blood sugar checked.
-Dr. Ross shares that it may slow blood clotting, so use caution if you take a blood thinner.
-The Pure Encapsulations label says it is not for pregnancy or nursing.
OLIVE LEAF OPTIONS ON FULLSCRIPT
Designs for Health Olive Leaf Extract (capsules, the brand my doctor goes back to):
Pure Encapsulations Olive Leaf Extract (capsules):
One I personally love: Find Relief, formulated by my doctor, Dr. Thoring.
RELATED POSTS
Babesia - Possible Solutions
Babesia (education)
Babesia Directory
Candida - Possible Solutions
Blood Pressure Issues - Possible Solutions
EBV and Viral - Possible Solutions
Immune System - Possible Solutions
Herx - Possible Solutions
Brands Often Recommended by Lyme Literate Doctors
SOURCES
ILADEF - Dr. Hinchey's 10B approach for holistically healing Lyme and tick-borne disease (July 2024)
Microorganisms - Antimicrobial activity of olive leaf extract to oral Candida isolates, lab study (August 2024)
Diabetology and Metabolic Syndrome - The effects of olive leaf extract on cardiovascular risk factors, review of 12 human studies (October 2022)
Frontiers in Pharmacology - Olive leaves as a potential phytotherapy in the treatment of COVID-19 disease, a mini-review (April 2022)
Disclaimer: Rise Above Lyme makes no claims about any possible benefit of using any product mentioned within this site. Always consult with your doctor before adding anything. The information shared is based on personal experience, years of accumulated researched resources from Lyme Literate doctors and polls conducted within Lyme groups from actual patient experience using these solution ideas.
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