Olive (Olea europaea)
Photo: Palauenc05 · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Digestive
- 2 conditions
- Licensed photo
Overview
Olive (Olea europaea) is a small evergreen tree, typically 33 ft (10 m), with grayish bark, leathery leaves, and green fruit maturing to black. Olive oil is pressed from the fruit.
Traditional uses & properties
Oil: High in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat.
Safety & precautions
Leaf Extracts: Ask a professional before taking olive leaf medicinally. Essential Oil: Rarely used from olives specifically; caution if using specialized extracts or medicinals.
Educational reference only - not medical advice. Herbs can interact with medications. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use. Full disclaimer.
Drug interactions
Interaction data is not available for this herb - talk to a pharmacist before combining it with any medication. A blank entry here means we have not documented interactions, not that none exist.
Habitat
Predominantly from the Mediterranean, olive trees prefer sunny, temperate climates with well-drained soil. The leaves can be collected throughout the year, while the fruit is harvested in late summer or autumn.
Traditionally used for
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Frequently asked questions
What is Olive (Olea europaea) traditionally used for?
Traditional sources describe Olive (Olea europaea) as follows: Oil: High in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat.
What safety cautions apply to Olive (Olea europaea)?
Leaf Extracts: Ask a professional before taking olive leaf medicinally. Essential Oil: Rarely used from olives specifically; caution if using specialized extracts or medicinals.
Related herbs
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