Our immune systems act like an armored police force assigned to protect us from the billions of pathogenic (disease causing) organisms in our environment.  These opportunistic bugs enter the body through breathing, eating, drinking and cuts in the skin.

When the immune system is functioning at the
peak of efficiency, these microorganisms can
be present in the body but they have little effect.
When an injury or an over abundance of
physical or mental stress weakens the immune
system, these unwelcome organisms are able
to get a stronghold.  As these pathogens
overtake various glands, organs, and tissues in
the body they cause dysfunction. Doctors call the resulting dysfunction ''disease''.  At some point, the diseased glands, organs, or tissues produce symptoms that are characteristic of the particular pathogen.  For example, cold viruses normally attack the respiratory system that then reacts by producing more phlegm.  Tissues swell, then sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and other discomforts appear as symptoms.

When the immune system is functioning at the peak of efficiency, these microorganisms can be present in the body but they have little effect.  When an injury or an over abundance of physical or mental stress weakens the immune system, these unwelcome organisms are able to get a stronghold.
As these pathogens overtake various glands, organs, and tissues in the body they cause dysfunction.

Doctors call the resulting dysfunction ''disease''. At some point, the diseased glands, organs, or tissues produce symptoms that are characteristic of the particular pathogen.  For example, cold viruses normally attack the respiratory system that then reacts by producing more phlegm.  Tissues swell, then sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and other discomforts appear as symptoms.

Many times it takes months, and even years for symptoms to appear.  Even prior to the appearance of symptoms, the pathogens are in the body draining strength from the infected tissues and the immune system.

      Amoeba             Ebola Virus           Influenza            P. Solanacearum
       Rabies                Botulism               Giardia                   Lactobacillus
   P. Lachrymans     Roundworm          Chancroid                  Hepatitis
    Leptospirosis     Parainfluenza          Rubella                    Chlamydia
        Herpes                Listeria              Pneumonia                  Vaccinia
         E. Coli              HIV/AIDS           Norwalk Agent          Pseudorabies
         Virax

Original Olive Leaf Extract produces substantial energy increases in most people that use it.  It is not at all uncommon to hear people state they they have more energy than they have had for years.

During clinical use by a doctor in Southern California, patients stated that Original Olive Leaf Extract solved their tiredness and fatigue problems. Many choose to continue with

even after their conditions of ill health are gone.  Healthy people without any noticeable health problems who take it say they also feel this infusion of energy.

In 1993, Tranter and Tassou of the PHLS Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research in England found that elenolic acid inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus when tested in vitro.  A concentration of only 0.6% was sufficient for this antibacterial effect.  They also noted that oleuropein was effective in the destruction of enterotoxin B.

Olive leaf extract has also been tested and found to be safe in amounts far higher than the normal daily amount.  Laboratory testing indicates that amounts many times larger than the daily recommended usage are not toxic and do not cause adverse effects

In cases where people are suffering with a chronic problem, there may be a quick and somewhat adverse reaction. The 'die-off' effect, or Herxheimer Response, refers to problems generated by a detoxification process.

'Die-off' occurs as large quantities of invading organisms die. When that happens, the dead microbes release toxins and other substances. When large quanties of this foreign material are present, the body begins a process to get rid of it.

Sometimes there are more dead cells and toxins that the eliminative organs can handle. Thus, once could feel ill or develop a skin reaction. All of these conditions are good signs - they indicate that the Original Olive Leaf Extract is working.

Common reactions include fatigue, diarrhea, headaches, muscle or joint achiness or flu-like symptoms. Some people may develop a rash, pimples or other skin condition. Severity differs from person to person, depending on the extent of the problem.

The best way to limit any adverse reaction is to drink as much water as possible. Water helps to strengthen the lymphatic system and flush the kidneys. We recommend reverse-osmosis or distilled water.

For minimal discomfort, such as a headache or muscle/joint pain, a simple over-the-counter analgesic such as aspirin or ibuprofen usually suffices.

For more than minimal discomfort, one might consider reducing the daily intake of Original Olive Leaf Extract or discontinuing use for a few days. It may take a day or two, or even a week, for the body to process and eliminate the toxins produced by the dead microbes.

After these few days, one should resume taking Original Olive Leaf Extract at a slightly lower amount and increase slowly.

'Die-off' effect is only temporary, and usually ends with a grealy enhanced feeling of well being. Original Olive Leaf Extract is very safe, in spite of the 'die-off' effect.

 

F. Visioli and C. Galli at the Institute of Pharmacological Studies, University of Milan, pave the way in their 1994 study which showed that olive leaf derivatives are good antioxidants. Thus, they proposed that this is a new link between the Mediterranean diet and the prevention of serious heart problems.

V. Petkov, working on his research in Europe and writing for peer-review journals in the United States, also found uses for olive leaf in nutritionally maintaining healthy cardiovascular systems and helping other heart problems.

A 1994 experiment at the University of Milan's Institute of Pharmacological Studies found that olive leaf inhibited oxidation for low-density lipoproteins.

A subsequent study in 1995 at the same institution linked olive leaf to the reduction or delaying of problems in the heart.

Olive leaf extract has also been studied for its ability to normalize blood pressure. Ribeiro and Fiuza reported the findings of their study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology. They studied thirty-two medicinal plants, and verified that olea europaea, olive leaf, produced a beneficial effect.

These findings were confirmed by A. Zarzuelo and J. Duarte, researchers in the Pharmacology Department at the University of Granada, Spain, who studied extract made from olive leaves.

A recent study of olive leaf to determine its blood pressure normalizing capabilities was undertaken in 1996 by a large team of researchers in Belgium. They tested thirty patients who were suffering from high blood pressure. After three months on specially prepared olive leaf extract, quoting the researchers, "We note for all patients a statistically significant decrease of blood pressure." Additionally, they noted that they did not find any side effects from the extract occurring in the patients in this study.

As demonstrated here, Original Olive Leaf Extract can be a powerful antioxidant much like flavonoids and proanthocyanadins. These very compounds protect the heart and cardiovascular system from free radical-induced damage, and promote powerful good health in the user.