Olive leaf extract is a staple in my medicine cabinet all the time, but even more so during cold and flu season.

That’s because it’s a broad spectrum anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal compound that knocks out whatever is ailing you.

That means there’s no need to know if that cold caused by a virus is deteriorating into bronchitis caused by opportunistic bacteria that can move in after you’re weakened by the virus.

If you’re anything like my husband, who thinks he is about to die of pneumonia at the first sign of a scratchy throat, olive leaf extract can be immensely comforting, not to speak of exceptionally effective whether it is a cold, the flu or something more serious.

Oleuropein, one of the active ingredients in olive leaf extract, has been shown to search out and inactivate harmful bacteria. Unlike synthetic antibiotics, it leaves the good bacteria alone, so you don’t risk swinging into dysbiosis or unbalanced gut bacteria by taking it.

In fact, olive leaf extract is one of the most effective treatments for dysbiosis recommended by Dr. William Crook, author of The Yeast Connection and other books on yeast overgrowth.

Oiive leaf extract is increasingly being used in Europe instead of synthetic antibiotics.

Because it helps strengthen the immune system many practitioners recommend taking olive leaf for several months for optimal immune system strengthening effects.

Dr. Ray Sahelian recommends 1500 mg or more daily. You can find scientific sources for the benefits of olive leaf extract at his website.

There are no adverse side effects from olive leaf extract, although some people experience a rather unpleasant flu-like effect often called die-off or, more scientifically, Herzheimer’s reaction, caused by toxins released by microorganisms killed by the extract. This usually passes within a few days.

Olive leaf extract has also been shown to:
• reduce blood pressure and cholesterol
• reduce inflammation
• improve blood sugar control
• have antioxidant effects that slow the aging processes
• boost energy
• improve symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome
• diminished herpes viral infections, including shingles

Olive leaf extract is available online and at nutrition outlets and health food stores everywhere. Be sure to get a product that is standardized to at least 15% oleuropein.

Although there are no known drug interaction or side effects, be sure to check with your health care professional before you use olive leaf extract or any other supplements.

—Kathleen Barnes
http:www/kathleenbarnes.com