Dried Herb & Tea

Olive Leaf

Olea europaea

B Limited clinical evidence

Olive leaf is traditionally used for mild water retention; its extract may lower blood pressure slightly. Not advised in pregnancy or under 18.

Liver, Kidney & UrinaryHeart & Circulation
Olive Leaf
Pregnancy⚠ Avoid
Breastfeeding⚠ Avoid
Children⚠ Avoid
Drug interactionsInteraction reported
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At a glance

The EMA classes olive leaf as a traditional herbal medicine to increase water elimination through the kidneys in mild water retention. In a meta-analysis of 12 randomized trials, olive leaf extract lowered systolic blood pressure by about 4 mmHg on average; these trials used standardized extracts, not tea.

Parts used: leaves
Key constituents: Oleuropein, Hydroxytyrosol, Flavonoids

Updated: October 24, 2026

Sources include an EMA HMPC monograph. Its scope is limited to the specified species, plant part and preparation; this is not professional approval.

What is it used for?

  • B Limited clinical evidence

    Limited clinical evidence: Limited human data; small samples, methodological problems or inconsistent results reduce certainty. Findings do not apply to every product.

    How do we rate evidence levels? →

    In a meta-analysis of 12 randomized trials (819 people), olive leaf extract lowered systolic blood pressure by 3.9 mmHg on average and by 4.8 mmHg in people with hypertension, with a small fall in triglycerides. The findings apply to standardized extracts. [2]

  • T Traditional use

    Traditional use: Documents traditional use, not clinical efficacy or safety for everyone.

    How do we rate evidence levels? →

    Traditionally used to increase the elimination of water through the kidneys in mild water retention, after a doctor has ruled out serious conditions. [1]

How is it used?

Tea

For adults: simmer 5 g of dried (or 10 g of fresh) leaves in 150 ml of water until about 100 ml remain (decoction), then strain and drink.

Amount: Twice daily

Duration limit: Traditionally 2–4 weeks; see a doctor if symptoms last more than 1 week

[1]

Safety & interactions

Minimum age: 18 years

Duration limit: 28 days

  • Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety has not been established.
  • Not recommended under 18 years.
  • Do not use when fluid intake must be restricted, such as in severe heart or kidney disease; people with heart or kidney disease should ask a doctor first.
  • Do not use with blood pressure or diabetes medicines without asking your doctor; effects may add up.
  • Marked leg swelling, shortness of breath or reduced urine may signal a serious condition; see a doctor.
  • Olive leaf is not a substitute for blood pressure medicine.
[1][3]

Drug interactions

Drug interactions
Medicine / substanceEffectSeverity
Blood pressure medicinesIncreased their blood pressure-lowering effect in laboratory studies; clinical relevance is not established. Ask your doctor before combining. [3]Moderate
Insulin and other diabetes medicinesLowered blood sugar in laboratory studies; clinical relevance is not established. Monitor your blood sugar and ask your doctor. [3]Moderate

Side effects

  • No known side effects according to the EMA monograph; see a doctor if an unexpected effect occurs

⚕ When to see a doctor

  • If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
  • If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
  • If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs

Did you know?

According to the EMA monograph, olive leaf tea is not steeped but boiled: 5 g of dried leaves are simmered in 150 ml of water until about 100 ml remain. [1]

Frequently asked questions

How do I make olive leaf tea?

According to the EMA, simmer 5 g of dried or 10 g of fresh leaves in 150 ml of water until about 100 ml remain, and drink twice daily. Traditional use lasts 2–4 weeks.

Does olive leaf lower blood pressure?

In a meta-analysis of 12 randomized trials, olive leaf extract lowered systolic blood pressure by about 4 mmHg on average. This was achieved with standardized extracts; it does not replace blood pressure medicine.

Can I use olive leaf during pregnancy?

No. The EMA does not recommend it during pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety has not been established.

Can olive leaf be taken with medicines?

Laboratory studies suggest it may increase the effect of blood pressure and diabetes medicines. If you take these, ask your doctor.

Does olive leaf lower blood sugar?

It lowered blood sugar in laboratory studies, but the meta-analysis found no meaningful change in blood sugar in people.

Sources

Source type is not an efficacy rating. A monograph may document traditional use or safety. Claim numbers link to the relevant source; the access date does not indicate professional approval.

  1. European Union herbal monograph on Olea europaea L., foliumEMA HMPC · 2017 · MonographSource accessed:
  2. The effects of olive leaf extract on cardiovascular risk factors in the general adult population: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsDiabetology & Metabolic Syndrome · 2022 · Systematic reviewSource accessed:
  3. Olive LeafMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — About Herbs · 2023 · Reference bookSource accessed:

Cite This Page

Olive Leaf (Olea europaea). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/olive-leaf/

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