--- title: "Olive Leaf: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex" description: "Olive leaf is traditionally used for mild water retention; its extract may lower blood pressure slightly. Not advised in pregnancy or under 18." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/olive-leaf/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/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 & Urinary](https://herbadex.com/en/for/liver-kidney/) [Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) ![](/illustrations/kuru-bitki.svg)O Olive Leaf Pregnancy **⚠ Avoid** Breastfeeding **⚠ Avoid** Children **⚠ Avoid** Drug interactions **Interaction reported** ## 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 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 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 | Medicine / substance | Effect | Severity | | --- | --- | --- | | Blood pressure medicines | Increased their blood pressure-lowering effect in laboratory studies; clinical relevance is not established. Ask your doctor before combining. [3] | Moderate | | Insulin and other diabetes medicines | Lowered 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., folium](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-olea-europaea-l-folium-first-version_en.pdf) EMA HMPC · 2017 · Monograph Source accessed: October 24, 2026 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 trials](https://doi.org/10.1186/s13098-022-00920-y) Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome · 2022 · Systematic review Source accessed: October 24, 2026 3. [Olive Leaf](https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/olive-leaf) Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — About Herbs · 2023 · Reference book Source accessed: October 24, 2026 ### Cite This Page Olive Leaf (Olea europaea). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/olive-leaf/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [How to Prepare Herbal Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/how-to-prepare-herbal-tea/) - [Herbal Products and Drug Interactions](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/herb-drug-interactions/) - [Herbal Products in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/herbal-products-in-pregnancy/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Did you know? Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ### [Psyllium Husk](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/psyllium-husk/) A Strong clinical evidence Plantago ovata Taken with plenty of water, psyllium husk helps soften stools in constipation; keep a gap between it and other medicines. 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