Olea europaea

Olea europaea
Family:Olea europaea; Antipruritic; Antiseptic; Astringent; Bach; Cholagogue; Demulcent; Emollient; Febrifuge; Hypoglycaemic; Laxative; Sedative.
Common name:Olive
The oil from the pericarp is cholagogue a nourishing demulcent emollient and laxative. Eating the oil reduces gastric secretions and is therefore of benefit to patients suffering from hyperacidity. The oil is also used internally as a laxative and to treat peptic ulcers. It is used externally to treat pruritis the effects of stings or burns and as a vehicle for liniments. Used with alcohol it is a good hair tonic and used with oil of rosemary it is a good treatment for dandruff. The oil is also commonly used as a base for liniments and ointments. The leaves are antiseptic astringent febrifuge and sedative. A decoction is used in treating obstinate fevers they also have a tranquillising effect on nervous tension and hypertension. Experimentally they have been shown to decrease blood sugar levels by 17 - 23%. Externally they are applied to abrasions. The bark is astringent bitter and febrifuge. It is said to be a substitute for quinine in the treatment of malaria. In warm countries the bark exudes a gum-like substance that has been used as a vulnerary. The plant is used in Bach flower remedies - the keywords for prescribing it are 'Complete exhaustion' and 'Mental fatigue'.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 04:42 []