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The Benefits of Olive Leaf

Many people turn to antibiotics and prescription medications when it comes to conquering something as common as the cold or flu. Nature, however, can offer us something just as beneficial without side effects when it comes to tackling these stubborn viruses. For these, symptoms of chronic fatigue, sore throat, ear and eye infections, and a host of other bacterial or viral infections, my number one recommendation is olive leaf extract.

The most fundamental part of the olive leaf is oleuropein, a phytochemical that has powerful anti-microbial effects. Olive leaf extract has the ability to interfere with critical amino acid production for viruses, to reduce viral infection and/or spread by inactivating viruses in preventing virus shredding, budding or assembly at the cell membrane, and the ability to directly penetrate infected cells and stop viral replication.

Other benefits of olive leaf include increased energy, healthy blood pressure and stronger immune system. Research and clinical experience indicate that supplemental olive leaf may be beneficial in the treatment for conditions caused by, or associated with, a virus, fungus, bacterium or protozoan including: influenza, the common cold, sinusitis, Candida infections, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Herpes I and II, HHV6, shingles (Herpes zoster), chronic fatigue, acne, diarrhea and much more.

There are many olive leaf products out there, I have tried six different brands in the past 15 years and in my opinion Seagate Olive Leaf Extract is number one. Seagate has the best olive leaf extract because of its broad spectrum antimicrobial properties, they hand select their olive leaves from local trees right after the olives are harvested, and their manufacturing is done without any chemicals, solvents, or alcohol. They also have several olive leaf products that are not in capsule form like olive leaf nasal spray, throat spray and olive leaf earache remedy. Take your pick!

References:

http://www.seagateproducts.com/olive-leaf-extract.html

Disclaimer: The contents of this blog are the opinions of Dr. Susanne Bennett unless otherwise noted. The information on this blog is not intended as personalized medical advice and is not intended to replace the relationship that you have with your primary care provider. Any decisions you make with regard to your daily choices and medical treatments should be made with the help of a qualified health care provider.

 

 

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Are you Living with Toe Nail Fungus?


About 20% of the world lives with nail fungus, a microorganism that starts out beneath the nail and continues to grow with reckless abandon. While it may not be attractive looking, it is certainly treatable with time and effort.

Toenail fungus is very common and lives in places that are wet and warm, like communal showers and locker rooms.  The most troubling thing about the disease is the time it takes for the affected person to notice. Typically toe nail fungus will not cause alarm in the person it affects until it has covered the entire nail. The nail looks dry, flakey or thicker and it can be brown, yellow or even black in color. The fungus will infect the nail bed and can take over the skin around the nail. At this point you will need to be patient and take care of your nail diligently to eradicate it completely.

The best way to avoid contracting toe nail fungus is to steer clear of showering in public places without something to cover your feet, like flip flops. Also, always make sure to keep your feet dry, as moisture will breed the fungus.  One of the more popular places to contract toe nail fungus is nail salons, which can be very unsanitary places. Sharing foot tubs and nail tools is an easy way to catch the fungus, so if you like getting pedicures regularly, I suggest bringing your own tools! I personally picked up a bacterial skin infection from a very reputable salon five years ago and I have been completely au natural since- no more pedicures or manicures!

Treating toenail fungus requires patience and you need to use both a topical and an oral agent. Keep your nail short and wash your feet every day with probiotic soap after exercise or work. In the evening I suggest using a hair dryer to completely dry up the nail.  Also, I recommend a tea tree oil application for topical use after every shower and before bedtime. Olive leaf extract or castor bean oil extract SF722 by Thorne Research can be orally taken for a short duration.

A good home remedy also is to soak your feet in a little tub with ½ cup of baking soda for 20 minutes daily. Depending on how long you had the nail condition, it may take 3 months to a year to eliminate the toenail fungus completely and have a fresh new beautiful nail! It can be done!

References:
http://www.nailsfungus.org/nail-fungus/living-with-a-nail-fungus-infection.html

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