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When we think of olives, we often think of rich Mediterranean cuisine — but the leaves of the olive tree are just as remarkable as the fruit. Used for centuries in traditional herbal medicine, olive leaf has gained global attention for its health-promoting properties, largely thanks to a potent compound called oleuropein.

In this post, we’ll explore what makes olive leaf so powerful, how you can use it in both food and skincare, and the differences between olive leaf powder and olive leaf extract — both now available at The Herbal Connection.

What Is Oleuropein – and Why Does It Matter?

Oleuropein is the key bioactive phytochemical found in olive leaves. It’s responsible for many of the herb’s prized effects, including:

• Immune support

• Antioxidant activity

• Antimicrobial and antifungal properties

• Anti-inflammatory effects

• Heart and metabolic health support

In fact, in our Organic Olive Leaf Powder, you’ll find 10–12% oleuropein content — meaning each gram delivers around 100–120mg of oleuropein. That’s naturally potent, no added fillers required!

Olive Leaf Powder vs Extract – What’s the Difference?

We offer two types of olive leaf products, and each serves a unique purpose:

Organic Olive Leaf Powder

• Made from whole dried Greek olive leaves

• Harvested early in the season for higher oleuropein levels

• Ideal for tea blends, food recipes, or topical skincare

• Contains 10–12% naturally occurring oleuropein

Olive Leaf Extract Powder (5:1 ratio)

• Made from commercial grade olive leaf

• Standardized extract process

• Highly concentrated: ~5x stronger than the raw leaf

• Suitable for supplements, capsules, and potent herbal blends

How to Use Olive Leaf in Your Routine

In the Kitchen

• Add to herbal teas and wellness infusions

• Blend into green smoothies or juice shots

• Stir into soups or broths for a nutrient boost

For Skincare

• Use in face masks to calm and purify skin

• Add to bath soaks for a rejuvenating soak

• Mix with hydrosols to create a balancing facial toner

For Wellness Formulations

• Combine with immune-boosting herbs like echinacea and elderberry

• Create herbal capsules or tinctures

• Blend into protein or energy powders for extra support

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for a gentle, whole-herb powder or a more targeted extract, olive leaf is a beautiful addition to any natural health routine. Its high oleuropein content is what makes it so unique — supporting immune resilience, skin health, and beyond.

Explore our full range of olive leaf offerings and discover how this Mediterranean staple can bring powerful plant-based wellness into your life.