Olive trees are one of the heartiest, longest living plants in the world, and they can even live for hundreds of years. Native to the Mediterranean, Asia, and Africa, this tree appears rather short and squat. Olive trees have been around since ancient times, and they have been harvested for their bountiful olives, which are still used to produce oil today. In fact, the olive tree has been around for so long that olive branches were found in the tomb of Tutankhamun, the ancient Egyptian Pharaoh. Today, we would like to discuss the uses of olive oil in ancient times.

Ancient Greeks

Ancient Greeks used olive oil in a variety of different ways for their daily sustenance. Olive oil was used in cooking and also to make salad dressings. A common salad dressing was made from olive oil, vinegar, sea salt, and honey. Olive oil was also used as a perfume base because of its ability to stay on the skin for long periods of time.

The Goddess Athena

According to ancient Greek legend, Athena, the goddess of wisdom, gifted the city of Athens with an olive tree. This legend illustrates the importance of olive oil in Greek society. By providing Athens with an olive tree, Athena provided the citizens with nourishment, wood, and trade.

First Civilization to Cultivate Olive Tree

The early Minoan civilization on Crete includes evidence of first cultivating the olive tree in 3500 BCE. Over the years, they refined their cultivation process, which resulted in incorporating olives and olive oil into their culinary traditions. They also used olives and olive oil in their commercial activities as well.

Mycenaean Civilization

Another Greek culture that harvested the olive tree for its fruit was the Mycenaean civilization from 1600- 1150 BCE. By the 6th century BCE, Athens legislators would even pass laws regulating the use of olive trees.

Medicinal Uses

Both philosophers and physicians in ancient Greece used olive oil medicinally starting in the 7th century BCE. Hippocrates was quite enthusiastic about using olive oil to treat a variety of ailments. Olive oil was used to treat sore throats, skin conditions, congestion, digestive problems, and respiratory ailments.

Medicinal Uses Today

Even in modern times, the olive tree holds key nutritional value. Olive leaf extract contains high amounts of oleuropein, which has antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. Additionally, oleopein helps to boost the immune system, prevent cancer, and lower blood pressure and cholesterol. The powerful antimicrobial properties in olive leaf extract are used to kill bacteria and fungi as well. Therefore, olive leaf extract is a wonderful source for preventing colds and viruses as well as for fighting infections.

The Original Olive Leaf Extract®

The Original Olive Leaf Extract is the only olive leaf extract that includes an excellent delivery system, and each capsule contains over 100 mg of oleuropein. Unlike other sources on the market, this olive leaf extract contains no GMO’s or any known allergens. If you would like to experience the many health benefits of olive leaf extract, then purchase The Original Olive Leaf Extract today.