Nature's Way Extra-Strength Olive Leaf Extract, 20% Oleuropein, 60 ct

This review is the same as the one I wrote for Nature's Way Oregano Oil, 60 Liquid Vcaps , because I use the two herbs together. My brother was the first one to inform me of using oregano oil to help fight off colds. And my sister recommended I also try olive leaf extract for the same purpose. Prior to using these products, I would get about 2-3 colds a year for as long as I can remember. The first symptom would be general fatigue, followed by a sore throat, a runny and/or stuffy nose, then coughing and congestion. The mild symptoms would last about 1.5 weeks, but unfortunately sometimes the congestion would linger for weeks. Then I started taking the oregano oil and olive leaf extract. What I've discovered over the past 5 years is this. If I start taking these herbal supplements when I start getting a sore throat, then usually I never get any chest congestion. In addition, any symptoms I do have are generally milder. So for the past 5 years, I've only had 3 serious colds, and one of those was linked to allergies (I live in Central Texas, and cedar allergies are common, although I'm not usually severely affected by them). Prior to taking these herbal supplements, I would have averaged about 10 colds in a 5 year time span. To achieve my results, I take 1 olive leaf pill with every meal, 3 times daily, as soon as I detect the initial symptoms (usually for me it is a sore throat). For oregano oil I take 1 or 2 pills a day (adjust consumption of oregano oil per your needs...some folks are sensitive and can be allergic to it). I continue this intake for about 5 days, which is usually when the soreness in my throat subsides. Overall, I'm SERIOUSLY pleased with my results. Whereas over-the-counter medicines might make you feel better, they do nothing to actually combat the virus itself (they just might make your nose less stuffy, or abate your headache). Based on my personal experience, I feel like whatever compounds are in these herbs do actually assist your body in fighting the viruses. **** UPDATE: DECEMBER 12, 2013 **** My ongoing quest for better health continues, and so far I'm pleased with the results. It's been over 2 years since I've had a cold or anything worse. However, to be clear, I can't definitively attribute it just to olive leaf extract and oregano oil supplements. I think the changes I've listed below that I've made in my diet the last few years have helped as well. Folks should keep these points in mind if they are considering taking olive leaf extract and oregano oil supplements to prevent or help overcome a cold/flu/etc. I'm not saying a person needs to do all the things listed below to fight a cold. What I am saying is that if a person is getting a cold (or already has a cold), then they start taking olive leaf extract and oregano oil supplements to fight the cold, but they are still eating a bunch of sugar laden foods and consuming a lot of alcohol while they're sick, then their actions are inhibiting the positive effects of the olive leaf extract and oregano oil supplements. Health must be approached holistically...there is no "silver bullet" in the form of a few supplements that can prevent or overcome sickness. Also remember that a person's body chemistry is unique. If you can't obtain the same positive results with olive leaf extract and oregano oil supplements as other folks have, don't be dismayed...continue to find that unique diet, lifestyle, and supplement formula that works for you (and share your good results with me when you do :-) ...I'm so very curious about ways to obtain better health). And remember that the approach to good health is highly debatable, so do your own research and arrive at your own conclusions. 1) Greatly reduced the amount of table sugar I consume, especially if I feel like I'm at risk of getting sick (e.g. if I'm stressed out from work, not sleeping well, around a lot of people who are sick, etc.). 2) I drink fresh lime juice fairly regularly. Cut a lime in half and squeeze the juice from the halves into a warm cup of water. I drink with a straw to mitigate too much of the acidic juice from washing over my teeth and brush my teeth promptly afterwards. Like with point #1, if sickness risk is elevated I'll drink this tea daily. 3) I've greatly increased the amount of fruits and vegetables I eat every day. As I've learned over the years, when a person sits down to eat, ideally they should be looking at a plate of mostly vegetables and fruits, a small portion of protein (especially seafood high in omega-3 and low in mercury), and perhaps a bit of some gluten free starch. Some of these points can be argued (e.g. vegetarians would say no meat), but compared to the typical US diet, eating like this would be a TREMENDOUS improvement. Personally I've taken to creating smoothies to consume more fruits and vegetables. Here is one recipe: 3 carrots, 1 cup frozen blueberries, 2 bananas, couple slices of ginger, a tablespoon olive oil, as much dark leafy greens as your palate can stand, and concord grape juice to provide the liquid base and control the viscosity. 4) I've transitioned to a diet mostly free from some of the more common allergens (e.g. gluten, dairy, and soy). 5) I meditate. All the benefits of mediation can't be described here, but the modern science is finally starting to validate its purely physical benefits, which includes reducing stress and strengthening the immune system. This topic definitely deserves your further consideration. Try Mindfulness: An Eight-Week Plan for Finding Peace in a Frantic World for a good modern day primer on the subject, which was written and researched by university level researchers. 6) Exercise at least twice a week. **** UPDATE: DECEMBER 15, 2016 **** Nothing bad to say about it, but I actually don't use this product anymore. After continuing to migrate to an overall healthier lifestyle per the bullets in my previous update, it's been a really long time (over 3 years) since I've been full-blown sick. Usually I can tell if my immune system is fighting something because I'll get this general tired feeling, then a mild sore throat...at which point I take the following steps until the symptoms end: 1) Stop eating most animal protein, dairy, foods with gluten, and products with a lot of refined sugar (e.g. candy, cookies, etc.). Avoiding all food that contain common allergens (e.g. soy, shellfish, etc.) is the overall goal. 2) Start making a daily lime smoothie consisting of a lime that I'll wash and slice up (including the skin) and blend with grape juice to taste. 3) Eat a clove or two of garlic a day.

I was a bit worried when I placed my order being that I had read several reviews about people getting stomach upset or digestive issues with Olive Leaf that is standardized to 20% Oleuropein or higher. I've been taking this Nature's Way Olive Leaf for 3 days now and I'm happy to report that I've had no stomach or digestive issues so far! I should mention that as suggested, I only take this product with food, usually right before or right after I eat. The capsules are medium size and pretty easy to swallow as long as you have plenty of liquid to wash it down with. Even though the product is encapsulated, you can still taste the olive leaf powder which is inside the capsule. It's an interesting taste.... I would say the taste is reminiscent of the scent of a bouquet of flowers. I know, sounds odd but that's what it tastes like LOL. Anyhow, since I haven't had any stomach issues with this Olive Leaf supplement, I upped the dosage to 4 capsules per day since in my case, I'm in need of a high therapeutic dosage not just a supplemental dosage. So I'm pretty happy that even at 4 capsules per day I'm not having any issues with it. So far it seems to be helping my situation which is immune and lung related. I should also say that several days before I started the Olive Leaf I also start on Oil Of Oregano, so the combination of the two may also be a factor. Contrary to the the Olive Leaf, I do have to be careful with the Oil Of Oregano because that stuff is VERY caustic and has sent me running for some antacid several times already due to stomach pain/burning sensation. Anyhow, the research on Olive Oil is pretty extensive so I have plenty to base my assumption that the Olive Leaf is at least partially responsible for my noticeable improvement. Since today I'm going on my 4th day on the Olive Leaf, I will check back after a few more weeks to update how things are going with the Olive Leaf. Glad I was able to find a 20% Oleuropein potency Olive Leaf supplement at a decent price here on Amazon. None of the vitamin shops in town had Olive Leaf in anything higher than 17% and most of the research indicates that 20% or higher is what worked in the studies. Nature's Way also happens to be a very well established brand with a very good reputation. Gotta be very careful when ordering supplements on Amazon since there are more than a few sketchy brands on here that seem pretty "fly by night" if you know what I mean.

A New Herb for me,,,,I am trying to find ONE GOOD HERB to do many 'essential' things for long term health maintenance,,,,,i am in my 50's,,healthy,,always used herbs,,,Yet, my whole body chemistry has changed,,,,50's are interesting,,,,so I am working on a New Phase of Supplements (a simpler easier to digest regime) which I can stick with and love,,,(also,,,i think intuitively,,,my body was telling me,,OK,,,The herbs I used during ages 30-50 worked,,,Now,,,let me realize my body works differently,,,(different needs etc.) {I think :) you understand The Theory,,,,Herbs are NOT random,,,(ok,,) SO, I am giving Olive Leaf WITH 20% Oleuropein. (don't go cheap, spend the extra $3.00,,,) OK, Finally, my results,,,There are many Pro's: FIRST: I like the smell,,,,it is a mild herb,,,,it has a tremendous LONG HISTORY of BENEFICIAL effects,,,I am sure in Ancient Times,,,,the Olive And the OLIVE LEAF were used,,,SECOND: I LIKE TO TAKE THEM,,, and the bottles (I bought four) are emptying,,THAT is the BIGGEST SIGN,, a herb is FOR ME,,, When a bottle of Herbs sits and sits,,,(I think my body is saying either,,,it's not for me,,,or it is only for a specific time or situation_ Example would be "Butcher's Broom",,,when I had trouble with my legs it was a GODSEND,,,and now the problem is solved,,,so it was a herb for a specific Time,,,But not the overall herb I am looking to take everyday.........THE RESULTS: Well,,,,i have not been 'able' to take it consistently yet,,,(I went through a time I "HAD" to take antibiotics,,,,,(bit by a tick) so I DEFINTELY will use "Modern Medicine" at times,,,,I was diagnosed with Lymes Disease,,,,but that was 2 years ago,,,i took ONE ROUND of Antibiotics,,,,and then MOVED ON TO a YEAR OF HERBAL THERAPY,,,I AM FINE, ,,THEN, I FELL AND BROKE MY TAILBONE,,,REALLY HELL,,,,I WAS ON PAINKILLERS,,,(WE DON'T HAVE MEDICAL MARIJUANA IN THIS STATE),,,I WAS LAID OUT FOR 6 MONTHS,,,AND IN HEALING FOR ANOTHER 6 MONTHS,,,SO,,, I CONCENTRATE ON TAKING CELLFOOD SILICON,,,,,BATHS WITH JAMAICAN DOGWOOD,,,ETC. SORRY I JUMPED,,,, BUT NOW,,,,I WILL CONCLUDE THAT IT HAS COME DOWN TO A TIME TO CHOOSE GOOD (HEALTH MAINTENANCE) PROGRAM: I WILL COMPARE OLIVE LEAF vs. ASHWAGANDHA.......THE ASHWAGANDHA DOES 'NOT' SEEM TO BE FOR ME,,, It is STRONG SMELL,,,Difficult for me to digest,,,(for those who love it,, :) good) For me,,,no, no,,,i bought one bottle,,,,am taking putting it into new capsules,,,so I am taking 1/3rd the recommended dose (also, im a small person),,,, THE OLIVE LEAF,,, has presented itself,,,,as something I 'like' to take,,,i 'enjoy' the mild effect,,,,of feeling more 'vitality',,,and I believe in slowly building the immunity,,,ALSO,,, I see people use this to 'COMBINE' with other herbs (or extracts) for a REAL PUNCH is there is an acute Situation,,,, (READING THE INFORMATION ABOUT, Combining this with OIL OF OREGANO) was invaluable,,,,because; again',,,,simplicity,,,,(so many extracts so choose from,,,,i want to try one - SO, I WILLL FINALLY CONCLUDE,, I give it 5 stars,,,i will try to write again,,,,,as time goes on,,,,,i plan to keep taking it daily (for me with hot tea in the morning,,,,i always put a bit of cinnamon in my tea,,,great tip there) 1/2 teaspoon will do you,,no need to buy capsules,,,it adds flavor to your tea),,,,The long term outlook,,,,This has HIGH PROBABILITY of being my daily immune building long term herb,,,,(herbs 'build' the body),,,,,,,SO, LONG REVIEW,, but it may help others,,,i am of Mediterrrian Origin,,,could be why it is so appealing,,,,

Extracts of olive leaf have been used for thousands of years as a cure-all for many maladies. Even today, the antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties of olive leaf have much to offer in the way of health benefits. It's currently being studied for its ability to control blood sugar, improve heart health, as well as potential as a cancer preventative. However, one of its main benefits is as a super-antioxidant. Research has shown it to have an antioxidant capacity almost double green tea extract and 400% higher than vitamin C. These antioxidant compounds provide major health benefits, and help to reduce the risk of many chronic and degenerative diseases. I take extract of olive leaf in either a capsule form (this version by Nature's Way) or else as a liquid extract . I actually feel that I get better results from the liquid, but it's not for everyone. I don't have any problems with taking liquid supplements that taste nasty, but the rest of my family prefer the capsules rather than nasty green drops in water. The recommended dosage is two capsules (20% oleuropein per capsule) per day. I usually just take one capsule per day unless I feel that I've been exposed to illness. In those instances, I increase my dosage to at least the recommended two a day for added immune benefits.

Myself I prefer to take the liquid extracts. Every time I've felt a cold coming on I take Now Leaf Glycerite NOW Foods Olive Leaf Glycerite 18% Oleuropein , 2 ounce and Oreganol P73 North American Herb and Spice, Oreganol P73, 0.45-Ounce . I take very heavy doses of both and I also take 1 drop of the Oreganol and rub it around in my nose. The Cold always stops in it's tracks and never develops into a full cold. Than I get better normally. Don't miss work, I do sleep extra on the weekends. My Children and Wife wont' take the extracts so I recently bought Pill and SoftGel Form of these products . For the Oreganol I chose Now foods NOW OREGANO OIL ENTERIC COATED - 90 SOFTGELS [Health and Beauty ] and for the Olive leaf I chose Natures Way Olive Leaf in capsule Nature's Way Olive Leaf 20% Oleuropein, 60 Vcaps This past week a Flu hit the family Myself, Wife, Eldest Daughter and Middle Daughter. Also a flue hit two of my co-workers and I gave them 4 of each a day for 3 days. My Co Workers were given these on Friday and on Monday they were cured. Normally at least 2 or 3 of my children and my wife would have had to go to the Doctor and get Antibiotics and all that other stuff. These products worked. I went to Vegas for the SSW show on a Tuesday and when I returned on Friday everyone was cured. Without having seen an expensive Dr. These two products combined cured everyone the same way that the Tinctures cured me. Stopped the Cold in it's tracks. The Children didn't miss School,Wife got well in record time and important to me I didn't end up laying out a lot of Money on Dr Bills. When I consider how much I saved in Dr. Bills, Antibiotics, Cough Syrups, Analgesics using these two products together for around $25.00 total cost was the deal of the century.!! I don't know if either would work separately because I've found the two to work together so synergetically that I don't want to risk taking separately.

I believe just as there are different causes for high blood pressure and different types of medicine for it there are also different natural remedies that work for some people while others do better with a different one. That seems to be the case with me with trying to lower my BP with different herbs and supplements. I'm having an issue with glutamine and food additives that raise glutamine almost like I've eaten MSG but it can be other ingredients that do it such as yeast extract and natural flavors, hydrolyzed protein. I keep getting BP spikes after I eat and the problem is, when it happens it doesnt go back down for many hours if not til the next day. And during that time I can eat another food that triggers it off no matter how careful I am. It had been doing it a lot and I went to the Dr and my BP was 165/95. Then later that day I went to the hospital because it was 142/ 101 then 186/104 a few minutes later. I ended up trying different herbs that lower BP but nothing worked. And I believe the reason is because they were herbal ACE inhibitors and types that worked in other ways but what I specifically needed was a calcium channel blocker which this olive leaf is. It turns out that MSG causes glutamine to spike and that releases calcium in very high levels which is what spikes the BP. And some food additives do the exact same thing. Mushrooms and tomatoes can do it in and of themselves for some people. For some reason my BP has been staying higher than normal lately so it kept reading 134/89 -141/92 and then Id go someplace, get back and test it and it would be 160/90 til I was still for a few minutes and it came down to those other readings. I bought this and took one last night and then one this morning and my BP has stayed between 114/67 -120/80 all day. I took it twice today. And I feel much better because I dont feel my heart pounding all day long. In my opinion if your BP is high due to calcium influxes then this olive leaf will work very well for you. But if its due to other causes then other supplements may work better. It just depends on the person and the reason their BP is high. Some people might do the best on this plus a couple other types like astragulus and hibiscus. I tried those but they didnt work for me while this did.

After looking at my orders on Amazon, I realize I got the dates wrong so am editing them & doing an update. I bought this product first time in Dec. 2014. Due to another health issue, getting colds/flu takes a long time for me to recover so I got a yearly flu shot. Then my doctor told me flu shots weren't good for me either and highly recommended Olive Leaf Extract. The brand she suggested was much more expensive than this so after reading the reviews, I gave this one a try. She told me to take it for 3 weeks, and 1 week off due to the fact I have low blood pressure already. I was worried I'd forget so I started taking it every other day in the cold season, and 2 x a week the rest of the year. As of this edit date, Jan. 26, 2O20, I've only had a cold/flu once in Jan 2015 right after beginning this Olive Leaf. To be honest, I wasn't taking them regularly at first & worked a Sunday at church with the 2 years olds. Silly of me not to be more diligent. It also may take a little time to build up resistance in your system. I've worked several times in the nursery since then, in all seasons of the year, and not got sick. My hubby, age 66, works with the public. He would get colds/flu each cold season, sometimes multiple times a season but I did not get his colds. I asked him to please start taking the Olive Leaf with me. He began taking it at the end of 2017, but not as regularly as me. He has had as of this edit, 2 minor colds that lasted one day, instead of 3 bad ones he had early 2017 that were difficult to shake. Now he sees the benefit and takes it more regularly I would suggest beginning Olive Leaf daily at least in the beginning for a month or more before cold season begins. I also rarely eat out and if I do, it is only at a couple of healthy places that I trust. Having worked in the food service industry, I have to be honest and say that too often many employees work while sick and are not especially sanitary. I am also very diligent about washing or sanitizing my hands while I'm out in public. I did not get this product for free nor do I work for the company so this is a completely unbiased review. I'm not claiming it to be a miracle, all I am saying is that so far it has done the job for my husband & me.

As many are also preparing for severe winter weather and other natural disasters I too have been doing my research into finding herbs that will naturally act as antibiotics. This is a great one I've tried so far and would recommend it. The directions say to take 2 (which are not large pills and can be broken apart to use in tea) a day. Recently I had a bad ear infection that was not responding to antibiotics, so I thought it would be time to try this Olive Leaf out to see if it would rid the ear infection. Along with a drop of sweet almond oil & a single drop of pure peppermint oil on a q-tip (2 times a day- morning & night), I took 2 Olive Leaf capsules a day- with no antibiotics and within a week the ear infection healed. Of course herbs aren't as strong as chemical antibiotics, so it will take a little extra time for any herb to heal an infection in the body- also depending on how severe the infection is. For ear infections that I get regularly since childhood I use drops of pure garlic oil mixed with sweet almond oil on a q-tip and apply directly into the ear (just the outer ear or use a dropper to apply to the inner ear and cover with a piece of cotton), or you can also use pure peppermint oil with a drop of sweet almond oil. Both oils will burn or sting considerably, but the peppermint oil will also leave a cooling affect. I do this combination of oils while taking the Olive Leaf and combine with a probiotic. If ever a day comes when we are forced to survive in a disaster without medicines, it is a good idea to learn how to use herbs and essential oils to heal infections, treat wounds and prevent infection. Olive Leaf is antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal (which means it would even be of help in healing genital warts- if you have HPV, then you understand the pain associated with treatment of the warts and can appreciate a herb that will help heal the warts). This is a great herb to keep on hand for every day use or in preparation for any disaster, especially with the weather changes we are facing in some parts of the country. If my review has been helpful, please let me know by clicking on the helpful tab. Thank you!

Brought down blood pressure in 1 week... looking forward to long term benefit

Fantastic product, thanks Nature's Way!

Not nearly as effective as drinking it in tea form. The capsules were ok, but only worked about a quarter as well as an 8 oz cup of olive leaf tea.

Quite good.

Received product in good shape and it over all was economically priced.