Is it Safe to Drink Olive Leaf Tea? Navigating Benefits and Risks

January 13, 2026 •

3 min read

Made from the leaves of the olive tree (Olea europaea), olive leaf tea has been used in traditional Mediterranean medicine for centuries. Rich in powerful antioxidants like oleuropein, it is known for its potential health benefits, but is it safe to drink olive leaf tea for everyone?

Quick Summary

This article explores the safety of olive leaf tea, outlining its potential health benefits, known side effects, contraindications, and drug interactions to help you make an informed decision.

Key Points

Moderate Consumption is Safe: For most healthy individuals, drinking 1-2 cups of olive leaf tea daily is generally safe and well-tolerated.
Mindful of Drug Interactions: The tea can interact with blood pressure and diabetes medications; always consult a doctor if you are on medication.
Avoid During Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Due to a lack of safety data, olive leaf tea is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Caution with Hypotension: Individuals with low blood pressure should consume olive leaf tea with caution, as it can further lower blood pressure.
Milder Than Extract: Olive leaf tea provides a gentler dose of active compounds compared to concentrated olive leaf extracts, which have a higher risk of side effects.
Rich in Oleuropein: The tea is a good source of the potent antioxidant oleuropein, which provides most of its health benefits.

Understanding Olive Leaf Tea: More Than Just a Brew

Olive leaf tea is an infusion made from the leaves of the olive tree. These leaves contain potent compounds, notably oleuropein, a polyphenol with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. The tea offers a milder concentration of these compounds compared to olive leaf extracts, making it a popular and gentle option for general wellness.

The Potential Health Benefits

Drinking olive leaf tea is linked to several health advantages:

Blood Pressure Management: Oleuropein may help relax blood vessels and support healthy blood pressure.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Studies suggest olive leaf tea can help regulate blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity.
Immune System Support: Its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties may boost the immune system.
Cardiovascular Health: The tea's antioxidants may help protect against heart disease.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Compounds in olive leaves may help reduce inflammation.

Is Olive Leaf Tea Safe for the Average Person?

Moderate consumption of olive leaf tea is generally considered safe for most healthy adults. One to two cups per day is often recommended. Excessive amounts could lead to side effects. Starting with a smaller dose is advisable to see how your body reacts.

Potential Side Effects

While usually well-tolerated, some people may experience mild side effects, especially with higher doses or initial use:

Herxheimer Reaction: Flu-like symptoms might occur as the body detoxifies.
Allergic Reactions: Individuals allergic to olive pollen may experience reactions like rashes or hives.
Digestive Upset: Mild nausea or stomach discomfort has been reported.
Dizziness: Vertigo or dizziness is possible, particularly at higher doses.

Important Safety Considerations and Contraindications

Certain individuals should be cautious or avoid olive leaf tea due to potential risks and interactions.

Contraindications and Precautions

Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension): Avoid excessive consumption if you have low blood pressure, as it may lower it further.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Safety data is insufficient; avoid or consult a doctor.
Kidney Issues: Consult a doctor before use if you have kidney disorders.
Chemotherapy Patients: Use during chemotherapy should be supervised by an oncologist.

Comparison: Olive Leaf Tea vs. Olive Leaf Extract


Feature	Olive Leaf Tea	Olive Leaf Extract (Capsules/Tincture)
Potency	Lower concentration of active compounds.	Much higher, concentrated dose of oleuropein.
Taste	Mild, slightly bitter flavor.	Often flavorless in capsules; potent in liquid extracts.
Absorption Rate	Variable; liquid preparations can be absorbed quickly.	Rapidly absorbed in liquid form, slower for tablets.
Side Effects Risk	Generally lower risk of side effects due to milder dose.	Higher risk of side effects like Herxheimer reaction and digestive issues due to high concentration.
Usage	Ideal for daily wellness support and general health.	Used for specific health concerns requiring a higher therapeutic dose.
Drug Interactions	Milder, but still possible interactions with blood pressure/sugar medications.	More likely and potentially stronger interactions with medications.

How to Safely Prepare and Enjoy Olive Leaf Tea

To make olive leaf tea, steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaves in slightly cooled boiled water for 5-10 minutes. Using water below boiling helps preserve beneficial compounds. Fresh leaves should be washed and steeped similarly. Adjust steeping time for desired strength. Honey or lemon can enhance the flavor. Two cups daily is a reasonable amount for general health.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Wellness

Olive leaf tea is a potentially beneficial herbal drink with antioxidant and immune-boosting properties. Moderate consumption is generally safe for healthy adults but requires caution for those with pre-existing conditions due to effects on blood pressure and blood sugar, as well as potential drug interactions. Always consult a healthcare professional before adding it to your routine, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or on medication. By being mindful of its potency and practicing safe use, you can enjoy the wellness benefits of this ancient remedy.

Additional Resource

For more detailed pharmacological information on olive leaf, including potential interactions and toxicology studies, you can visit the comprehensive database on Drugs.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main active ingredient is oleuropein, a polyphenol with potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.

Yes, moderate daily consumption of one to two cups is generally considered safe for healthy individuals.

Individuals with low blood pressure, pregnant or breastfeeding women, people on blood pressure or diabetes medication, and those with a known allergy to olive trees should avoid it or consult a doctor.

Side effects are typically mild and may include digestive discomfort, headaches, dizziness, or a temporary detox-like reaction known as the Herxheimer effect.

No, olive leaf tea is a milder infusion, while olive leaf extract is a much more concentrated supplement and carries a higher risk of side effects.

Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried olive leaves in slightly cooled boiled water for 5-10 minutes. You can add honey or lemon for taste.

Some animal studies and limited research suggest olive leaf extract may help with weight management by influencing appetite and metabolism, but human studies on the tea are needed.