Nature’s Generous Gift

Even in mythology and used in various ways in every field, the olive and olive tree are known for their healing properties. The olive tree, which is still of great importance today, is a special plant preferred for its economic value. It has been determined that there are 3000-year-old olive trees in the world. The average olive tree lives to be 2,000 years old.

The olive has been considered a sacred fruit in every religious belief. The olive tree is believed to be native to Southeastern Anatolia, Syria, and Palestine, and the olive tree species found there have a 6,000-year-old history.

Trees growing in this region have been observed spreading as far as Crete and the Greek Islands. In world literature, the tree is referred to as the immortal tree.

The first historical evidence of the olive tree on Earth dates back 36,000 years to Noah’s Flood. According to one account, the dove sent by Noah after the Flood returned with an olive branch in its beak, heralding the end of the flood and the appearance of dry land.

Since then, the carrying of an “olive branch in the beak of a dove” has always been considered a beautiful and peaceful act. Of course, the olive tree’s story in Greek mythology also has a distinct story.

The olive tree was of great importance in ancient Roman and Greek times. During these periods, the olive tree was used as both a source of food and trade.

In ancient Greece, the olive tree was considered a symbol of the goddess Athena, and a large olive tree forest was located near the Acropolis in Athens. In ancient Rome, olive oil was used not only as a food but also for illumination and body care.

During the Middle Ages, the olive tree was vital to communities in the Mediterranean region. Olive oil was used in church rituals, daily cooking, and skin care. At the same time, the olive tree had great economic value and the olive oil trade developed greatly.

The olive tree also has symbolic importance in Mediterranean cultures. It is considered a symbol of peace and fertility, and many legends and mythological stories revolve around the olive tree. This tree symbolizes endurance, longevity, and health.

It is a real savior that grows easily and does not require much care. The olive tree is also a crucial tree for the ecological system. A tree that isn’t picky or picky, the olive can grow in any area. It’s highly resistant to harsh and dry weather conditions. They have easy care that does not require medication.

It maintains its foliage throughout summer and winter. The reproduction of the olive tree is also quite different. Unfortunately, like many other trees, an olive tree cannot grow if its seed falls to the ground. This is because the outer structure of olive seeds is quite hard and woody.

Therefore, they don’t break in nature and don’t create the right conditions for regrowth. In natural balance, a wonderful order has been created.

Birds of the genus “Turdus Merula”, known as Blackbirds, which live especially in olive groves, solve this process in an interesting way. When these birds eat olives, they use a special technique to break and swallow the seeds. This woody part then enters the soil through their feces, resulting in the formation of new olive trees.

Olive trees are not used solely for olive oil production. Now, many different parts of the tree have gained value in various ways. Recent studies of their leaves, in particular, have revealed their incredible healing properties. This healing power has been known since the 1800s. Olive leaves were used in the treatment of the malaria epidemic that occurred during that period.

Olive leaves are consumed as tea. Properties of olive tree leaves:

• Antibiotic
• Immune system strengthening
• Cure colds
• Regulating/lowering blood pressure
• Lowering blood sugar
• Lowering cholesterol

Like the substances mentioned above, it boasts incredible benefits. To benefit from these healing properties, simply collect the leaves from the trees, add 10-15 leaves to boiling water, steep for 10 minutes, and consume. It is the Oleuropein substance contained in olive leaves that offers this incredible healing.