Chop or Chew Olive Leaves

by Veronica
(London)

Question:
Hi I have been eating Olive leaves with good effect. But I was wondering do I have to chew the leaves to get the full benefit? Or can I chop them up and take them with water as when I chew them they turn my tongue green!

Answer:
That should work if you chop them up small.
The cells in the leaves ideally need to be crushed or burst open in order to extract the constituents. A shredding/chopping machine may help with this and you could try to extract the juice with a little water.
A better way would be to make a tincture as described on this site or a tea by chopping up the leaves then adding hot water which will also release the constituents somewhat.