Side Effects
Though the benefits of Olive Leaf extract are too many but there are some side effects too. The main function of Olive Leaf extract is to fight infections but sometimes the body organs may get overloaded with dead microbes. The effect is generally called detox reactions and it occurs because Olive leaf extract starts fighting with germs too vigorously.
Some people have Herxheimer’s reaction when they have taken the olive leaf extract for a few days and the side effects generally surface after the first dosage. The symptoms include headaches, diarrhea and greater fatigue than normal. It can also provoke flu-like symptoms and if this happens to you stop taking the extract for a few days until the symptoms go away. They occur because the olive leaf extract is ridding your body of toxins, as it purifies the body, and it is rejecting toxins which are present. In treating yeast infections the extract kills off a large amount of bacteria in a short space of time, and this is why you get these symptoms. These can last for between 4-7 days. Some patients who take olive leaf extract for yeast infections only experience a mild headache, while others have no adverse reactions at all. You can continue taking the extract when the symptoms go away and your body is ready to start reaping the benefits of a daily intake of the extract.
Though no clinical evidence is available for the use of the olive leaf extract in pregnancy or for lactating mothers, pregnant and lactating women are generally advised not to consume olive leaf extract. It is best if children also refrain from consuming it. If the symptoms increase then you may need to lower down the dosage amount.
People who have low blood pressure or low blood glucose should avoid taking this. People generally consider side effects of olive leaf extract as a “good sign” because it proves that it is working and fighting off germs. But it is not necessary that olive leaf extract will always have side effects on anyone who uses it. Drinking adequate amount of water in between the doses or just after the dosage is a must. This will reduce or altogether eliminate the symptoms. Generally a minimum intake of four cups of water is advised.
Hopefully the medical world will soon release the findings of their trials of olive leaf extract on humans and people will be even more aware of the benefits of this 100% natural supplement.