Liquid Gold

Liquid Gold

"The olive tree is surely the richest gift of heaven." -Thomas Jefferson

The evergreen tree, Olea europaea, produces olives as fruit. Olive oil is the most important food mentioned at least 200 times in the bible. The olive branch is recognized as a symbol of peace, rooted in the biblical narrative of Noah. A dove carried the bough of olive after the flood, and throughout the bible represents goodness, purity, and longevity.

In the ancient world, olive oil was referred to as "liquid gold" by Homer, and Hippocrates called it "the great healer," for its positive effects on health. The New Testament associates the anointing oil with healing and prayer. It is one of the few specific foods that Jesus mentions as a healing food, as recorded by Luke the physician in the third Gospel.

Olive trees grow slowly but can live up to 1,000 years. The roots are almost impossible to kill therefore it is believed that some of the original trees at Gethsemane existed since the time of Christ. It is at the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus would spend his last night prior to his crucifixion. "And at night He went out, and abode in the mount that is called the Mount of Olives. Luke 21:13.

The ancient world, particularly Greece, Italy, the Levant, the northern coast of Africa, Spain and Syria were among the largest olive producers. Not only were (and still are) olives, and olive oil a staple in the Mediterranean diet, and cooking, it was used for various other purposes. Greeks and Romans used it to clean their bodies after exercising, and it was also used as fuel for lamps, perfume, massages, and medicine. So, what is in this plant that Hippocrates mentions 60 different conditions which could be treated with it?

Oleuropein, is the key polyphenol that is in olive oil and olive leaves contributing to its bitter taste. It is this chemical that is responsible for the majority of scientific exploration and is found to be responsible for many of its actions. The many actions of this plant are extensive: anti-inflammatory, anti-ischemic, antiatherogenic, anti-atherosclerotic, antibacterial, anticancer, antifungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-tumor, antiviral, astringent, febrifuge, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, hypotensive, neuroprotective, styptic, and anti-infective for wounds! Now that's a mouthful! While the history of its use is quite extensive, studies are now confirming the effectiveness of these actions on so many conditions. Dr. Robert Lyons, a graduate of oriental medicine, carried out a clinical study with interesting findings. It is believed that olive leaf extract can kill viruses because of the interaction with oleuropein and the protein coat of the virus and not with its genetic material while supporting the immune system. The individuals in the study that received olive leaf extract had incredible results against respiratory diseases of bacterial origin, improved patient suffering from gastric/duodenal ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori, and worked well against viral diseases, such as herpes simplex.

According to the North American Olive Oil association, studies have shown that consuming olive oil daily can benefit the following: cardiovascular health, reduce risk of certain cancers, support healthy memory and brain function, combat pain and inflammation, improve bone health and strength, support immune health, balances blood sugar and may help prevent diabetes, as well as help with weight loss. It is truly the healthiest oil you can cook with. Due to its high smoke point, olive oil counteracts oxidative stress caused by heat. An impressive study done in 2015 showed that cooking vegetables in extra virgin olive oil actually boosts the antioxidant content in those veggies.

There are numerous accounts that can be found attributing olive leaf or oil to improved health. Through my research, one of the most fascinating testimonies is by Goddard Ezekiel Dodge Diamond who lived to 120! Born May 1, 1796, in Plymouth, Mass, at 108 he was riding his bicycle and walking 20 miles a day. In his book The Secret of Long Life: Or How to Live in Three Centuries, he attributes his longevity to olive oil which he used in food, for external applications for aches and pains, and the distilled water he drank. "There is not a pain disturbing my body; not a joint ailing from rheumatic twinges..... not a sign of heavy hearing; not so much as dimmed vision..."

While olive oil certainly benefits the physical, it also holds a deep symbolic spiritual power that has been celebrated throughout the bible and Christianity. The frequency with which it is mentioned signifies its spiritual importance, a symbol of God's presence, provision, and protection.

"Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord." James 5:14

This sacramental use of oil is seen as a means of imparting God's healing grace, both spiritual and physical. It is a profound reminder of His desire for our wholeness.

"The olive tree is surely the richest gift of heaven."

-Thomas Jefferson