SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2000

THE OLIVE TREE OR PEACE TREE Dedicated to Jupiter and Minerva by the Romans, the evergreen olive tree was once a symbol of peace for the Greeks and was the goddess Athena's tree. The first olive tree grew because of a quarrel between this goddess and Poseidon (god of the seas). Athena kept the tree, as a treasure, behind her temple. But Jerez, Persian king, burned it along with the temple. However, the tree grew quickly again and started to produce every other olive tree in the Acropolis. Therefore, the olive trees, protected by severe Athenian laws, would have grown in large numbers in antique Greece. Seneca said that "it is an error to believe everything, but it is also one not to believe in anything". Between myths and science, lies a subtle reality and the common sense to think that people do not limit themselves to what they see. The olive tree, with its persistent leaves, was grown mainly in the Mediterranean basin, and provided the ever cherished olives. The tree enables, when studied intensively, to constantly come and go between general myths and exact sciences. Lets be charmed by this emblem of fertility, peace and glory. This small Mediterranean tree has an exceptional longevity. It has changed the scenery of southern Europe since antiquity. It comes from the Oleaceae family. In Latin, it is called Olea europa or more commonly, the "Boutaillon". In fact, the olive groves, have gradually replaced forest and grain fields in the entire Mediterranean basin. Later, in the XVI century, it was introduced to Latin America where it grew easily, due to its shallow roots, easily adapted to poor soils. With its perpetual leaves, the olive tree yields a well known fruit: the olive. It produces a tiny white flower with a yellow heart, always located between two of its leaves; a phenomena called inflorescence which protects the germ of the future fruit. Found at the roots of occidental civilizations, notably in the bible: in Christ's passion (remember the mount Calvary where olive trees grew), and in antique Greece, its was used even before antiquity . In fact, its leaves were for a long time the principal treatment against fevers. Olive trees were already known for their medicinal virtues during Antiquity. And in the XVII century, very serious physicians recommended to their feverish patients to wear an olive leaf, picked before dawn, around their neck. It was also thought in popular medicine, that planting a knife in an olive grove reduced fever. Still traditionally, to get rid of warts, one would throw in the wind, the same number of olive leaves as the warts they had. Also, one could rub each wart with a different olive leaf, coming from a different tree. Then, they had to be buried right beside. It was also thought that biting three times in a ripe olive, then throwing it in the river, relieved dental pains. Finally, according to a more recent article, since it was published in 1982, one would get rid of a migraine by applying an olive leaf on the head; a leaf onto which the word Athena had been previously written. Today, olive trees are mostly used for their oil. At a high dosage, olive oil is recognised and used in popular medicine for its vermifuge, laxative, cholagogue, sedative and anti-inflammatory properties. Externally, it warms muscles and is a basic component in athletes massage oils. However, one must not neglect the olive tree bark and leaves which are now seriously researched by health care and pharmaceutical fields. In fact, if myths have attributed medicinal virtues to this tree, science now demonstrates those well founded beliefs and more. The olive leaf acts as a powerful antiseptic against harmful bacteria, viruses, yeast and several types of parasites; by having a beneficial and tonic effect on the immune system. The olive leaf is also known for its effectiveness in regulating blood pressure. It reduces blood sugar in mild diabetics and also acts as a diuretic. In order to obtain durable results, it is recommended to take daily drops of liquid extract (not oil) of Olea europa or olive leaf. In conclusion, if it is believed in Italy, per example, that the olive tree favours fertility and reinforces sexual vigour in males or that it takes away thunderbolt, in Spain olive leaves are suspended on top of doors to protect the houses against numerous ailments. And, if in Japan olive trees symbolise amicability as well as success in education or business; in India, it represents peace and appeasement. Universally, by beliefs, myths or science, the olive tree is appreciated for its beneficial effects on the body and on health generally. References: ARIÈS, MARIE-CHRISTINE, Recettes de bien-être populaire d'après les traditions populaires, Monaco, éditions du Rocher.1982. MOZZANI, ÉLOÏSE. Le livre des superstitions, mythes, croyances et légendes. Édition Robert Laffont, Coll. Bouquins. Paris :1995. CHEVALIER, JEAN & GHEERBRANT, ALAIN. Le dictionnaire des symboles, mythes, rêves, coutumes, gestes, formes, figures, couleurs, nombres. Édition Robert Laffont/Jupiter, Coll. Bouquins. Paris :1982. DR. A.B.HOWARD. Herbal extracts: The Lawrence review of Natural Products.1990. DUKE, J.A. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL:CRC Press,1985.