Sardinia: A Source of Olive Leaf Extract and Coral
There is a growing movement worldwide towards more natural means of healing
using natural health supplements. Sardinia is a source of several natural health
products including olive leaf extract and coral.
Sardinia: Olive Leaf Extract
Olive leaf extract produced from the many olive trees which
are grown on the high inland area of Sardinia.
Olive leaf extract is a traditional remedy used as an alternative treatment for
such ailments as high blood pressure, heart disease, chronic fatigue, herpes and
yeast infections. It is also used to help heal wounds. Alternative therapies are
not advised to be a replacement for normal medication, but these alternative
products are an effective way to boost their effectiveness whilst supporting a
healthy body.
The olive tree has been the source of natural healing products for thousands of
years. Olive oil was prescribed by Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician for
treating ulcers and other ailments. Although the properties of the Oleaceae
plant was not understood, it was known to be effective. It was only in the early
20th century that oleuropein was extracted from the olive leaf for use as a
natural herbal remedy.
Although olive oil is important as a commercial food product, it is the leaf
which has value as a natural supplement.
Uses of Olive Leaf Extract
This astringent herb helps lower fever and blood pressure whilst supporting
healthy kidneys. It is also known to have a calming effect upon frazzled nerves.
Oleuropein increases coronary flow and therefore lowers blood pressure. It also
acts as an angiotension converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor.
Olive leaf extract is a powerful antioxidant to protect the body from harmful
free radicals.
It is used to treat viruses, bacteria and conditions caused by protozoa as it is
effective against antibiotic resistant bacteria.
Those suffering chronic fatigue syndrome have reported an increase in energy and
an improved sense of well-being when taking olive oil extract.
Those suffering with Epstein Barr virus have reported an improvement in their
symptoms after taking olive leaf extract.
Olive leaf extract is also used to support weight loss, headaches, candida
infections and psoriasis.
The bark of the olive tree may also be used to treat colic.
Olive leaf extract can be used externally to assist with wound healing and can
be used in a formula for improving sun-damaged skin.
It is used in cosmetic preparations such as face masks and aftershave and in
sports products as it acts on the muscles, increasing blood flow.
The Healing Powers of Sardinia’s Coral
Healing with
gemstones is an interesting concept, believed by many to tap into the
spiritual healing powers of precious and semi-precious stones. Physical
healing is usually practiced by a professional, but those who have
researched and understood the principles of healing gemstones can also
use them. While some stones should be placed on certain parts of the
body for a specific length of time, other stones should be used about an
inch or two above it. Spiritual and emotional healing using gemstones or
crystals is an interesting and ancient philosophy with many followers.
Coral is found off the east coast of Sardinia. It is harvested from the
sea around Alghero producing some of the finest red coral available and
is commonly polished and sold as jewelry, but it is also has some
interesting beliefs attached to it. It is called the "Garden of the Sea"
and was once believed to be a plant but is now known to contain a life
form known as polyps. The skeletal mass of these tiny animals creates
coral beds which are then harvested.
The Properties of Coral
Coral is believed to symbolize life and blood force energy. Ancient
records show that it was worn thousands of years ago as a necklace
believed to prevent ill fortune and give protection from skin disease.
Dark red coral is used today for heating and stimulating the bloodstream
while pink shades of coral are believed to restore harmony to the heart.
Coral is also used as an aid to depression and lethargy. White ‘angle’
coral is popular in Bengal where people use and wear the stones for Mars
energy.
Coral is believed to have fantastic healing powers. It is the gemstone
of the red planet, Mars, and it helps overcome problems related to this
planet. Coral from Sardinia is sold in many forms as jewelry and for its
healing properties. Coral should always be mounted in a metal mixture of
copper and gold. It is said the wearer of coral will never be bothered
by ghosts or evil spirits, bad vibrations, storms or lightning. Coral
oxide is used to treat many diseases by being added to powdered sugar or
honey. It can be used with milk cooked with almond paste for eye
problems and mental health.
Natural Coral
Ways to test that what you are wearing is genuine coral are as follows:
Real coral placed in cow’s milk will make the milk appear pink or have a
red tinge. Imitation coral will not affect the color of the milk.
If a coral is dropped in blood, real coral will cause the blood to
thicken around it.
A true coral stone can change color according to the physical health of
the wearer. It fades as the first sign of a health disorder, long before
the wearer is aware of the problem. Coral resumes its original color
when physical health is restored.
Sardinian red coral is considered one of the highest quality natural
corals in the world. The most popular and expensive pieces are of dark
red or oxblood coral, but the lighter salmon-colored coral is also
available at a lower price. It is usually sold in beautiful pieces of
jewelry including rope necklaces and twisted bracelets but can also be
bought as a polished gemstone.
