
Herb Directory

Olive
Alternative Name:
Olea europaea
The olive tree, Olea europaea, is native to the Mediterranean Basin and has been cultivated for thousands of years. It is now used worldwide as a kitchen staple.
The tree is widely renowned for its fruits and the oil extracted from them, which have played a central role in Mediterranean cuisine, culture, and medicine. Ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, revered olive oil for its health benefits, using it for cooking, cosmetics, and religious rituals. Olive leaves were also used medicinally for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
In modern times, olives and olive oil are celebrated for their heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, integral to the Mediterranean diet and valued in natural medicine.