Okay, let's get real. If you hear the word "olive," you most likely immediately think of olive oil or those tiny green and black olives on pizza. But olive tea? Ah, yeah, that's still a secret for the vast majority. And that's unfortunate because it's one of the very few herbal beverages that's not just delicious but also has a long list of health benefits.

If you have been searching for something caffeine-free, calming, and quietly beneficial for your body, olive tea could be your new night friend. And yes, you may now get it right here in Pakistan without any need to go all the way to the Mediterranean.

So, What's Olive Tea All About?

Olive tea is made from the dried olive tree leaves (Olea europaea) and not the fruit. The leaves of the olive tree have been applied in traditional medicine for thousands of years — ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians all cherished olive leaves for their medicinal values.

The star compound in this case is oleuropein, a plant antioxidant that imparts olive tea's subtle bitterness and earthy flavor. Don't panic — it's not nasty. Actually, once you acclimatize, the flavor is soothing, like a relaxed green tea but with a herbal kick.

What's Making People Fall in Love with Olive Tea

Now let's get to the best part — the advantages. And there's quite a number of them.

1. Your Heart Will Thank You

We Pakistanis are big fans of our biryani, nihari, and kebabs. Tasty, but not always very friendly to the heart. Olive tea has plant ingredients that can decrease bad cholesterol (LDL) and maintain healthy blood pressure levels. That translates to better circulation and less work for your heart over time.

2. A Little Boost for Your Immunity

Whether it’s flu season or you’re just feeling run-down, olive tea’s antioxidants can help strengthen your immune system. It’s not a magic shield against all illnesses, but it can give your body a better fighting chance.

3. Better Blood Sugar Control

Some early studies indicate that olive leaves could help balance blood sugar. That is, fewer crashes and spikes, and that's good news for diabetics — but for anyone who loathes dozing off after lunch.

4. Natural Anti-Inflammatory

Chronic inflammation is associated with a myriad of health issues, ranging from pain in the joints to heart disease. The oleuropein present in olive tea has anti-inflammatory properties, which will decrease swelling as well as pain.

5. Aids Weight Goals

Consuming olive tea isn't going to make you lose kilos overnight (darn!), but it may improve metabolism and enhance digestion. Combine it with a healthy diet, and it can be a nice little assistant.

6. Slows Down Aging

We can't halt time, but we can retard its appearance on our skin. Olive tea antioxidants battle free radicals — those pesky little devils that lead to wrinkles and dullness. Consider it beauty from the inside out.

7. Calms the Stomach

While some herbal teas irritate the stomach, olive tea is soothing. It may ease bloating, mild cramps, and indigestion, so it's a suitable drink after meals.

How to Brew the Perfect Olive Tea

Preparing olive tea is easy, but there is a trick to getting the flavor right.

You will need:
1 teaspoon of dried olive leaves (or 1 tea bag)

1 cup of hot water (not boiling – approximately 80–85°C)

Honey, lemon, or cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

Add the olive leaves in your cup or teapot.

Add the hot water.

Steep for 5–7 minutes.

Strain and add honey or lemon if you prefer to mellow out the earthy flavor.

Pro tip: Make a stronger batch, refrigerate it, and serve it as iced tea in the summer — really refreshing!

Where to Get Olive Tea in Pakistan

A few years back, you'd likely have trouble getting olive tea locally. But things are changing.

PansariOnline.com.pk – They have dried olive leaves, fresh and ready to make tea.

Herbal stores in major cities.

Online marketplaces such as Daraz and HumMart.

When purchasing, ensure that the leaves appear clean and greenish-brown in color — steer clear of very dusty or light-colored ones, which might indicate that they're old.

Price Guide (Approximate)

Product Price (PKR)
50g Dried Olive Leaves 450–700
Olive Leaf Tea Bags (20 pcs) 600–900
Premium Organic Olive Tea 900–1,300

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

While olive tea is relatively safe, here's what you should know:

If you're taking blood-pressure or diabetes medication, consult your doctor before drinking it daily.

Avoid if you're an olive pollen allergen.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should first consult a physician.

FAQs – Olive Tea Benefits

Q: Does olive tea taste like olive oil?
Not at all. It's herbal and mild, nothing oily about it.

Q: Can I drink it every day?
Yes, 1–2 cups a day is just fine for most individuals.

Q: Is it healthy for skin?
Yes, its antioxidants can be used to guard against skin damage.

Q: Is it ok for children?
Yes, in small quantities, but always best to consult with a pediatrician.

Q: Can I cultivate my own olive leaves?
If you have an olive tree, consider yourself fortunate. Simply wash, dry, and store the leaves to use for tea.

Final Sip

Olive tea is one of those under-appreciated health beverages that should be in your pantry. It's caffeine-free, stomach-friendly, and has heart, skin, and immune system benefits. And it's a change from your typical green or black tea.

If you want to give it a try, check out PansariOnline.com.pk for fresh, quality leaves. Brew a cup, take a slow sip, and enjoy the earthy, calming taste. Who knows — it might just become your new favorite ritual.