Arbequina Olive (Olea europaea) grows as a semi-evergreen tree that is native to the Mediterranean. It is a member of the Oleaceae family which includes forsythia, jasmine, and lilac.

Olive is a symbol of peace, protection, and strength.

The flowers, fruit, and leaves of the Olive have medicinal, magical, and culinary uses.

Growing Olive

Olive primarily manifests as a semi-evergreen tree resistant to both pests and disease. This means that, when grown in the ideal zone, most of his leaves remain year-round.

Olive prefers an environment with lower humidity and soil that drains well. He requires a minimum of 6 hours of full sunlight and thrives when it is in the Sun all day. Ideal conditions support a tree that will obtain a height of 20’ and a width of 15’ and typically produce fruit beginning in his third year.

Small white flowers appear in early spring and bees provide pollination assistance. These flowers transition to small, green oval fruit with a pit. The green turns to black as the fruit ripens.

To produce fruit, it needs a minimum of 300 hours when the temperature drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

The ideal zone for growing Olive outdoors is 7B or 8 to 11.

If you are located outside of this range, you can still grow Olive. In this case you will want to pot your Olive tree in soil that allows for good drainage and plan for storage indoors during the colder months.

The Olive tree is hardy to 25 degrees. Once it becomes colder than that, or frost becomes a concern, it is time to move your plant into a well-lit, indoor location.

You can keep your Olive warm and well lit, maintaining the semi-evergreen status, or place in a protected location but allow for a period of dormancy. During this time, Olive becomes semi-deciduous and will drop most, if not all, of his leaves.

Olive can return outside once the danger of frost is passed. Be cautious of overwatering.

Olive fruit is picked in the fall to prepare for usage in the following spring. Leaves can be picked and used year-round.

Olive Energy

Olive energy is active and projective.

This energy corresponds with the element of Fire and the Sun.

The energy center that connects with Olive is your Solar Plexus.

Olive as Medicine

Olive leaf is considered antiviral, hypotensive and mildly antibacterial. You can brew it in an infusion or use it in tincture or capsule form.

Olive oil is nutritive. It contains vitamin E and vitamin K, plus two essential fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid.

Alpha-linolenic acid is an omega-3 fatty acid. Omega-3 fatty acids support a healthy cardiovascular system and decrease inflammation.

Linoleic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid. It is important to note that plant-based omega-6 acids offer similar support as omega-3 fatty acids but their effect can be less desirable when they are animal fat based.

Olive oil also contains phytochemicals that are credited with controlling cholesterol levels. These are oleuropein, tyrosyl, and hydroxytyrosol. These polyphenolic compounds also protect glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase, two enzymes that prevent free radicals from damaging healthy cells in the body.

Olive oil can also be used as a therapy for gallstones when combined with lemon and ingested.

Topically, Olive oil is considered a beneficial base for salves, soaps, and ointments. Use it on its own or infused with herbs.

Flower blossoms are used in the creation of Olive flower essence. Olive flower essence is for someone feeling depleted or drained by illness, caregiving, or life in general.

Olive in the Kitchen

Arbequina Olives are primarily grown for oil but, in general, Olive fruit is harvested in the fall, then cured before use. The curing process may include oil, water, brine, salt, or lye. Once the fruit is cured, olives are pickled in a brine then canned.

Olive oil is available in different grades based on acidity.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is processed without the use of chemicals. It can only be exposed to low heat, is cold pressed and unrefined. It must meet specific flavor and color levels. The acidity of EVOO is 1%. This is the grade that retains the most benefits.

Use it as a dip or finish, in salad dressings, for grilling or roasting, or to sauté.

Virgin Olive Oil is processed in a similar way but may have minor flavor or color deficits. It may have a milder or a more robust flavor. The acidity can be between 1 and 3%.

Use it as you would EVOO, for herbal infusions, and in marinades.

Pure Olive oil, or regular Olive oil, can contain up to 85% refined Olive oil combined with virgin Olive oil.

Light Olive oil, which only refers to the color not the caloric content, can contain up to  95% refined oil combined with virgin Olive oil.

The culinary advantage to these last two is that they can hold up to higher heat. This makes them better to use for frying, searing, or roasting. You may want to avoid usage where flavor or color is important like dipping, or dressings.

Olive as a Metphysical Tool

Olive leaves invite a peaceful environment, ward off evil, and bring luck.

Placed against the head or body, an Olive leaf may relieve a headache.

Olive oil can be used for anointing, or to aid in healing. You may choose to use it alone or infused with herbs that match your intention.

Olive Overview

The Arbequina Olive (Olea europaea) is a larger, semi-evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean with medicinal, magical, and culinary uses.

Hardy in areas that remain above 25 degrees Fahrenheit, Olive is frost sensitive and can be brought indoors during the winter in colder climates.

Olive flowers and fruits; however, Olive does not produce fruit until at least the third year after planting.

Olive leaves can be used in the form of infusions, tinctures, or capsules. They have antiviral and hypotensive benefits.

Olive fruit is used for both the flesh and the oil.

Olive oil is offered in different grades based on acidity. These vary from cold processed and low acidity to highly refined with equally higher acid content.

Olive oil is part of a heart healthy diet providing vitamins and essential fatty acids. It is beneficial in cooking, and in the production of salves, soaps, and ointments.

Olive energy is projective, corresponds to fire and the Sun, and your Solar Plexus.

Questions to consider when Olive shows up for you

Olive encourages you to nourish your sense of self with clean fuel, both physically and spiritually. Pay attention to things that feel cold, clogged, or stagnant. Understand that things did not get that way overnight and may take some time to clear. Be an active participant in that clearing process.

What is clogging my energy flow?

Am I expecting a fast return on things that take time to produce?

How can I cultivate peace in my life?

References

https://www.plantlexicon.com/olive-tree/

https://www.oliveoil.com/the-different-types-of-olive-oil-their-uses

https://myperfectplants.com/blogs/grow-guides/olive-our-knowledge-olive-tree-planting-guide

https://www.marylandplantatlas.org/viewChecklist.php?family=Oleaceae

Publications International, Ltd. (2017). The Herbal Apothecary. Publications International, Ltd.

Gladstar, R. (2012). Rosemary Gladstar’s medicinal herbs : a beginner’s guide. StoreyPublishing.

Winter, R. (2005). A consumer’s dictionary of cosmetic ingredients. Three Rivers Press.

Ellen Evert Hopman. (2016). Secret medicines from your garden : plants for healing, spirituality, and magic. Healing Arts Press.

‌Faiola, A.-M. (2016). Pure Soapmaking. Storey Publishing, LLC.

‌Sharon Tyler Herbst, & Herbst, R. (2007). The New Food Lover’s Companion. B.E.S. Publishing.

Cunningham, S. (2013). Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of magical https://amzn.to/4400MDuherbs. Llewellyn Publications.

Easley, T., & Horne, S. H. (2016). The modern herbal dispensatory: a medicine-making guide. North Atlantic Books.

Bardey, C. (1999). Making soaps & scents. Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers.

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