Sweet olive Quick Facts | |
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Name: | Sweet olive |
Scientific Name: | Osmanthus fragrans |
Origin | Various parts of East Asia from the Himalayas through the provinces of Guizhou, Sichuan and Yunnan in Mainland China, Taiwan, southern Japan and Southeast Asia as far south as Cambodia and Thailand |
Colors | Initially green turning to dark purplish-black, almost black, or dark blue as they mature |
Shapes | Small, oval to round shaped fruit typically measure around 1/2 -1 inch (1.3 cm - 2.5 cm) in length |
Taste | Subtle, sweet, and mildly fruity flavor |
Health benefits | Stress Reduction, Skin Health, Weight Management, Diabetes Management, Heart Health, Cognitive Function, Pain Relief, Mood Enhancement, Respiratory Health, Allergy Relief, Improved Sleep, Gastrointestinal Soothing and Oral Health |
Name | Sweet olive |
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Scientific Name | Osmanthus fragrans |
Native | Various parts of East Asia from the Himalayas through the provinces of Guizhou, Sichuan and Yunnan in Mainland China, Taiwan, southern Japan and Southeast Asia as far south as Cambodia and Thailand |
Common Names | Sweet Olive, Fragrant Olive Tree, Sweet Olive Bush, Fragrant Tea Olive, Fragrant Tea Olive Tree, Chinese Olive, Tea Olive Tree, Olive Holly, Scented Olive, Fragrant Olive Shrub, Fragrant Olive Bush, Fragrant Olive, False Holly, Holly Tea Olive, Sweet Olive Plant, Japanese Tea Olive, Devilwood, Tea Olive |
Name in Other Languages | Afrikaans: Geurige Olyf Arabic: Zaytun ‘atari (يتون عطري) Zaytoun Atiri (زيتون عطري), Zeitun Baar, eabaqat ‘arijia (عبقة أريجية) Armenian: Osmant’us (Օսմանթուս) Assamese: Mishti Olive (মিষ্টি অলিভ), Dugi Olive (দুগী অলিভ) Bengali: Misti jalpai (মিষ্টি জলপাই), Champa (চম্পা), Gandhachurna (গন্ধচূর্ণ), Kanna (কান্না), Mishti Olive (মিষ্টি অলিভ) Bulgarian: Sladak maslinov (Сладък маслинов), aromaten osmantus (ароматен османтус) Chinese: Dan Gui (丹桂), Sweet Olive, Fragrant Olive, mù xī (木樨), guì huā (桂花), Katsura Hanako (桂花子), Guìhuā zhī (桂花枝), Keika ne (桂花根), Guìhuā lù (桂花露) Croatian: Mirisna maslina Czech: Vonící olše Danish: Duftblomst Dogri: Mittha Olive (ਮਿੱਠਾ ਓਲੀਵ) Dutch: Geurende olijfboom English: Sweet Olive, Sweet osmanthus, Fragrant Olive, Tea Olive, Estonian: Lõhnav pärn Filipino: Kalachuchi, Matamis na olibo Finnish: Tuoksuomenapuu French: Osmanthe odorant, Olivier odorant, Olivier de Chine, Garhwali: Meetha Jais Nasya (मीठा जैस नस्या) German: Duftblüte, Wohlriechender Duftstrauch, Duftender Olivenbaum, Süße Duftblüte Greek: Glykós Elaiokráno (Γλυκός Ελαιοκράνο), Aromatikó eliá (Αρωματικό ελιά), Glykástano (Γλυκάστανο) Gujarati: Sugandhmaru (સુગંધમારુ), Mīṭhuṁ Oliv (મીઠું ઓલિવ), Mohni Oliv (મોહની અલિવ) Hebrew: Zeit Meriri (זית מרירי), Zayit reichani (זית ריחני) Hindi: Mitha jaitun (मिठा जैतून), Mitha Jaisa Nasya (मिठा जैसा नस्या), silang (सिलंग) Hungarian: Illatcseresznye Italian: Olivo fragrante, osmanto odorato Japanese: Kinmokusei (金木犀), Mokusei (木犀), Usugimokusei (ウスギモクセイ), Kinmokusei (キンモクセイ), Ginmokusei(ギンモクセイ) Kannada: Huli Hoovu (ಹುಲಿ ಹೂವು), Inipu Olive (ಇನಿಪು ಒಲಿವ್ ), Madhura Olive (ಮಧುರ ಒಲಿವ್) Kashmiri: Meeth Zait (میٹھ زیت) Konkani: Godayanchi Kirayat (गोडयांची किरायट) Korean: Geummokseo (금목서), Hangul (향목향나무), Naenginamu (냉이나무), Mogseo (목서), mok seo, Latvian: Saldā egle, Saldā ola, Saldā olīve Lithuanian: Kvapnus alksnis, Kvapni ožka Malay: Bunga Kenanga, Pokok zaitun wangi, Manis Zaitun, Zaitun manis Malayalam: Panniyaara (പന്നിയാര), Pachamulaku (പച്ചമുളക്) Marathi: Champa (चम्पा), Madhur Jhendu (मधुर झेंडू) Manipuri: Mitkhoona (ꯊꯨꯟ ꯋꯦꯜ) Nagamese: Mishti Olive (মিষ্টি অলিভ) Nepali: Sugandha Champa (सुगन्ध चम्पा), Sugandha Laharo (सुगन्ध लहरो), Mitho Jaitun (मिठो जैतुन) Norwegian: Duftoliven Odia: Sugandhi Jai, Mitha Oliv (ମିଠା ଓଲିଭ) Persian: Zaytoon-e shirin (زیتون شیرین), Zeytun Atari (زیتون عطری) Polish: Pachnący osmantus, Słodki oliwecznik, Wończa pachnąca Portuguese: Oliveira-doce, Oliveira-fragrante, Flor-do-emperador, Flor-do-imperador, Jasmim, Jasmim-do-imperador, Oliveira-cheirosa, jasmineiro-do-imperador, queifa-da-china Punjabi: Sheeran Patta (ਸ਼ੀਰਨ ਪੱਤਾ), Miṭhā Ālīv (ਮਿੱਠਾ ਆਲੀਵ), ਮਿੱ Mitthi Jeetoon (ਠੀ ਜੈਤੂਨ) Romanian: Măslin dulce, Osmanthus dulce Russian: Dushistyy olivkovyy (Душистый оливковый), Aromatnoye olivkovoye derevo (Ароматное оливковое дерево), osmantus dushistyy (османтус душистый) Sanskrit: Madhuraphala (मधुरफल) Santali: Mitjampa (মিঠজাম্পা) Serbian: Mirisna maslina (Мирисна маслина) Sindhi: (Mitho Zeet (مٺو زيت) Sinhala: Susrā (සුසරා), Sugandhi Oliva Slovak: Vonkajší olša Slovenian: Dišeča oljka Sotho: Olibe Oa Mohlokomane Spanish: Olivo fragante or Olivo dulce, tea olive Swahili: Mparufu, Mzaituni Mwenye Harufu Nzuri Swedish: Doftolvon Tamil: Manaivi Vilva (மனைவி வில்வா), Iniṟppu Āliv (இனிப்பு ஆலிவ்) Telugu: Gandharajapuvvu (గంధరాజపువ్వు), Swīṭ Āliv (స్వీట్ ఆలివ్) Thai: Ton makok hom (ต้นมะกอกหอม), Makok Hom (มะกอกหอม), Nakhrai (นาคร้าย), H̄xm h̄mụ̄̀n lī̂ (หอมหมื่นลี้) Tulu: Inipu Olive (ಇನಿಪು ಒಲಿವ್) Turkish: Kokulu zeytin ağacı, Tatlı Zeytin, Kokulu zeytin Ukrainian: Aromatna olyvkova (Ароматна оливкова), osmantus zapashnyy (османтус запашний) Urdu: Meethi Zeytun (میٹھی زیتون), Khushboo Wala Zaitoon, Meetha Zaitoon (میٹھا زیتون) Vietnamese: Hoa Lưỡi Hổ Hương, Cỏ ngọt, Cây mui hương, Cây Lưỡi Hổ Hương, Hoa mộc Xhosa: Isithelo Somanzi Zhuang: Gveiqva Zulu: Isimungu Samanzi |
Plant Growth Habit | Small, upright, evergreen shrub or small tree |
Growing Climates | Forests, hillsides, along riverbanks, Ornamental Gardens, Parks, Residential Landscapes, containers, streets, patios, balconies, and small spaces |
Soil | Well-draining soil is essential for sweet olive. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 |
Plant Size | 6 to 30 feet (1.8 to 9 meters) tall and 6 to 15 feet (1.8 to 4.5 meters) wide |
Root | Fibrous root system consisting of numerous smaller lateral roots |
Stem | Main stem is the central, woody, upright structure from which branches and leaves emerge |
Bark | Smooth thin greenish to brownish color when young becomes rougher, fissured, forming shallow furrows or ridges as it ages |
Leaf | Simple, lanceolate to elliptical in shape about 5 to 10 cm long and 2.5 to 5 cm wide, smooth and entire margins. They have a glossy or shiny texture on the upper surface. The lower surface is usually a lighter green and may be less glossy |
Flowering season | September to November |
Flower | Flowers are white, pale yellow, yellow, or orange-yellow, small, about 1 cm (0.39 in) long, with a four-lobed corolla 5 mm (0.20 in) diameter, and have a strong fragrance; they are produced in small clusters in the late summer and autumn |
Fruit Shape & Size | Small, oval to round shaped fruit typically measure around 1/2 inch (1.3 centimeters) to 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in length containing a single hard-shelled seed |
Fruit Color | Initially green turning to dark purplish-black, almost black, or dark blue as they mature |
Weight | Around 0.02 to 0.04 ounces (0.5 to 1 gram) |
Flesh | Typically juicy and somewhat translucent when the fruit is fully ripe. It is not typically eaten on its own |
Seed | Relatively large compared to the size of the fruit. They are typically about 1/4 to 1/2 inch (0.6 to 1.3 cm) in length |
Flavor/Aroma | Floral, fruity, and apricot-like fragrance with hints of peach and jasmine |
Taste | Subtle, sweet, and mildly fruity flavor |
Plant Parts Used | Flowers, leaves and bark |
Propagation | By seeds, stem cutting and layering |
Lifespan | For several decades to even over a century if well cared |
Season | February to April |
Varieties |
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Available Forms |
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Health benefits |
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Plant Description
Sweet olive bush or tree is about 6 to 30 feet (1.8 to 9 meters) tall and 6 to 15 feet (1.8 to 4.5 meters) wide. It grows straight up and stays green all year. This plant can be found in ornamental gardens, parks, forests, hillsides, along riverbanks, in containers, on streets, patios, balconies, and in small areas. Soil that drains well is important for sweet olive. If the dirt is between 6.0 and 7.5 on the pH scale, it does best. It is prized for both its scent and its beauty as an ornament. It is often used as a display plant, in hedges, or in mixed shrub borders to make them look nice all year. According to East Asian customs, the plant is important to their culture. It’s often linked to parties and gatherings, and the way it smells stands for love and purity.
East Asian parks, as well as gardens in Europe, North America, and other places around the world, grow it as an ornamental plant because its flowers smell like ripe peaches or apricots. Sweet Olive is linked to purity, love, and celebrations in some East Asian societies. It is important to the culture and is often used in ceremonies and holidays. Its glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant flowers make it a favorite choice for borders, hedges, and as a single plant. For hundreds of years, people have grown and loved it for its scent and decorative value. Pollinators, like bees and butterflies, like flowers, and they can help the variety of a place. Flowers’ sweet, flowery smell is also used in the perfume and fragrance business, most of the time as a base note in different perfumes and scented items.
Appropriate growing environment for Sweet olive
Sweet olive is a popular evergreen shrub or small tree known for its fragrant flowers. To ensure that it thrives and produces its delightful aroma, it’s important to provide it with the appropriate growing environment. Here are some key considerations:
- Climate: Most sweet olives are grown in USDA hardiness zones 7 through 11. It likes mild to warm weather with a modest amount of humidity.
- Sunlight: The sweet olive grows best in some to full sun. It usually does best where it gets at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunshine every day.
- Soil: Soil that drains well is important for sweet olive. If the dirt is between 6.0 and 7.5 on the pH scale, it does best. Adding organic matter to the soil, like compost or well-rotted dung, can make it more fertile and better at holding water.
- Watering: Always keep the soil around sweet olives wet, so water them often, especially when it’s dry outside. However, once they are established, they can handle some dryness. Do not water too much.
- Mulching: Put some organic mulch around the plant’s base, like pine straw or wood chips, to help keep the soil wet and even out the temperature.
- Pruning: Cut back the sweet olive to keep its shape and make it grow bushier. After blooming in late spring or early summer is the best time to prune.
- Fertilization: In the spring, use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to feed your sweet olive. Follow the directions on the package to get the right amount.
- Pests and Diseases: Pests and diseases don’t usually bother sweet olive, but sometimes aphids or scale insects can cause problems. Keep an eye on the plant and fix any problems right away.
- Container Growing: If you live in a place that isn’t good for growing outside, you can also grow sweet olives in pots.
Roots
When Sweet Olive is young, it usually has a taproot, which is the main root in the middle that goes up into the ground. But as the plant grows older, the taproot often fades away and the root system gets thinner and woodier. As it grows older, it creates a fibrous root system with many smaller side roots. These fibrous roots spread out horizontally and can reach far below the plant’s top. The job of these plants is to take water and nutrients from the dirt. Adventitious roots, which grow from non-root tissues like stems or twigs, can be made by Sweet Olive. These roots can help the plant stay put and give it extra support.
Feeder roots are the thinnest, hair-like roots that grow at the ends of the flexible roots. Most of the plant’s water and nutrients are taken in by feeder roots. Additionally, their large surface area and root hairs make it easier for them to take in water and nutrients from the earth. Root hairs are tiny structures that look like hairs and stick out from the surface of the food roots. They make the root’s surface area much bigger, which makes it easier for the plant to take in water and nutrients. There is a protected root cap at the end of each root. The root cap gives the root a smooth surface that lets it push through the dirt particles, which helps it get into the ground and get around obstacles.
Stem
The center, woody, upright structure from which branches and leaves grow is called the main stem, which is also sometimes called the trunk. In older trees, the stem may stand out more and get bark that is different in texture and color, but is usually gray or brown. There are many branches that grow out from the main stem or trunk of a sweet olive plant. When the plant is young, these stems may be thin and bendy, but as the plant grows older, they get thicker and stiffer.
Along the stem, nodes are the places where leaves, buds, and branches grow. There are clear nodes on stems where leaves connect. There are places between nodes that are known as internodes. These parts of the stem are where growth and extension happen. As plants grow, their stems get longer, and the internodes get longer when the plant is actively growing.
Bark
The bark on young twigs is mostly smooth and thin. It usually has a greenish to brownish color, but this can change based on the type and the weather. The bark on young twigs isn’t very rough. As the plant grows older, its skin gets rougher and more noticeable. As it ages, it may crack and make shallow furrows or ridges. In smaller stems, it usually changes from green or brownish-green to gray, grayish-brown, or even darker shades as the plant gets older. The bark may have marks and designs that aren’t straight, and the color, shading, and surface texture may be different. Little bumps called lenticels can be seen on the bark’s surface. They make it easier for gases to move around, which lets the stem cells breathe. The lenticels may stand out more in the Sweet Olive wood as the plant gets older.
Leaves
The leaf shapes range from lance-shaped to oval, which means they are long and narrow with sharp tips. It looks like the leaves are long and oval. On the stem, the leaves are grouped that way or almost that way. Most leaf borders are smooth and whole, which means they don’t have teeth or serrations along the edges. The tips of the leaves are smooth and don’t break off. On the top of leaves, there is a smooth or shiny finish. The shine on them makes them look more appealing. Some leaves may be less shiny and have a lighter green color on the bottom.
Different types of plants and environments can cause leaves to be different sizes. In general, they are between 5 and 10 cm long and 2 to 4 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) wide. The veins on leaves are pinnate, which means they run parallel to each other along the length of the leaf. This leaf’s tubes help move water and food around the leaf. Most of the time, the top is a dark, rich green color and the bottom is a lighter shade of green. Tapered or attenuate means that the base of the leaf gets narrower as it links to the stem. The thin tube that connects the leaf blade to the stem is called the petiole. The stalk on Sweet Olive is pretty short and goes straight from the leaf to the stem.
Flowers
Inflorescences are groups of flowers that grow together. Each cluster has a bunch of small, tube-shaped flowers close together. Each flower has four small blooms that are white to off-white. People often say that these petals are tube or funnel-shaped and feel like wax. The petals’ bases are surrounded by green sepals that may be partly fused together to form a cup-like shape. Several stamens can be found inside the flower. The male parts of the flower are called stamens. Each flower has four stamens, which are usually made up of two pairs. The stalks of the stamens are thin, and the anthers on top make pollen.
It is the female reproductive part of the flower that is called the pistil. There is one pistil in a flower, and it has three parts: the ovary, the style, and the stigma. The ovary is the base of the pistil that looks like a bulb. This is where the ovules (possible seeds) grow. The style is a thin tube-like structure that links the stigma to the ovary. At the top of the style, the stigma is the area that can accept pollen and fertilize the flower. The strong, sweet smell of Sweet Olive flowers is one of their most noticeable traits. People often say that the scent smells like fruit and apricots. This wonderful smell is what makes Sweet Olive so valuable in perfumes and gardening.
Fruits
The fruits are small and shaped like ovals or ellipsoids. In general, they are between 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) and 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. The flowers are green when they are young, but they turn another color as they get older. It gets dark purple-black, almost black, or dark blue when the Sweet Olive fruit is ready. When the fruit is young and green, the exocarp is thin and spongy. As the fruit ripens and turns darker, it gets tougher and leatherier. The fruit gets its name from the mesocarp, which is sweet and juicy. The mesocarp is where most of the sweet taste is found. It can be hard to crack open the endocarp because it is usually very hard. It keeps the seed safe from outside harm. Sweet olive fruits usually ripen in late summer to early fall, but it depends on the type of olive and the weather.
Seeds
The seeds of a sweet olive are pretty big compared to the fruit itself. The length varies from seed to seed, but is usually between 1/4 and 1/2 inch (0.6 to 1.3 cm). In order to protect itself, the seed has a covering called the testa. The baby inside is protected by the seed coat, which is pretty hard
Varieties of Sweet olive
Sweet Olive is a versatile plant with several cultivars and varieties, each with its unique characteristics, including flower color, fragrance, and growth habits. Here are some well-known varieties of Sweet Olive:
- Osmanthus fragrans var. fragrans: This type of Sweet Olive is the classic and most popular. It has strong, sweet-smelling flowers that are white or creamy white. It’s a popular choice because its flowers are beautiful and smell great.
- Osmanthus fragrans var. aurantiacus: This type of olive tree has flowers that are orange or peach, making it different from the usual white-flowered types. It is also known as the Orange-flowered Sweet Olive. The flowers still smell very good, but there is a hint of lemon in the scent.
- Osmanthus fragrans ‘Fudingzhu‘: A famous cultivar called “Fudingzhu” is known for having a lot of flowers that smell great. Its flowers are usually bigger and more numerous than those of other types. The flowers are a light cream color.
- Osmanthus fragrans ‘Thunbergii’: This type is easy to spot because its leaves have finely toothed edges that make them stand out. The flowers are white and smell very good, just like other types of Sweet Olive.
- Osmanthus fragrans ‘Conger Yellow’: “Conger Yellow” is a unique type that has flowers that are yellow or golden yellow. The bright flower color and sweet scent make it stand out, making it an attractive choice.
- Osmanthus fragrans ‘Pearly Gates’: Another type has flowers that are creamy white and called “Pearly Gates.” This plant grows very closely together, which makes it good for small fields or plants in pots.
- Osmanthus fragrans ‘Variegatus’: The leaves of this type are variegated, with cream or white edges around the edges of the green leaves. People often choose ‘Variegatus’ for its pretty leaves, even though the flowers are still sweet.
- Osmanthus fragrans ‘Alboplenus’: As the name suggests, “Alboplenus” is a type of Sweet Olive that has double flowers, which look like little roses. The flowers are white and smell very good.
- Osmanthus fragrans ‘Aurantiacus Double’: This variety is like “Alboplenus,” but it has two flowers that are orange or apricot in color. It has the scent of Sweet Olive and a flower shape that is both unique and beautiful.
- Osmanthus fragrans ‘Tricolor’: People love “Tricolor” because its leaves are different shades of green, white, pink, or red. It may have fragrant flowers, but its colored leaves are what most people choose it for.
Health benefits of Sweet olive
Sweet olive offers various health benefits. Here are detailed explanations of its potential health benefits:
1. Antioxidant Properties
Antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic chemicals are found in large amounts in sweet olive leaves. These antioxidants help the body get rid of dangerous free radicals, which lowers oxidative stress. In this way, they might lower their chance of getting long-term illnesses like cancer and heart disease.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Some chemicals in sweet olives, like quercetin and kaempferol, have been shown to reduce inflammation. These chemicals might help lower inflammation in the body, which is a cause of many long-term illnesses like arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases.
3. Respiratory Health
In traditional Chinese medicine, sweet olive has been used for a long time to treat lung problems. People think it can help reduce coughs, ease sore throats, and make breathing better in general. People with asthma, coughing, or seasonal allergies may benefit the most from this.
4. Digestive Aid
In the past, sweet olive leaves were used to help digestion. If you have stomach problems like bloating, gas, or heartburn, drinking sweet olive tea might help. It can also help you go to the bathroom regularly.
5. Stress Reduction
The nice and relaxing smell of sweet olive is known to help people who are stressed. Aromatherapy with fresh flowers or sweet olive essential oil can help calm the mind, lower stress, and improve general emotional health.
6. Skin Health
Because it is good for the skin, sweet olive essential oil is sometimes used in skin care items. It can keep the skin wet and fresh, which can make fine lines and wrinkles look less noticeable. It can also help protect the skin from damage caused by smog and UV rays in the air.
7. Weight Management
Extracts from sweet olives have been shown to have the ability to change how fat is burned. Based on some studies, these extracts may help people who are trying to lose weight. But more research is needed to prove that it works in this way.
8. Diabetes Management
Sweet olives may help keep blood sugar levels in check. Compounds in sweet olives can make insulin work well, which could help people who already have diabetes or are at risk of getting it.
9. Heart Health
Sweet olives may be good for your heart because they contain antioxidants and reduce inflammation. They can help lower blood pressure, lower the chance of atherosclerosis (artery hardening), and raise good cholesterol levels, all of which lower the risk of heart disease.
10. Cognitive Function
Some studies have shown that products from sweet olives can protect neurons. These benefits might be good for memory, brain health, and cognitive function. But more study is needed to fully understand these possible advantages.
11. Pain Relief
In the past, sweet olives were used to ease pain. It might help with headaches, joint pain, and menstrual cramps, so in some cases it can be used instead of over-the-counter painkillers.
12. Anti-Anxiety and Mood Enhancement
People say that the nice smell of sweet olive flowers can help them relax. Using sweet olive essential oil in aromatherapy or just breathing in the scent of the flowers can help lower stress, boost happiness, and ease anxiety. Having this can be good for your mental health.
13. Allergy Relief
Compared to many other flowering plants, sweet olive flowers are less likely to make people allergic. If you are allergic to pollen, sweet olive may be a better choice for gardening because it is less likely to make you sick.
14. Improved Sleep
The soothing smell of sweet olive can help you sleep better. Putting a bag of dried sweet olive flowers next to your pillow or diffusing sweet olive essential oil can help you fall asleep faster and sleep better.
15. Anti-Aging Benefits
Antioxidants in sweet olives, like vitamins A and E, can help keep skin from getting old too quickly. They fight free radicals and lower oxidative stress, both of which can cause fine lines and wrinkles. To keep your skin looking young, you can use sweet olive oil or extracts of it in your skincare practices.
16. Anti-Bacterial and Antifungal Properties
In some tests, sweet olive extracts have been shown to kill bacteria and fungi. This makes it seem like they might help fight some bacterial and fungal infections, but more study is needed to be sure they work in clinical settings.
17. Gastrointestinal Soothing
In traditional herbal treatment, sweet olive leaves are used to ease stomachaches and other stomach problems. People think that sweet olive tea or liquids can help calm the stomach and digestive system.
18. Immune System Support
Sweet olives may help improve the immune system by giving it more antioxidants and immune-boosting properties. This makes the body less likely to get sick or infected.
19. Oral Health
In some countries, sweet olive leaves have been used to keep teeth healthy. They might help get rid of bad breath and keep your gums healthy. It might help to chew on fresh, sweet olive leaves or use mouthwash with sweet olives in it.
Culinary Uses of Sweet olive
Sweet olive has some culinary uses, primarily in regions where it is grown and appreciated for its fragrant flowers. Here are a few culinary uses of sweet olive:
- Flavoring in Tea: Sweet olive flowers are often added to teas and other drinks to make them smell nice and taste slightly sweet. Olethus tea can be made by letting the flowers soak in hot water. This fragrant tea is used a lot in Chinese and Taiwanese cooking because it tastes good and calms people down.
- Sweet Desserts: Dried sweet olive flowers are sometimes added to Chinese and Southeast Asian treats to give them a unique floral taste and smell. Desserts like sweet soups, puddings, sauces, and even ice cream can have them in them.
- Flavoring Liquors and Wines: Sweet olive flowers can be soaked in alcohol to make wines or drinks that taste better. The fragrant blend gives the drink a nice smell and taste. This is a very normal thing to do in Chinese and Taiwanese culture.
- Aromatics in Cooking: Sweet olive essential oil or blends are sometimes added to different foods to make them taste better or smell better. You can improve the taste of stews, dressings, and marinades by adding a few drops of the oil.
- Syrups and Jams: For a unique taste, some recipes call for sweet olive sauce or jam. The scent and sweetness of sweet olives are captured in these goods, which means they can be spread on toast or used as a dessert topping.
- Infused Water: Adding fresh, sweet olive flowers to a pitcher of water will make flavored water that smells and tastes like flowers. This is a drink that is great for cooling off, especially when it’s hot outside.
- Decorative Garnish: Sweet olive flowers can be used as a pretty garnish on many meals and drinks, whether they are fresh or dried. They not only make the show look better, but they also give it a light scent.
- Candied Treats: Some cooking traditions cover sweet olive flowers in sugar syrup to make them candy-like. You can eat these sweet flowers that have been covered in sugar on their own, or you can use them to decorate cakes and other baked goods.
- Rice Dishes: Sweet olive flowers are mixed with rice before it is cooked in some Asian dishes. This gives the rice a light flower smell and taste, making it a fragrant and tasty side dish.
- Sweet Rice Cakes: You can add sweet olive flowers to sweet rice cakes or rice puddings when you make them. The flowers make these desserts look nice and taste good.
- Flavored Vinegars: You can make floral vinegar by letting sweet olive flowers soak in vinegar. You can add this vinegar with herbs to salad sauces, marinades, or just eat it on its own.
- Cocktail Garnish: You can use sweet olive flowers to decorate drinks in a classy way. They make drinks look more fancy and can be used to decorate the edge of cups or float on top of cocktails.
- Scented Sugar: Sugar can be mixed with sweet olive flowers. Just put sugar in a jar with dried sweet olive flowers and let them sit for a few weeks. The flower scent comes through in the sugar, which can be used in baking or to sweeten drinks.
- Homemade Syrups: You can use sweet olive flowers to make your own syrups that you can drizzle over treats, pancakes, or waffles. You can make the syrup by letting sugar, water, and sweet olive flowers boil together.
- Aromatic Sauces: Some sauces, like those used in Asian food, can have sweet olive leaves added to them. They can improve the taste and smell of sauces for stir-fries and meat glazes that have been cooked.
- Fruit Salads: Fruit salads look beautiful with fresh, sweet olive flowers on top of them. They not only give the fruits a gentle scent, but they also bring out their natural sweetness.
- Pastry Fillings: You can put sweet olive flowers or extracts inside of cakes and other baked goods. You can mix them with things like nuts, dried fruits, or cream cheese to make new taste combinations.
- Infused Oils: You can add sweet olive flowers to oils like olive oil or grape seed oil to make them taste better. You can cook with these oils or drizzle them over salads and other foods to add a gentle floral note.
- Floral Ice Cubes: You can decorate drinks and make them smell better by freezing sweet olive flowers in ice cubes. You can serve these flower-shaped ice cubes at parties or special events.
Different uses of Sweet olive
Sweet olive has a wide range of uses beyond its culinary and potential health benefits. Here are various uses of sweet olive:
- Landscaping: People often grow sweet olive as a decorative shrub or small tree because its flowers smell nice and its leaves look nice. It is often used as a beautiful hedge or screen plant in gardens, parks, and other places.
- Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy uses the nice smell of sweet olive flowers to help people relax and deal with stress. For health benefits, sweet olive essential oil can be spread or mixed with massage oils.
- Perfumery: The sweet olive flower’s fragrant flowers are used to make floral smells in the perfume business. People often say that it smells sweet, apricot-like, and floral, which makes it a useful ingredient in perfumes and other scents.
- Traditional Medicine: In some ancient systems of medicine, sweet olive has been used for its possible health benefits, such as helping with digestion, breathing problems, and stress.
- Decorative Crafts: You can use dried sweet olive flowers to make potpourri, flower arrangements, wreaths, and sachets, among other projects. In addition to making these things smell great, they also look great.
- Floral Artistry: Florists and flower artists use sweet olive flowers to make beautiful bouquets and arrangements. They are a popular choice for special events because they look delicate and smell sweet.
- Cultural and Symbolic Uses: In some places, the sweet olive is a culture and symbolic food. It’s linked to good luck, wealth, and the Mid-Autumn Festival in China, for example.
- Tea Blending: Along with osmanthus tea, sweet olive flowers can be mixed with other teas to give them a unique floral taste. They go well with different kinds of tea and make the taste better overall.
- Natural Air Freshener: You can use sweet olive leaves or essential oil to clean the air naturally. To make your home smell nice, put fresh flowers in a box, make potpourri at home, or use essential oil diffusers.
- Ingredient in Cosmetics: Cosmetics and skin care items sometimes use sweet olive extracts, such as essential oil and flower absolutes. They are in soaps, creams, lotions, and body items with scents.
- Religious and Cultural Ceremonies: Olives that are sweet are used in religious ceremonies and rituals in some countries. People think that its scent can clean and improve the spiritual atmosphere.
- Wildlife Habitat: Many animals, like birds and insects, use sweet olive as a home and a food source. Birds may make nests in its trees, and bees are drawn to its flowers because they have nectar.
- Floral Gifts: Because they represent love, happiness, and well-wishes, sweet olive flowers are often given as gifts on important days.
- Natural Dye: Traditionally, sweet olive flowers have been used to color clothes and other items with natural dyes.
- Herbal Infusions: You can use sweet olive leaves to make herbal infusions or teas, which might help your stomach and make you feel calmer.
- Flavoring in Confectionery: Olive flowers that are sweet can be used to add taste to candies, sweets, and confections. Many sweets can get a great flavor from adding their fragrant essence.
- Pottery and Ceramics: In pottery and ceramics, sweet olive flowers can be pressed into clay to give it designs and textures that look nice. Using this method gives art pieces a unique look.
- Natural Insect Repellent: When mixed with water, sweet olive essential oil can naturally keep bugs away. It can be put on the skin or put in candles and diffusers to keep bugs away when you’re outside.
- Floral Bath: Adding sweet olive flowers to a warm bath can make it more relaxing and smell nice. They can help you relax and make the room feel like a spa.
- Scented Candles: Candles with a smell use sweet olive essential oil as a scent. When these candles are lit, the room can smell nice and sweet olive.
- Fragrance in Cleaning Products: To make the surroundings more appealing and pleasant, sweet olive scent is sometimes added to cleaning products like air fresheners and surface cleaners.
- Floral Sachets: You can hide dried sweet olive flowers in sachets and put them in drawers, closets, or blankets to give them a fresh, sweet smell and keep musty smells away.
- Natural Flavored Water: Adding fresh, sweet olive flowers to a pitcher of water makes a floral-infused water that is light and refreshing. This is a great drink to serve at parties and other events.
- Pillow Fillings: Olive flowers or leaves that are sweet can be used to fill pillows or cushion covers naturally. When you press on them or move them, they give off a soothing scent.
- Natural Room Deodorizer: You can naturally clean the air and get rid of smells by putting fresh or dried sweet olive flowers in bowls or jars around the house.
- Crafting Perfumed Jewelry: Some artists use dried sweet olive flowers to make jewelry with scents in it, like pendants or pocket bags that you can wear.
- Floral Hair Accessories: You can add a touch of natural beauty and scent to your hairstyles by putting sweet olive flowers in hair accessories like hairpins or wreaths.
Side effects of Sweet olive
Sweet olive is generally considered safe when used in moderation and for its intended purposes, such as landscaping, aromatherapy, and culinary uses. However, there are a few potential side effects and considerations to keep in mind:
- Allergic Reactions: Some people might be allergic to sweet olive, especially if they come into close contact with the plant or its extracts. Some people may get a rash, irritation, or swelling on their skin after touching the leaves, flowers, or essential oil. When putting sweet olive items on your skin, it’s best to do a patch test first.
- Gastrointestinal Discomfort: If you drink too much sweet olive tea or plant infusions made from its leaves, you might experience mild stomach problems like bloating or an upset stomach. When cooking, it’s best to use sweet olives in small amounts.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Most people think that small amounts of sweet olive are safe to use in cooking, but women who are pregnant or nursing should be careful and only eat a small amount at a time. For medical reasons, you should talk to a doctor before using sweet olive products during pregnancy or while nursing.
- Interactions with Medications: Some medicines might not work well with sweet olive oils or supplements. For instance, sweet olive may have mild effects on blood sugar, so people with diabetes should closely watch their blood sugar levels when using sweet olive goods. Also, if you are taking medicine for a certain health problem, you should talk to your doctor before using sweet olive vitamins or extracts.
- Essential Oil Precautions: To keep your skin from getting irritated, you should always mix sweet olive essential oil with a carrier oil before using it in massage or on the skin. If you are not under the supervision of a trained aroma therapist or healthcare provider, do not take essential oils by mouth. Important oils should be kept away from kids.
- Quality and Source: Make sure you only buy sweet olive items, like essential oil, from trustworthy sellers to be sure of their quality and purity. Products that have been tampered with or processed badly may contain dangerous substances or impurities.
References:
https://pfaf.org/User/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Osmanthus+fragrans
https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/cabicompendium.38038
https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=OSFR2
https://gd.eppo.int/taxon/OSUFR
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osmanthus_fragrans
https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/276566
http://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Fragrant%20Olive.html
https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Osmanthus+fragrans