Olive Leaf Extract & Night Sweats

Jul 4, 2011 | By Glenda Taylor

Night sweats are the nocturnal twin of hot flashes, which occur during the day. A typical night sweat can wake you from a restful sleep, making you kick off your covers and leaving you drenched in perspiration. Olive leaf extract may be beneficial in reducing night sweats if the episodes are triggered by high blood pressure, but there is no indication that the herb will help night sweats due to other causes. Olive leaf extract is an herbal remedy and it cannot take the place of professional medical advice and treatment. See your doctor if you're suffering from night sweats.

Night Sweats and Blood Pressure

If you have high blood pressure, you may be at an increased risk of suffering from hot flashes according to Weill Cornell Medical College. A woman may suffer from hot flashes and night sweats in the years immediately preceding the end of her reproductive cycle, because of hormonal fluctuations. Having high blood pressure may put you at an increased risk of these menopausal symptoms. While olive leaf extract does not directly affect night sweats, it may reduce high blood pressure.

Olive Leaf: Constituents

Olive leaf extract contains many constituents, including flavonoids, triterpenes and olivin, according to the "PDR for Herbal Medicines," which may play a role in reducing high blood pressure.

Potential Benefits

If you suffer from night sweats or hot flashes and you do not have high blood pressure, there is no indication that olive leaf extract will have any beneficial effect. Ask your doctor if hypertension might play a role in your night flashes and if olive leaf extract is safe for you.

Considerations

Due to a lack of research on olive leaves and their safety, there are no known side effects, except mild digestive issues. In addition, there is no standard recommended dosage of olive leaf extract, so follow the instructions on the package. Conventional medications and lifestyle changes may reduce night sweats, so contact your doctor for advice before using olive leaf extract.