Olive tree

The origin of the olive tree

The olive tree belongs to the olive tree family (Oleaceae) and is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world. It originally comes from the Middle East and was cultivated in the Mediterranean region over 6000 years ago. Today it can be found in all countries with a Mediterranean climate, especially in Spain, Italy, Greece and Turkey.

The olive tree is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 15 meters high. It has a gnarled trunk and silvery-green leaves that are hairy on the underside. The flowers are small, white and inconspicuous. They appear in spring and are pollinated by insects. The fruits are green at first and turn black or purple when ripe. They contain a hard stone and a lot of oil in the flesh.

Caring for the olive tree

The olive tree is a robust plant that makes few demands. It needs a sunny and sheltered location, preferably on a south or west-facing side. It tolerates drought and heat well, but not waterlogging or frost. It should therefore be planted in a tub and brought indoors in winter.

The olive tree needs well-drained, calcareous soil that is not too rich in nutrients. It should be watered regularly, but only when the soil is dry. In summer, it can be fed every two weeks with a special fertilizer for Mediterranean plants. It does not need fertilizing in winter.

The olive tree does not need pruning, except to keep it in shape or to remove diseased or dead branches. The best time to do this is in spring or fall. If you want to rejuvenate the tree, you can cut it back more, but not more than a third of the total height.

The effect of Olea europaea on dogs

The olive tree has not only culinary but also health benefits for dogs. The buds of the tree are used in gemmotherapy, an alternative healing method based on plant embryonic tissue. The buds contain many stem cells and growth factors that have a regenerative effect on the organism.

The buds of Olea europaea act primarily on the cardiovascular system and the immune system. They lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, improve blood circulation and protect against arteriosclerosis. They also strengthen the immune system and help with infections, allergies and inflammation. They also have an antioxidant effect and protect against free radicals.

The buds of Olea europaea can be taken as a macerate, i.e. as an extract in alcohol or glycerine. The dosage depends on the weight of the dog and should be discussed with a vet. The macerates can be administered pure or diluted with water, preferably in the morning and evening. The duration of treatment can vary depending on the complaint, but should not last longer than six weeks.

The fruits of the olive tree, i.e. olives, are not poisonous for dogs, but they are not particularly healthy either. They contain a lot of fat and salt, which can lead to digestive problems or obesity. The kernels can also cause choking or intestinal obstruction. Dogs should therefore only eat pitted and unsalted olives in moderation.