We often only look at the fruit or the golden oil, but the true soul of the olive tree lies hidden in its leaves. Did you know that these unassuming, silvery leaves harbor a healing power that far surpasses that of the olive itself?
The guardian of the tree: Oleuropein
Why do olive trees live for hundreds, even thousands of years? Their secret lies in oleuropein. This bitter substance serves as a highly effective protective shield for the tree against bacteria, insects, and environmental influences. It is the reason for the legendary resilience of these plants.
While oleuropein is also found in the oil, its concentration in the leaves is incomparably higher. French researchers identified it as one of nature's most potent "free radical scavengers." We capture precisely this protective energy and make it available to you in our elixirs.
Roots in eternity: The story
The olive tree is more than just a plant – it is a witness to history. Its history as a cultivated plant dates back to 4000 BC in Crete and Syria.
Even on Fartàritx, we feel the breath of history. Olive trees, estimated to be over 1000 years old, grow on the slopes of our finca. They were probably planted in the 9th century by the Moors, who once cultivated this land. They are living monuments that have seen the rich come and go, yet have always remained.
A gift from the gods: The myth
The significance of the olive tree is deeply rooted in our culture. Perhaps the most beautiful legend comes from ancient Greece:
When Poseidon (god of the seas) and Athena (goddess of wisdom) fought over the rule of Attica, Zeus decided: Whoever gives the people the most valuable gift shall win.
Poseidon thrust his trident into the rock of the Acropolis, causing a spring to gush forth—but it was only saltwater. Athena, however, thrust her spear into the ground, and from it grew the first olive tree. It provided the people with food, oil, wood, and shade. The people chose life and wisdom. Athena won, and the city was named after her: Athens.
The Romans also saw divine origin in the olive tree. Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, are said to have been born under an olive tree. To this day, it is a tradition to give newlyweds an olive tree – as a symbol that the tree's vitality and resilience may be passed on to their union.
The inner protective shield: Its effect
In modern naturopathy, the olive leaf is considered a powerful all-rounder for health. The oleuropein it contains acts like an internal protective shield.
- Immune system & defense: It has strong antioxidant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Heart & Circulation: It supports the natural regulation of blood pressure, promotes blood flow and cares for the blood vessels.
- Balance: It is valued for its balancing effect on blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
The wild soul of Fartàritx
Up here in the Tramuntana mountains, nature is still pristine. Forests of wild olive trees (Acebuche) characterize our rugged landscape. These wild relatives of the cultivated olive are smaller, but even more concentrated in their potency.
It is precisely this untamed energy of wild olive leaves that forms the basis of all our elixirs. It is the essence of Fartàritx – ancient, resilient, and full of life.
