Benefits, uses and properties of Dittrichia viscosa (olivarda) in health and agriculture

What is Dittrichia viscosa?

Dittrichia viscosa, popularly known as olive vine, altabaca, or mosquera herb, is a perennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is a very hardy native species, common in Mediterranean regions, ditches, wastelands, crop margins, and disturbed soils, demonstrating a great capacity to adapt to adverse conditions.

Characterized by green, hairy, and very sticky stems and leaves To the touch, the olive tree reaches a height of up to 140 cm and releases a distinctive aroma when handled. The inflorescences, with yellow or yellow-orange flowers, generally appear in the driest and coldest months, when other sources of pollen and nectar are scarce.

The name Dittrichia honors the German botanist Manfred Dittrich, while viscose refers to the characteristic sticky substance that covers the plant.

In many areas of the Iberian Peninsula and the Canary Islands, it is considered a native plant without a protected status, highly valued since ancient times in both medicine and traditional agricultural practices.

Main active compounds of Dittrichia viscosa

The wealth of properties and applications of the olive grove is due to its complex phytochemical compositionAmong the most relevant compounds, the following stand out:

• Sesquiterpene lactones: such as jopoatin, dittrichin and dittrichopertusin, which are responsible for most of its anti-inflammatory effects.
• Flavonoids: including luteolin, apigenin and quercetin, recognized for their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action.
• Phenolic acids: such as caffeic and chlorogenic acids, which also act as antioxidants and modulators of inflammation.
• Aromatic compounds and terpenes: present in smaller proportions, they contribute to its characteristic aroma and certain antimicrobial properties.
• Vitamins and minerals: as well as carbohydrates and proteins in smaller quantities, offering additional nutritional value in some external applications.

The concentration of these compounds and their activity may vary depending on the growing area, the time of harvest and the part of the plant used (leaves, stems or flowers).

Related article:

Autumn Wildflowers: A Complete Guide to a Vibrant and Sustainable Garden

Medicinal and pharmacological properties

The olive tree has been traditionally used in phytotherapy thanks to its recognized anti-inflammatory, analgesic and healing propertiesRecent studies and folk medicine agree in attributing multiple benefits to it:

• Anti-inflammatory: Dittrichia viscosa extracts moderate inflammatory processes and are used to relieve arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatism, both in the form of ointments and local plasters.
• antirust: protects cells and tissues from damage caused by free radicals, helping to prevent premature aging and cellular degeneration.
• Antimicrobial: Some compounds show efficacy against bacteria and fungi, although research is ongoing to determine potential health and agricultural applications.
• Healing: widely used to accelerate the healing of wounds, minor burns, skin ulcers or blows, either through poultices of crushed leaves or an infusion to clean the affected area.
• Analgesic: Traditionally used for toothache, bruises or muscle pain, applying the fresh juice or using the decoction of its flowers.
• Antipyretic: In the form of a mild infusion, it has been used to relieve mild fever.
• Expectorant: Some popular preparations use olive sap to treat congestion and cough in mild respiratory conditions.
• Antiparasitic: Used in the past to expel intestinal parasites, although its internal use requires maximum caution and should never be done without medical supervision due to the possibility of toxicity.

It is essential to remember that internal use Dittrichia viscosa should be supervised by a health professional, due to the risk of toxicity if the recommended doses are exceeded.

Traditional and ethnobotanical applications

Since ancient times, olive vine has occupied a fundamental place in the popular Mediterranean pharmacopoeia:

• Poultices and ointments: Made from fresh leaves and crushed flowers, to treat wounds, burns, sprains and bruises.
• Macerated in alcohol: preparations used externally to relieve joint or muscle pain.
• Infusions and decoctions: Indicated for rheumatic pain, colds and mild digestive problems, always in moderation.
• Fresh juice: applied to sore teeth or inflamed gums to relieve pain.
• Macerated in oils:Oleomacerated with sunflower or olive oil is used for skin care due to its emollient and regenerative effects.
• Veterinary use: dry branches used as bedding for livestock, helping to repel external parasites.

Today, simple methods such as olive oil, mild infusions, and topical preparations are still used, both at home and in small traditional herbal medicine workshops.

Dittrichia viscosa in agriculture: a particularly valuable ally

The presence of olive groves on the margins of crops and orchards It is tremendously beneficial, both for useful biodiversity and for biological pest control.

Among its most notable contributions to the agroecosystem are:

1. Auxiliary wildlife refuge: The olive grove serves as lodging and food for numerous helper insects essential for ecological balance and natural pest control. These include:

• Predatory bed bugs of the Miridae family, such as Macrolophus caliginosus y Nesidiocoris tenuis, effective eaters of aphids, whiteflies, thrips, mites and lepidopteran eggs.
• Parasitic wasps of the families Eupelmidae and Braconidae, which regulate populations of fruit flies (Ceratitis capitata), olive fly (Bactrocera oleae) and other fruit pests.
• Generalist predators such as mantises, arachnids, grasshoppers and beetles, which find shelter and food in the plant.

How Dittrichia viscosa promotes biological control

In organic farming and sustainable pest management, the olive grove is a key piece in the strategy of conservation of natural enemiesThe presence of Dittrichia viscosa near fruit, vegetable, and olive groves encourages the proliferation of beneficial species, which in turn naturally control:

• Populations of White fly, aphid, trips y Mites thanks to predatory bugs and other helper insects.
• Lepidopteran larvae and butterfly eggs pest, which are food for bedbugs and hunting wasps.
• Fruit fly and olive fly pests through shelter and food for parasitoid wasps that reduce the presence of these harmful flies.

Practical advice for farmers: Promoting the presence of olive groves and maintaining native hedges on the edges of the farm significantly improves biodiversity, which is effective for pest control.

Environmental and ecological properties of the olive grove

Beyond its use in medicine and agriculture, Viscose dittrichia It fulfills outstanding ecological functions:

• Erosion prevention: Its deep roots help stabilize soils on slopes, roadsides, and abandoned quarries.
• Recovery of degraded soils: Thanks to its hardiness and tolerance to drought and sunlight, it quickly colonizes altered areas and favors the reestablishment of vegetation.
• Control of invasive species: Although it can behave as an invasive species in certain contexts, its controlled management is used to prevent the expansion of unwanted species and protect local biodiversity.
• Contribution to ecological successionOn burned or recently disturbed lands, olive grove is often one of the first species to colonize and improve habitat for future plant communities.

Other uses and benefits in rural life

Dittrichia viscosa has been used for many practical purposes in traditional life:

• Insect repellent: hang branches in houses and stables as natural fly trap and fleas, a very common practice in rural areas.
• Tobacco substituteIn some regions, the dried leaves have been used for smoking in times of scarcity.
• Use in crafts: utilization of stems and branches for small rural tools and making animal bedding.

Its ability to accumulate biomass and adapt to extreme conditions makes it a highly versatile, useful, and valued plant in both agricultural and natural environments.

How to safely collect and use Dittrichia viscosa

Olive groves should be harvested at the optimal flowering time, selecting healthy specimens and avoiding areas contaminated by heavy metals.

Precautions for home use:

• Do not consume in large quantities: since it has compounds that can be toxic internally if its use is abused.
• Respect traditional doses and consult with a herbalist or healthcare professional before using homemade preparations, especially for children, pregnant women, or people with chronic illnesses.
• Preferred external use: : Poultices, macerates and oils are safe to apply to healthy skin, except in people with known allergies.
• Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes when handling the fresh plant or preparing a concentrated decoction.

Scientific research and future potential

In recent years, the Viscose dittrichia It has sparked interest in the scientific community for its potential as a source of bioactive compounds for pharmacology, cosmetics, and sustainable agriculture. Some studies have patented compositions with extracts of olive grove and other plants for their activity. antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, in addition to its capacity in the phytoremediation of contaminated soils.

Despite its ancient use and promising in vitro results, clinical research is still in its initial phase, and studies are needed to definitively support the efficacy and safety of all these uses in humans.

The olive stalk, or Dittrichia viscosa, is undoubtedly one of the most versatile and valuable of the Mediterranean ecosystem. Its richness in beneficial compounds, its applications in sustainable agriculture, and its importance in folk medicine make it an essential ally for both the countryside and well-being. Integrating it into crop margins, taking advantage of its medicinal properties in moderation, and appreciating its ecological function are key to respectful and sustainable management of our environments.