Our Story

The story of Oleavicin begins with a personal challenge faced by the Makela family. Craig Makela’s middle son, Cody, developed chronic cold sores (caused by the herpes simplex virus) while training as a junior lifeguard, spending long hours in the sun. Conventional treatments like Abreva proved ineffective, and prescription antiviral medications such as Acyclovir had harmful side effects, particularly on Cody’s liver due to his undiagnosed pre-diabetic condition.

This frustrating experience led the family to search for natural alternatives. They came across research pointing to the antiviral properties of olive leaf extract, a discovery that felt serendipitous given the family’s background in olive farming. Craig and his wife Cindy began experimenting with olive leaf tea, which led to a marked improvement in Cody’s cold sores. This success sparked the idea that olive leaf extract could be harnessed for broader medicinal purposes.

A Breakthrough with Shingles:

The pivotal moment for Oleavicin came when Cindy contracted shingles, a painful condition related to the herpes zoster virus. After conventional treatments failed, Craig applied a homemade concoction of olive leaf powder, olive oil, bee propolis, and St. John’s Wort directly to her rash. Cindy experienced almost immediate relief, with her fever breaking within hours and the blisters drying up overnight. This rapid recovery convinced the Makela's that they had stumbled upon something significant.

Product Development and Investment:

Recognizing the potential of their olive leaf remedy, Craig began refining the formula with the help of chemists and medical researchers. The family faced initial challenges, including a failed attempt to create olive leaf caplets in the 1990s. However, the turning point came when a real estate agent who had tried their formula for his cold sore became an enthusiastic supporter, offering to invest $200,000 in the development of the product.

With this investment, the Makela's moved forward with research and development, leading to the creation of a gel that could effectively treat cold sores, shingles, and other skin conditions. The product, which combined olive leaf extract with other natural ingredients, was patented and later expanded into a full line of skin remedies.

Medical Validation:

A key moment in Oleavicin’s journey was the involvement of Dr. Terrance Owen, a skeptical MD and skin researcher from Canada. Initially doubtful about the efficacy of botanical treatments, Dr. Owen conducted extensive independent research on the olive leaf formula. His findings were overwhelmingly positive, leading him to change his stance on botanical remedies and recommend that the Makela's apply for a patent of the treatment for HSV-1. His research also resulted in a published white paper validating the effectiveness of Oleavicin’s formula.

Found Success:

After years of persistence, Oleavicin’s products were picked up by major retailers such as Walgreens, Walmart, and many others. Today, the company’s products are available in over 15,000 stores, as well as online and Amazon. The product line includes treatments for cold sores, shingles, eczema, bug bites, and itchy skin, with plans to expand into other products. 

Future Vision:

Looking ahead, Oleavicin aims to make its products available worldwide, focusing on affordability and accessibility for all consumers. The company’s goal is to offer natural, effective alternatives to chemical treatments, reducing the reliance on harsh pharmaceuticals that often come with severe side effects. Oleavicin continues to be a pioneer in olive leaf medicine, with a commitment to helping people find relief from common skin conditions through natural solutions.