Medicinal Uses of Olive Oil that Americans Should Know

It is almost ridiculous to think that most Americans, for any little ailment run right to their doctor for expensive pharmaceutical prescriptions with debilitating side-effects. Most minor ailments can be treated properly with ages-old home remedies. One of the oldest medicinal agents in home-remedies is none other than common olive oil. When using olive oil in a medicinal capacity, whether it is to be ingested or applied topically, it is always best to use the finest quality, which in known as extra virgin. Other lower-grade olive oils may have been chemically processed and contain impurities. Extra virgin is the first and most potent of the oils pressed from the olive.

As a topical agent, olive oil has several uses. It is one of nature's best moisturizers. It has been used to treat dry skin for centuries. It can be applied alone in small quantities to any dry area of skin or ¼ to ½ cup can be added to a warm bath. It is great as a lubricant for a close shave. It can also be used to soften cuticles. Dab on the pure olive oil or mix with a little water and soak the nails in the mixture for several minutes. By mixing olive oil with just a bit of natural beeswax, it makes a great lip balm and will soothe and restore chapped lips. Eczema and psoriasis can also be treated with olive oil applications alone or again with a bit of beeswax for thickness.

Olive oil can also be applied to the hair and scalp for many benefits. A few drops combed through the hair will reduce frizz on humid days. Rubbed into the scalp it can be used to treat dandruff. Olive oil has also been used as a natural treatment for head lice. Applying to the hair and scalp will smother lice when left on for at least 40 minutes and then washed out twice. It also conditions the hair more evenly and with better results than a store-bought tonic.

Taken internally, olive oil provides a plethora of benefits and can be used in several ways. Olive oil is the most healthy of vegetable oils. It is extremely high in monounsaturated fats and very low in the bad saturated fats. It also has a low risk of allergic reaction. A couple tablespoons taken in the morning will help with digestion all day. It is a good idea to follow the oil with a cup of warm water and unsweetened lemon juice. This combination will release bile from the gall bladder to naturally lubricate the digestive system.

A spoon of olive oil will help soothe a sore throat and prevent the pain associated with excessive coughing. Whenever you feel an itchy throat, eat one spoon of olive oil for relief. A couple spoons taken just before bed is said to prevent snoring.

There are several more uses of olive oil, although these are the most common. This natural medicine and food is one of the healthiest products, in its extra virgin form known to man. Always keep a bottle around, not only for cooking but to cure what ails you.