The Splendors of Olive Oil

Many cultures have used olive oil over the centuries for a variety of beauty, health, and diet exploits. Ancient Greeks and Italians are known to have used the oil to maintain a youthful appearance, and swore by the beneficial qualities of ingesting it.

Unfortunately, with the increase of mass marketing directing consumers to buy things they don't need (and often don't work), we often overlook the benefits of products that have no artificial additives or abrasive chemicals. Many beauty products and foods alike contain harmful ingredients that actually serve to deteriorate the health of your skin and body. Scientists and nutritionists are savvy on this fact, and this is exactly why they do not endorse many of the manufactured goods prevalent over the counter.

Avoid splurging on these things that won't do your body or your environment any good, and try using olive oil for things you might have never thought of:

Face and Body

The moisturizing effects of olive oil are apparent, and are thought to help keep skin glowing and soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by filling up rough microscopic flaws without clogging pores. Use olive oil as a shaving lubricant instead of those harsh store-bought cans, and as a make-up remover rather than bottles of strange substances that dry out your skin.

You can make a simple facial mask made from a ¼ cup of olive oil, an egg yolk, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Or for a full body scrub, mix equal parts olive oil and sugar with a few drops of lavender (or other yummy smelling) essential oil. The sugar helps exfoliate, the egg tightens, and the olive oil smoothes and softens skin.

Give yourself a manicure by rubbing olive oil on your hands. Rub into your skin and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing. Your hands will be soft and silky, and your nails will appear brighter and because of the hydration the oil provides, will feel less brittle.

Feeling a little full? A spoonful of olive oil helps eliminate bile because of the high content of unsaturated fatty acids. It will also help combat constipation.

Around the House

For your beloved little fur ball, add a couple of drops to olive oil to their chow to prevent hairballs.

Olive oil is a safe and effective way to clean pots and pans. Add a little vinegar and baking soda, and rub onto stainless steel kitchenware. Viola! You now have shiny new cooking equipment without dumping who-knows-what down your drain.

Polish wood furniture with this useful substance, and add a twist of lemon to achieve the same sensory experience of those other products.

Help hinges and hoes: Apply a dab of olive oil to squeaky doors and gardening tools to lubricate and remove excess dirt and grime. You can also use it to lubricate that annoying zipper that keeps getting stuck.

Shine shoes and restore leather goods with a dose of olive oil. Apply directly, rub into your shoes, old baseball mitts, or coats to restore the luster to your beloved attire.

Start trying out the many benefits of this earth-given product and see what a difference it makes in your house, your body, and your wallet!