In today’s tight economy, the name of the game is cutting costs without sacrificing on quality or your wellness. This means more and more people are turning to ancient wisdom for some tried and tested ways to look after their wellbeing. While this usually means turning to Ancient Egypt, Rome or Asia, here in Europe we have a little bit of ancient knowledge up our sleeves too; olive oil. Yes, you may use it in cooking or drizzle it on salads to prevent heart health concerns, but there are numerous benefits to olive oil that you may not realise.
1. Moisturising your skin: In the world of beauty, no one is going to be surprised that oil can make for an effective moisturiser. However, Mediterranean women swear by olive oil specifically for helping them keep their skin young and radiant – and there’s a reason. Olive oil is packed with antioxidants, which helps to defend your body against free radicals. These little devils are thought to be behind major diseases, inflammation and – this is the important bit in this section of the article – premature ageing. Moreover, as olive oil contains vitamin E, it works to repair your cells, as well as protecting them from UV rays and further damage. All you need to do is rub a small amount on your face and neck in the morning and evening. Alternately, you can try mixing the oil with sea salt and adding a little lemon zest for an amazing body scrub.
2. Conditioning your hair: If you can get your head around the fact that olive oil makes for a great moisturiser, you should have no trouble seeing how great it can work as a hair conditioner. Simply warm up the oil and apply it to your hair and scalp. After 20 to 30 minutes, wash your hair thoroughly for a super soft, well-conditioned, frizz-free style.
3. Making your lips more kissable: I hope, by now, you’re beginning to see the nourishing nature of olive oil, which is why it’s so perfect for providing moisture to your lips. Whether your lips start chapping in the cold winter months or the dry summer days, olive oil can help you out even if you have particularly sensitive lips. Start by brushing your lips when you brush your teeth in the morning, as this will exfoliate away any of the bad bits. Then apply a small amount of olive oil. You could do this at the same time as you moisturise your face – saving money and time, what a winner.
4. Getting rid of head lice: Is there a bigger pain to deal with than head lice? Whether you’re sick of nit-picking and chemically treating your kids’ or your own scalp, olive oil can be a gentle and effective solution. The way it works is that the olive oil smothers the lice in the same way that other natural solutions – like petroleum jelly, butter, or mayonnaise – do. However, olive oil is the most effective of all these methods, as well as being the easiest to wash out and – as we’ve previously covered – leaving your hair in wonderful condition. All you need to do is apply olive oil generously over your hair and scalp, cover it with a shower cap and let it do its work overnight. When you wake up, simply comb out the nits and give your hair a wash. Not only will the olive oil kill the lice during the night, but the smooth, nourishing oil will also make combing so much easier.