A Mediterranean staple, olive oil has taken the health food industry by storm. It has made its way into salads, pizzas, desserts, and most people’s kitchen pantries. But, can you only use olive oil for cooking? Turns out, the uses of olive oil go beyond the kitchen. Here are seven such uses of your bottle of olive oil.
1. Treats Infections
Pesky infections can be uncomfortable. If you don’t have a medication at hand, you could give olive oil a shot. Studies indicate that several polyphenols in the oil might have antimicrobial properties. These polyphenols could inhibit or delay the growth of bacteria and fungi.1
Further research states that when combined with honey and beeswax, olive oil can inhibit respiratory bacterial infections and fungal infections of the skin. These include oral thrush, yeast infection, cutaneous yeast infection, and staph infections. However, olive oil doesn’t permanently rid you of infection, so be sure to use it only in addition to medical advice.2
2. Fights Head Lice
It takes just one episode of head lice to know just how difficult it can be to get rid of them. When applied in liberal amounts for a long period of time, olive oil might suffocate head lice.
Olive oil also lubricates hair and makes it easy for you to comb it to remove lice and eggs from the scalp. If you’d like to use olive oil as an addition to conventional lice treatment, make sure to apply it overnight for 12 hours before you comb the lice out.3
3. Heals A Diaper Rash
Babies have sensitive skin, making it extremely easy for them to develop rashes. And, you don’t have to rely on commercial products entirely to soothe them. Research states that olive oil might relieve a diaper rash more effectively than most emollient creams.4
When combined with honey and beeswax, olive oil suppresses cytokines. These are released by the immune system and cause inflammation and irritation. Considering the fact that there are no side effects to this treatment, you could use it in addition to conventional treatment.5
4. Cures Constipation
In addition to eating a healthy diet full of fiber, olive oil could cure constipation. Studies show that regular doses of olive oil, starting with 4 ml a day, improve the symptoms of constipation. However, these effects might only last for a short amount of time, so if you have chronic constipation, do see a medical practitioner.6
5. Prevents Hair Loss
Olive oil might be beneficial in the treatment of hair loss. Studies have shown that the use of cyclosporin A, a compound found in olive oil, significantly delays hair shedding.7
Hence, olive oil is actively used to treat alopecia, a condition that causes hair loss from the scalp and other areas. So, the next time you sit down to oil your hair, don’t forget to try olive oil.8
6. Promotes Healthy Skin
Olive oil might make for a good addition to your beauty regime. Studies indicate that its antioxidant properties might effectively reduce sun damage due to UVB rays, including skin tumors.9
Olive oil also heals psoriasis, burns, and stretch marks, leaving you with healthy and glowing skin. However, olive oil can’t replace conventional treatments for severe skin conditions, so be sure to consult a medical practitioner before you use it to heal your skin.10
7. Relieves Knee Pain
Olive oil might come in handy if you suffer from knee pain. Studies show that topical application of virgin olive oil might relieve knee pain due to osteoarthritis better than a few pain relieving gels.11
Further studies indicate that when combined with wintergreen oil and alcohol, olive oil is effective in treating aches and pains. If you do choose to try this treatment, make sure to massage your knees once you apply the oil.12
Considering all the benefits of olive oil, including its health benefits, there’s no reason for you to not make it a regular choice in your grocery cart. However, before you use olive oil for alternative therapies, be sure to check with a medical practitioner.
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