Top 20 Effective Uses for Olive Oil

When looking for oil, you will generally have an abundance of choices. Some people would prefer coconut oil because of its flavor and as well as its health benefits. Canola oil is also a popular option, in spite of the claims made in the past that it is unhealthy and made with the use of genetically modified ingredients. Another popular option would be olive oil. The latter is perhaps one of the most extensively used oils in the market. Why? Read the rest of this article and you will know its many uses, which will explain why it is popular.

Hair Conditioner

As it is believed, the hair is our crowning glory. This makes it easy to understand why many people are willing to spend on expensive salon treatments in order to keep their hair looking at its best. However, what is unknown to many people is that the bottle of olive oil that you have in the kitchen can also be used as hair conditioner. If you feel like your hair is as dry as the desert and it is lacking the life that it should have, olive oil will help. You simply need to heat half cup of olive oil. Just heat it and do not bring it to a boil. Once it is hot, apply on your hair, cover it with plastic or shower cap, and wrap with a clean towel. Allow it to stay in your hair for 45 minutes, shampoo, and rinse.

Acne Treatment

Aside from the hair, many people are also conscious about their faces. One thing that can make you less attractive would be acne. With such, you have another reason to be thankful for olive oil. It is abundant in terms of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which give it effectiveness in the treatment of acne breakout. It can also effectively remove the scars that are caused by acne. To do this, simply put a small amount of olive oil in your fingers, apply on the affected area, and massage in circular direction. Another thing that you can do is to mix 3 tablespoons of olive oil with 4 tablespoons of salt, which will allow you to make a paste. Massage on your face and leave for a few minutes before it is washed off with warm water.

Shaving

If you notice that you already have more facial hair that what you are comfortable with, it is normal to look for a shaving cream or gel. If the latter is nowhere to be found, head to the kitchen instead and look for olive oil, which will make a good substitute for shaving. Simply apply olive oil in the area that will be shaved and proceed as you would normally do when you are shaving. The olive oil will provide the lubrication that is needed for a smoother shave and to reduce skin irritation. It will also provide the skin with moisturizing effect. It is also beneficial for the razor as it makes it possible for such to work as smoothly as possible on your face.

Removing Grease from Hand

In many instances, you would prefer to take care of your car on your own. Rather than looking for an experienced mechanic, it would be cheaper if you can take care of minor repair and maintenance by yourself. The problem, however, is that you will often end up with greasy hands. Worry no more as it can be easily removed with the use of just olive oil. Simply combine one tablespoon of olive oil and salt in your hand. Rub it thoroughly for a couple of minutes and finish by washing it with soap and water. Once dried, it will not also be clean, but also soft.

Removing Paint from Hair

Painting your own house is sure to be a lot of fun. Aside from the fact that you will be able to save by doing the painting job on your own, you can also explore with your creativity. However, you might have a problem when paint accidentally gets in contact with your hair. One way by which it can be removed easily would be with the help of olive oil. All that you have to do is look for a cotton ball, dab it with olive oil, and rub on your hair.

Furniture Cleaning

Your furniture can prove to be expensive, especially if it is made from specialty woods that are hard to find. However, regardless of how much you take care of your furniture, it is inevitable that it loses its appeal through time. It is exposed to dirt and dust, which can be some of the factors that damage its appearance. To keep it clean and shiny, olive oil will help. Combine one part vinegar and two parts olive oil in a spray bottle and spritz it on the surface that will be cleaned. Let it relax for two minutes and finish by wiping with a clean cloth. If you want to do it quickly, apply the olive oil directly on the cloth and use it to wipe the furniture.

Clean Baseball Mitts

If you have an old baseball mitt that is already rotting in your storage room, take it out and it can still be useful. You have a reason to thank olive oil as there will be no more need to buy a new one. Cleaning your old glove will suffice. Apply olive oil in the mitt and allow it to sit for about half an hour. Afterwards, just wipe it off and the mitt will now look better than how it was before.

Remedy for Ear Wax

In some instances, cleaning your ear regularly will not prove to be enough. There are times wherein you can feel that you just have too much of ear wax and you feel the need to have it removed on your own. With this, one of the things that you can do is to just add a few drops of olive oil to your ear for about 4 nights. That’s it! This will allow the wax to smoothen on your own. You do not need to stick it out with cotton buds, which can even cause ear infection.

Removing Eye Makeup

Some people fret when they hear that eye makeup can be easily removed with the help of olive oil. The reason for it is that they think that the oil in it will make the procedure worse, and can even cause irritation for the skin. In reality, however, olive oil will be effective in removing eye makeup. Oil is effective in grabbing other oil-based products, such as in the case of your mascara. Once you have used olive oil, make sure to follow it up with water and your preferred facial wash.

Lip Scrub

Sexy lips. That is what many girls would like to have. This is also one of the first things that attract guys. To make your lips look better, you can consider the use of a lip scrub that will be good for exfoliation and the prevention of dryness. With this, you can use a mixture of coarse sugar and olive oil. If you want added flavor, add a splash of lemon juice, which will make the scrub edible. Say goodbye to chapped lips with this homemade cosmetic product.

Cuticle Conditioner

Unless you love your nails a lot, you are most probably unaware that there are products that are meant to make your cuticle better and healthier. While you can find an abundance of cuticle conditioners that are sold commercially, olive oil will be a cheaper alternative. You can just apply it on your whole hands, with concentration on your nails. The result is not only that your hands will be moisturized, but your nails will also grow stronger and longer. If you have damaged cuticle, this remedy will also prove to be a good solution. Simply rub it on your nails after taking shower. This should be done until you notice visible results.

Eczema Remedy

Olive oil enjoys a long history of use as skin moisturizer. This also explains why it is a default choice for the treatment of eczema, which is one of the most common skin problems of many people. The good thing about olive oil is that it is a part of the family of natural oils, which means that the chances of having allergic reactions to such will be minimal or none at all. After taking a shower, apply olive oil directly on the affected area. This should be done as soon as possible while the skin is still moist. It will also be best if this is done after taking a bath before bedtime. A logical explanation to such is that skin actively works while you sleep, and hence, increasing its ability to absorb the oil.

Treating Diaper Rash

If you have a baby, you are most probably aware of how common it is for them to experience diaper rashes. With this, olive oil is a product that you should use. It is one of the products that are safe for both babies and adults, which means that you do not have to be worried about the possibility of skin irritation. Simply have it applied in the bottom of your baby and those rashes will be gone sooner than later.

Repairing Cracked Heels

There are many reasons on why your heels crack. Aside from the dryness of the skin, cracked heels can also be caused by standing for an extended period of time, being overweight, and a variety of medical conditions. First, you need to exfoliate your heels with the pumice stone. After doing so, proceed with the application of olive oil on the affected area. Wear your socks as you go to sleep, which will help to lock the oil in your feet and to be absorbed by the skin.

Body Scrub

For many times in this article, it has been stressed out that olive oil is good because of their moisturizing and exfoliating effects. This is a logical explanation on why it can also be a major ingredient for your homemade body scrub. Aside from olive oil, you will also need with sugar or salt. The choice is yours. Both will prove to be good for the skin. The coarseness of the sugar or the salt will help for improved ability to exfoliate and to remove the dead skin cells. Make this a part of your bath ritual and you will soon notice the difference.

Cleaning Silverware

Silverware will prove to be good addition to your dining table because of the elegance that they exude. However, after several years, it is inevitable that the appearance of the silverware will change. It will soon lose its appeal. To bring back its shine, simply add a few drops of olive oil to a clean cloth and use it to wipe the silver. This will be a very simple but effective way to keep them clean and shiny for long.

Improving Heart Health

Heart problems are amongst the leading causes of death all over the world. Because of this, it is recommended that you pay attention to your heart health, and that would include being cautious about what you eat and drink. In this case, olive oil can prove to be good. Many of the studies in the past have proven its ability to lower the level of the bad cholesterol that is found in the body. The phenolic compounds, to be specific, are the ones that are responsible for its heart health benefits.

Soothing Depression

Are you always feeling depressed? Consider grabbing that bottle of olive oil in the kitchen and incorporating it in your diet in order to enjoy a natural remedy against depression. A diet that is rich in olive oil is said to be effective in being able to combat mental problems.

Weight Management

Are you trying to lose weight? We all know that it is going to be a struggle. To make things a lot easier, olive oil can extend a helping hand. Because it is rich in mono-saturated fat, it can allow you to shed off extra pounds in the absence of restriction on food intake and physical activities. It also makes you less hungry, and hence, having reduced tendency to eat more often.

Prevents Aging

Using olive oil for the face is a good thing. I know some of you might think that since it is oil, it will make you oily. In reality, however, applying olive oil in your face will keep the skin tight. This is a response to sagging, which is one of the most common signs of aging. At the same time, it moisturizes the skin to provide it with a youthful glow.