Since ancient times this precious element has been the object of profound veneration, for its intense fruity flavor and for its organoleptic and dietary properties. However, olive oil is much more than a simple dressing for salads or freshly baked hot bread: it is an excellent moisturizer for the skin and hair not to mention that it can be used at home in the most varied ways.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him
Since ancient times this precious element has been the object of profound veneration, for its intense fruity flavor and for its organoleptic and dietary properties. L'olive oil however it is much more than just a dressing for salads or freshly baked bread: it is a great iskin moisturizer and the hair not to mention that it can be used at home in the most varied ways.
So here is a roundup of suggestions on the alternative use of olive oil.
Index
Eye make-up remover
Even the heaviest makeup will not be able to resist the moisturizing power of olive oil. Gently dab with a cotton pad or make-up remover pad and you will see that eyeshadow, mascara and eyeliner will be short-lived.
Moisturizer for the skin
You might think that using olive oil to moisturize your skin can leave it greasy and greasy. Nothing could be more false: if applied in small doses it will penetrate deeply, moisturizing the skin without clogging the pores.
Hair tonic
Today the market offers an infinity of hair oils: you are spoiled for choice but as an alternative we can use a few tablespoons of hot olive oil on still damp hair, gently massaging the scalp and rubbing into the hair up to 'end. We leave it on for half an hour and our hair will be shiny and well nourished.
Bath oil
Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to 4-5 tablespoons of olive oil and you've got a personalized bath solution with amazing moisturizing capabilities.
For shaving
Viscous and moisturizing olive oil helps the razor glide better on the skin allowing for a softer and less irritating shave.
Psoriasis and other irritations
Olive oil soothes itching, burning and more generally skin irritation and is a valuable aid in the treatment of skin rashes. It can also be used in newborn diaper rash for quick relief.
Regular and frequent use of olive oil can also be helpful in treating mild forms of psoriasis.
Soothing for the throat
If a long congress awaits you where you will be the keynote speaker or you are about to attend a singing evening, swallowing a teaspoon of olive oil before the performance will lubricate your throat. This solution is also excellent for soothing itching caused by redness and for lubricating the mouth and tonsils.
Dry and chapped lips
If you want to say goodbye to dry, chapped lips you can mix olive oil and melted beeswax together, in a ratio of 1: 1, adding a drop of your favorite essential oil. In this way you will get your own personalized cocoa butter.
Against earache
This is perhaps the most famous grandmother's remedy in the world. A few drops of warm olive oil is an effective and quick remedy to soothe a severe earache.
To treat infections instead, an infusion of olive oil and crushed garlic can be useful to filter and apply to the sick ear.
Head lice treatment
In the past, olive oil was the most used natural treatment to combat infestations of the dreaded lice as it is able to dissolve the exoskeleton of parasites and suffocate the most resistant ones.
Carefully pass the lice comb, then rub some oil on the still damp hair and leave it to act for at least 6/8 hours, covering with a shower cap. Then apply an apple cider vinegar lotion and leave it on overnight. In the morning wash your hair thoroughly and pass the comb again to remove the remaining eggs.
Nail treatment
Use it to moisturize the annoying cuticles of the nails or add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a bowl with warm water and immerse your hands a few minutes before the manicure.
Intimate lubricant
It's not just squeaky hinges that work best when they are lubricated. Olive oil is a great intimate lubricant as long as you don't use it with latex condoms.
Hairballs
Adding ¼ tablespoon of olive oil to Micio's meal will help him expel annoying hairballs more easily.
Furniture polish
Thanks to olive oil you can eliminate dust from your furniture and at the same time give them a new shine. Add a tablespoon to ¼ cup of lemon and you will get an excellent product for cleaning wooden surfaces.
Shoe polish
If you are a lover of leather shoes and you like them to be shiny and soft, then olive oil is for you. Forget about smelly products and of dubious quality: take a soft cloth, a few drops of oil and that's it.
Nourishing for leather
In addition to perfectly polishing our shoes, olive oil can be used to restore life to used leather items, which have lost elasticity and softness. It is great for reconditioning old gloves, saddles and seats. It will take longer to penetrate the leather than conventional products, but the result will be just as effective.
Polished for stainless steel
Olive oil is great for polishing stainless steel or copper surfaces. First, carefully clean the surface to be polished, letting it dry well, then take a soft and clean cloth, pour a little oil over it and rub the surface to be polished vigorously with circular movements. The result will be guaranteed.
Lubricant for hinges
If your kitchen door squeaks annoyingly and you don't have any spray lube at home, nothing beats olive oil. It is natural, easy to use and just as effective. Thoroughly clean the zippers with a well-oiled cotton swab and the annoying squeak will disappear in no time.
Fuel for lamps
If you are in the mountains and you have been in the dark without torches or candles, you can use olive oil to power a lamp. There are countless models of oil lamps on the market but if you want to have fun and feel even just for a quarter of an hour just like MacGyver you can build one yourself. Get a small glass bottle, such as fruit juice, and fill it with oil. Make a small hole on the cap, where you will insert the wick which must be firmly in place. Let the wick be completely soaked in oil and your lamp will be ready for use.
Remove the paint
If you have just finished repainting the gate in the garden and your hands are reminiscent of a painter's palette, do not worry: rub your hands with a solution of olive oil with the addition of a little salt or sugar and you will see that the paint will go away quickly leaving your hands soft and well hydrated.
To remove labels or stickers
Dab some olive oil on a sticker or label, let it act for a few minutes and voila, that's it. It will come off without leaving any residue on the surface.
To remove chewing gum
If your child comes back from school and shows you a colored lump stuck in his hair, don't worry: you don't need drastic remedies like scissors. Just apply olive oil on the chewing gum and leave it for 5-10 minutes and then you can remove it without problems.
Clean measuring cups and spoons
Olive oil is great for removing sticky substances such as honey, jam, sugar or syrups from cutlery or measuring cups.
So, next time you taste excellent olive oil, remember that it is not only good to eat but also an unparalleled ally in everyday life.
Lorenzo DeRitis
