NATURE'S REMEDIES WITH OLIVE OIL

Although the olive tree originated in Asia, it has been cultivated for over 3000 years in Mediterranean countries, where much of the olive crop is used to make olive oil. In this process, olives are pitted and ground to a thick pulp. The pulp is then pressed to remove the juices, which are placed in a centrifuge to separate the water from the oil. Nutritionally, olive oil contains 120 calories and 14 grams of fat per tablespoon;
however, the fat is mostly monounsaturated, which has a beneficial effect on blood cholesterol levels and is easily digested. In countries where olive oil plays an important role in diets, such as Greece, Italy, Spain, there is a low incidence of cardiovascular diseases. The mild vegetable mucilage in olive oil also protects the body’s digestive tract. Ancient civilizations used olive oil, well to help heal wounds. Today olive oil is prized as a moisturizer and skin remedy.

Olive oil can be purchased in a number of different varieties. Extra-virgin, the cold pressed result of the first pressing of olives, is valued for its intense flavour and low acidity. This oil can range in colour from a clear pale yellow to golden-green to bright green; generally the deeper colours have the most intense flavour.

Therapeutic Effect: Taken internally, olive oil stimulates metabolism, promote digestion and lubricates mucous membranes. It can also be applied externally to treat dry skin.

Components:

Olive oil contains 77 percent monounsaturated fatty acids, 14 percent saturated fatty acids and 9 percent polyunsaturated fatty acids plus vegetable mucilage and vitamin E.

Help for the digestive tract:

Take 1 tbsp of olive oil on an empty stomach to stimulate digestion and relieve upset stomach, flatulence and heartburn.

Olive oil for Constipation:

In the morning, take 1 tbsp of olive oil mixed with lemon juice on an empty stomach or try an enema made from 5oz of olive oil in 20 oz of boiling water, cooled to lukewarm.

The antioxidant benefit:

The vitamin E in olive oil is an antioxidant. In addition, monounsaturated fatty acids are less easily damaged by oxygen than other types of fat. They are therefore less likely to produce free radicals, which damage cell membranes and contribute to several diseases.

Used for cardiovascular disease, high blood cholesterol, earaches, constipation, stomach upset, dry skin and stretch marks.

Applications:

To lower blood-cholesterol levels:

The monounsaturated fatty acids in olive oil help lower LDL(bad) cholesterol levels without affecting HDL (good)  cholesterol or triglyceride levels. To lower your cholesterol, at least 15 percent of your daily calories should come from monounsaturated fatty acids. Whenever possible, use olive oil in place of butter or other vegetable oils in cooking or in preparing dressings for salads or vegetables and in making sandwiches.

To treat ear complaints:

To clear stopped-up ears, put a few drops of lukewarm olive oil in the affected ear. Lie for 5 minutes on the opposite side, then turn over, so that the olive oil can flow out again. (caution: Do not put any liquid in your ear if you think you may have a perforated eardrum!) For minor earaches, soak a cotton pad in olive oil; then add 5 drops of lavender oil. Place it loosely in your outer ear until the pain abates.

To prevent hair loss:

Massage your scalp with olive oil every evening for eight days. Let the treatment work overnight; wash out in the morning.

To moisturize skin:

Apply daily to fry spots or stretch marks.