1.Olive oil is a healthy cooking oil which has been used through centuries for tremendous health benefits is a known fact. Not just cooking, cold-pressed olive oil has several other benefits, including a potent topical agent. The oil is composed of many valuable compounds that have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant effects and restorative properties. It is composed of 98% fatty acids such as triglycerides, oleic acids, and linoleic acids, which reduce inflammation, have an anti-ageing effect, repair epithelialized tissues and have wound healing properties.
2. Cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil is the purest variety wherein the olives are ground and pressed to extract the oil without any application of heat. So, all the valuable fatty acids and nutrients are restored. Various studies have shown that apart from the beauty benefits, skin hydrating and anti-ageing effects, EVOO polyphenols help in soft tissue regeneration, stimulate growth of human fibroblasts, wound healing and various therapeutic benefits. EVOO has been found to stimulate fibroblasts, which contribute to tissue growth and integrity and hence help in wound healing.
3. Skin benefits: Olive oil has been used for centuries to maintain young, beautiful skin. Some of the skin health benefits are :
• Hydration: EVOO restores the moisture in the skin, which helps in hydrating and softening the skin, especially during winter.
• Healing wound: EVOO acts as a skin barrier, reduces inflammation and stimulates the growth of skin collagen, so it aids in wound healing.
• Anti-ageing: Polyphenols in olive oil reduce cell damage, plump up the skin due to collagen growth and give the skin a youthful appearance.
• Cleansing: Olive oil can remove pollutants and residue from the skin. It can be used to remove makeup, but excess oil on the skin can cause acne or dark spots when exposed to the sun, as the oil helps to penetrate the UV rays.
4. Diabetic ulcers: Diabetic foot ulcers are quite common with people with type II diabetes. Recent studies have shown that the topical application of EVOO on diabetic foot ulcers gave promising results. With regular application, the wound surface and depth are reduced. Due to the anti-inflammatory effect, the healing is faster and better. The wound surrounding tissues look healthier with progressive application, the wound discharge, wound grade and healing significantly improve.
5. Painkiller: EVOO contain a polyphenol called oleocanthal, which acts like NSAIDS (ibuprofen) by inhibiting pain pathways. It can suppress the prostaglandin system and acts like a natural pain reliever. It reduces inflammation because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Regular messaging over the painful region topically and regular consumption can reduce the symptoms of arthritis, sore body parts or sore muscles. Though it is an excellent pain reliever and helps in joint and muscle recovery, it should not be a replacement for prescription medicine and should be used as a supportive measure.
6. Hair and scalp: EVOO is rich in vitamin E, which is a powerful agent that protects from hair damage while stimulating hair growth. Oleic acid deeply moisturises the hair strands and prevents drying and hair fall. Some of the amazing hair and scalp benefits of EVOO are :
• Olive oil can work as a deep hair conditioner and prevent damage and dullness.
• Olive oil can act as an anti-inflammatory agent and soothe scalp irritation, prevent dandruff, moisturise hair roots, and stimulate blood circulation, which helps to nourish the hair root.
• Olive oil can promote hair-strengthening benefits and provide heat protection before hair straightening or curling.
• Best hair benefits are achieved by gently massaging the slightly warm oil overnight, applying it towards the roots and scalp.
7. Perineal and Pressure ulcers: Studies showed that EVOO topically massaged accelerates healing in the case of perineal ulcers following Episiotomy because of its potent anti- inflammatory, antioxidant, and tissue regenerative effects. In case of chronic lesions like pressure ulcers, regular application can reduce the ulcer area and the depth of the lesion. EVOO with high content of bio active compounds can promote deep hydration, protection against infection, pain relief, and accelerate the healing process when applied regularly.
8. Psoriasis: EVOO has been used as a common home remedy to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis when taken both topically and in the diet. Due to the presence of anti-inflammatory polyphenols, regular topical use can reduce itching, locking up moisture in affected regions like the knees, elbows, and scalp. Warm olive oil in bathwater when used can further relieve the skin irritation and itching, and reduce inflammation.
9. Side effects : Though EVOO is nutrient-dense and rich in polyphenols and antioxidants and a powerful topical agent, like all compounds, it also has some side effects, which should be considered as well. So, using olive oil topically requires proper medical/ health professional guidance. Some side effects are :
• Olive oil, when applied directly, can disrupt the skin lipid barrier and may worsen the irritation or sometimes flare up the inflammation.
• It can clog pores, trapping the microbes on the skin, causing acne, blackheads, and darkening the pigmented spots as it allows UV rays to penetrate the skin.
• Prolonged use can affect the skin’s moisture barrier, causing redness, irritation, and allergic reactions. In infants, it can result in eczema and rashes.
10. Takeaway: Though olive oil has proven results for being a potent topical agent as a pain reliever, beneficial for skin, hair, face issues and wound healing, it should be used with clinical guidance to reduce the risk of adverse effects. Before using, some simple steps are:
• Patch test: Apply to a small area like the forearm and wait for a day or 2 to see any adverse reaction.
• Starting to use only a thin layer of oil, a minimal amount and removing the excess oil with a wet cloth.
• Unless recommended, people with oily skin, acne-prone skin, or a history of allergy should completely avoid using it.
Thanks for reading.
Peace and love 🙏
3H:health,happiness,healing 