Thanks to excessive media exposure to olive oil, we all now know the health benefits of olive oil and the wonders which olive oil foods can do. But did you know this ‘golden liquid’ has many other ‘out of kitchen’ benefits too, especially in the difficult and dry of months of summer.
Sunburns - Olive oil can be used to help soothe your painfully reddened skin, tanned or sunburnt skin. While olive oil is not intended to be used as a suntan oil, primarily because it does not contain any sunscreen, it can be of great help after one has experienced sunburn. Mix olive oil with an equal amount of water. Apply to the affected area. For blisters, make a compress of warm olive oil and chamomile tea.
Cracked and dry feet - If a pedicure is not fixing the damage of the summer days on the beach, give yourself a foot scrub using just 3 tablespoons of olive oil, honey and brown sugar and a squeeze of lemon. Once the concoction is made, clean your feet with warm water, then rub the mixture onto feet, massage and rinse. Reapply olive oil as a moisturizer and get beautiful and smooth, crack free feet.
Dry Hair - Brutal summer heat giving you dry and brittle hair? Put the moisture back into it by heating 1/2 a cup olive oil (don’t boil it), and then liberally applying it to your hair. Cover your hair with a plastic grocery bag, then wrap it in a towel. Let it set for 45 minutes, then shampoo and thoroughly rinse. Time to throw away all the expensive hair conditioners you stacked up to cure your dry and frizzy hair this summer!
Acne - Applying oil to your face to treat acne does sound really odd but it words unbelievable wonders. Make a paste by mixing 4 tablespoons salt with 3 tablespoons olive oil. Apply on face and leave it on for a minute or two, then rinse it off with warm, soapy water. Apply daily for one week, then cut back to two or three times weekly. You should see a noticeable improvement in your condition. The principle is that the salt cleanses the pores by exfoliation, while the olive oil restores the skin’s natural moisture.
Summer Spa - Mix olive oil with a mashed ripe avocado into a paste. Smooth onto your face or another area that needs moisturizing and rejuvenating. Allow to sit for 15 minutes, then rinse. Your summer spa is ready at home.
