Although the olive tree orginated in Asia, it has been cultivated for over 3,000 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.  One tablespoon of olive oil contains 120 calories and 14 grams of fat, but the fat is mostly monounsaturated; it has a beneficial effect on blood cholesterol levels and is easily digested.  In those countries where olive oil is consumed extensively, such as Greece, Italy and Spain, there is a low incidence of cardiovascular diseases.  The mild vegetable mucilage in olive oil protects the body's digestive tract.  Ancient civilizations used olive oil to help heal wounds.  Today, it is considered a good remedy for skin problems and an effective moisturizer.

THERAPEUTIC EFFECT:  Taken internally, olive oil stimulates metabolism, promotes 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 tsp. of olive oil mixed with lemon juice on an empty stomach. 
• 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.

OLIVE OIL.  Used for cardiovascular diseases, 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, 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 min. on the opposite side, then turn over, so that teh olive oil can flow out again.  (Do not put any liquid in your ear if you think you may have a perforated eardrum).  For 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 lessens.
• To prevent hair loss.  Massage the scalp with olive oil every evening for eight days.  Let it work overnight and wash it out in the morning.
• To moisturize skin.  Apply daily to dry spots or stretch marks.

CHOOSE THE HIGHEST QUALITY OLIVE OIL

Use only olive oil that is labeled "extra virgin."  This guarantees that the oil has been cold-pressed from freshly harvested olives and does not contain chemicals.  Extra virgin olive oil supplies the best flavor and oil that is golden-yellow in color is of higher quality than green.

EXTRA TIP:  Olive oil can help build strong fingernails and soften cuticles.  Before bed, soak your nails in a mixture of lukewarm olive oil and lemon juice.  Put on soft cloth gloves and let the oil penetrate overnight.  Your nails will gradually become more resistant to breaking and chipping. 

This routine has helped me to keep my hands looking presentable as I weed the garden, flower beds, plant and tend the herbs, feed the chickens (and clean the eggs and their nests), feed the rabbits and clean their cage, take care of the new baby turkeys and chicks, feed the numerous cats that hang around, play with the baby Pygmy goats that want me to stay with them all day (like I had time), and finally, playing, feeding and caring for our Pug Mix dog "Boo."  After all that it's a wonder I have time to work on the hands!!