Other Uses for Olive Oil

Other Uses for Olive Oil

Olive oil isn’t only tasty and good for you – it’s an all-purpose item! Here are some lesser-known uses for this Mediterranean staple, courtesy of Health magazine.

• Earache relief. Dr. Rachel Lewis, a pediatrician at Columbia University Medical Center, says warm olive oil can soothe your achy ear – or your child’s! Simply use a syringe to put two to four drops of warm oil in the ear. Remember – only do this for your child if they’re over two years old.
• Polishing. Stainless steel appliances are magnets for fingerprint smudges, but you can make those marks vanish by applying a very light layer of olive oil. According to Catherine Houska, consultant to the Specialty Steel Association, you want to use a soft cloth and rub it on in a circular motion.
• Olive oil can condition your hair! Having an oily head may not seem like a good idea, but you can revive damaged hair with this treatment – it comes from John Masters, who owns John Masters Organics hair and skin care lines. He says: Saturate your hair with olive oil, then wrap it with a warm towel for 20 minutes. Then shampoo, rinse and throw a little conditioner on for a few minutes. Your hair will be shiny and healthy – and you won’t have to give your hairdresser a dime!