Olive Oil... Much more than just a healthy fat

Olive Oil... Much more than just a healthy fat

Here at Essentially Yours, we love creating beautiful fragrances from essential oils. Another thing we love sharing with our readers is the benefits of other oils that do not fall into the ‘essential’ category. Natural oils have a history of health and wellness properties, and in this blog the Essentially Yours team are going to talk about the benefits and uses of Olive Oil. So, if you want to learn more - keep reading!

What is Olive Oil?

Olive Oil is from...you guessed it! Olives. Cold-pressed, Olive Oil is a fatty and fragrant oil that is commonly known to be used in cooking - but you’ll be surprised to learn that it’s also a brilliant oil for general wellbeing and beauty, too. There are different concentrations of Olive Oil, and each concentration is better for one particular use. For example, Extra Virgin Olive Oil is preferred for aromatherapy, whereas Light Olive Oil is a lower concentration, and is good to use for cooking and salads.

How can I use it?

Carrier oil: Although Olive Oil isn’t the preferred oil to use with essential oils, it can still be used as a carrier oil. Recommendations are to use Extra Virgin Olive Oil, as that will yield you the best blend, aroma, and overall result!
Hair mask: Olive Oil is excellent for those who are suffering from dry, damaged hair and want to give it a spruce up! Packed with fatty acids, it can be rubbed into the ends of the hair as a hair mask, or a conditioner as part of your hair washing routine. Make sure if you are using it as a hair mask to leave it on for 15 minutes as a minimum.
Cooking: Drizzle it over salads, use it as a healthy alternative to shallow frying - the possibilities are truly endless with Olive Oil. It can be used to create your own healthy dressings at home, for dips, and to add flavour to meat and vegetables.
Skincare: Using Olive Oil as a natural moisturiser, or with sugar to create a scrub is a great (and cheaper) way to look after your skin without using harsh chemicals or expensive moisturisers.

What are the benefits of using Olive Oil?

Skin is moisturised: Olive Oil is packed with fatty acids and vitamins, which plumpen the skin and inject moisture back into your body and face!
Hair is less brittle: Whether you use Olive Oil as a mask, or part of your conditioning routine, Olive Oil is proven to improve the feel and appearance of dry, damaged hair.
One bottle can cater for all your needs: Whether you want to create a tasty tomato and avocado salad, or need to replenish your hair with a rich hair mask, Olive Oil is a cheaper (and natural) way of catering to your dietary and beauty needs - all from one little bottle!


Our favourite Olive Oil Blend:

We wanted to share with you one of our favourite Olive Oil blends, from the Essentially Yours archives! This blend is specifically for a hair mask and is a great way to inject life and moisture back into your hair. Please consult with your hairdresser if you have coloured or highlighted hair, and how using oil will affect the life of your colour.

You will need (for 1 hair mask)
  1. 75ml Olive Oil
  2. 50ml Almond Oil
  3. 5 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil

Method:
  1. Combine together in a bowl, stirring lightly with a teaspoon or fork
  2. If possible, transfer into a spray bottle to ensure even coverage of your hair and scalp
  3. Spray where desired (start with the ends and work your way up) and massage in with your hands
  4. Leave on for 15-20 minutes and then wash out with warm water

Enjoy!