Advice: Topical Olive Oil and its Medicinal Properties

Olive trees are one of the oldest plants to be cultivated, spanning over at least the last 6 000 years. Olive oil has been used for its wide variety of properties over the millenia, like as a food additive, during rituals, for embalming and as a cosmetic due to its shining effect on skin.

More recently, over the last 3 000 years, olive oil has also been used anectodally for medicinal purposes. Some of the ancients used it as a carrying-substance for herbal medicine and in concoctions believed to bring healing. About 2 000 years ago, however, it was gradually incorporated into wound care, be that via direct application or applied to dressings.

Over the last 200 years however, a more scientific approach was used to prove its long-suspected topical skin application benefits. A recent clinical study provided valuable insight into the effects of topical olive oil used in isolation on diabetic foot ulcers; it improved the healing rate and wound closure times. Another detailed study proved that topical olive oil has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant effects on human cells.

An interesting study in an ICU-setting, shed light not only on the healing effects of topical olive oil, but also on its preventative effects when olive oil was applied together with routine skin care to prevent pressure ulcers.

All together, topical olive oil works wonders for skin hydration, wound healing, skin inflammation and topical infections. Some of its uses in the medical world include: eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, cracked heels, cracked lips, dandruff & dry scalp, pressure ulcers, infected wounds and so much more!