There are a few staples that have always been available in my home since I was a little girl. Those are the things my family used for almost everything. I get teased by my friends a lot about how I have a ton of uses for vaseline (because I do!) and always keep it on hand. Olive oil is another one of those must-have ingredients for me as well.
Olive oil is a healthy and delicious ingredient in many every day recipes. It is a popular and often used product in the pantry and it has many versatile uses for more than just cooking. Olive oil is a remarkable product that is commonly used in the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean diets and is usually a very healthy choice among oils. However, growing up with my Middle Eastern mother, we used olive oil for just about everything from cooking to beauty regimens. Here are some alternative uses for olive oil.
The most obvious use for olive oil is with food. Many salads require the herbs and spices to have an oily consistency which makes everything stick nicely together. Olive oil adds a nice flavor to the mix and an added boost of nutrients like healthy fats. Olive oil can be poured on grilled vegetables, added to pastas and used to make pesto. There are also other non food alternative uses for olive oil.
Olive Oil as a Natural Beauty Product
Olive oil can also be used as a natural beauty product. This was actually one of the biggest uses I had for olive oil growing us, as olive oil is great for healthy nails, hair and skin. For example, we used olive oil as a deep condition for our hair by dousing the hair with olive oil for several hours prior to washing. It helps to strengthen the hair follicles and leaves the hair shiny and smooth.
Is the skin around your knees and elbows feeling on the dry side? Rub some olive oil into it and get softer skin within days. Olive oil can also be used as a make up remover. Use it with a Q-tip or cotton bud to gently remove eye make up, it will be healthier for your skin than the store purchased products. If your nails are a little brittle and dull soak them in a bit of olive oil. Olive oil contains vitamin A and E as well as other nutrients that can strengthen your skin and nails quickly.
Olive Oil for Furniture Restoration
Olive oil is also good for restoring certain home products. Think furniture, tables and wooden floors. A bit of rubbing with olive oil can make them look almost as good as new. Olive oil will help prevent against streaks and tarnish and your furniture will be in better condition. Another home remedy is using olive oil to fix any squeaky areas in your home. Cupboards, doors and drawers can be lubricated using olive oil to prevent and eliminate any creaks and squeaks.
Olive Oil as a Simple Shoe Shine
In these cases, obviously, you don’t have to use the best olive oil, even the cheaper varieties will do. An alternative use may be adding some shine to your shoes. Dab some olive oil onto a cotton ball or cloth and wipe across your leather shoes. They will look shiny and new after an olive oil treatment.
Olive oil is a versatile staple that should find its home in your pantry. It can be added to your meals, beautify your body and help keep your house in order.
What are some alternative uses you’ve found for olive oil?
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