An old Italian saying goes: ‘Se hai un problema, aggiungi olio di oliva’ literally meaning ‘When you have a problem, add olive oil’. A saying so popular that it was used as the title of a well-known TV show which talked about olive oil and its countless different uses and beneficial properties.
The flavors that olive oil adds to each dish are well-known, but this extract can be used in many, and often surprising ways, even outside of the kitchen.
This elixir can be used as a beauty and personal care product: excellent for light burns and as a refreshing after-sun, useful against hair loss, wrinkles and dry skin, and for pain relief in case of muscle sprains.
Find below some tips on how to use this product and make use of its countless virtues.
Freezing aromatic herbs in oil
Rosemary, sage, oregano: how many times have we found ourselves in the situation of needing these herbs for a recipe and struggling to find them because they are out of season?
The best way to preserve and have them always handy is to freeze them in olive oil. This method is simple and is gentler than freezing with water. To use them, it will be enough to plunge the cube of frozen oil containing the herbs into a pan. Their aromas of the herbs will be intact and delicious.
As natural furniture polish
Who said that olive oil is only used in cooking? To polish wooden objects and furniture, olive oil is perfectly suitable: nourishing and gentle, it will bring the wood back to its original shine without ruining it. Restorers also use it for this purpose because of the lasting results.
A fragrant home with European olive oil
European olive oil is the perfect home air freshener, especially for those who can't stand chemical ones. In a small glass container, a few drops of olive oil and scented essence will release a delicate perfume while absorbing unpleasant odors. Best if placed near a heat source, such as a small candle.
Leathers
Leather shoes, heavily used bags or leather document holders can be brought back into shape with a few drops of olive oil. With a cotton ball gently apply the oil on the surface.
To clean make-up brushes
Every day we quickly put on makeup and leave our brushes soaked in powder and foundation. To keep your bristles soft and clean, degrease them by mixing olive oil and antibacterial soap. Rinse well and they will be as good as new.
12 May 2022
