It's time for early summer rains in Japan.
In June, called "the month of water" (Minazuki 水無月), the hydrangeas bloom and brighten the country’s gardens, while plum trees are covered in fruits and rice fields promise a fertile harvest.
Nothing better this time of year than outdoor sports to take care of one’s body and get ready for the holidays - at the beach or in the mountains.
To fight off the humidity, and make your skin smooth and silky, pour a few tablespoons of olive oil into your bathtub and enjoy a relaxing bath: your skin will stay soft, moisturized and delicately scented.
Oftentimes neglected, taking care of one’s feet is also important, especially after a long winter having worn shoes and boots that prevent perspiration.
To keep your feet soft, simply rub them with olive oil at night, just before going to bed, and then make sure to wear cotton socks.
The olive oil will do its magic during the night, giving your feet a healthy and even complexion.
Yet another way to fully enjoy the benefits of Mediterranean olive oil is to use it for a rejuvenating massage.
European olive oil was also used by the ancient Romans to massage athletes’ muscles, relieve aches, pains or tension, or unwind the body during a break.
Incredibly easy to make: just mix a cup of European olive oil with a few drops of your favorite essential oil (great lavender, for a relaxing moment, or rosemary, for an energy boost).
Once ready, warm up slightly and use it to massage the whole body, massaging deeper in the leg and back areas. European olive oil is a natural elasticizer, very effective against stretch marks.
To remove the oil at the end of the massage, take a lukewarm shower. Its emollient properties will last a long time, and the skin will appear fresh and rested.
To complete the olive oil-based wellness routine, add a tablespoon of European extra virgin olive oil to the traditional Minazuki cakes, named after the ‘month of water, and they will be even tastier.
Relaxing at its best, with European olive oil.
22 June 2022
