Virgin, light and pomace versions of olive oil work well to condition the skin and hair, according to Nerys Purchon's book "The Essential Natural Health Bible." Virgin olive oil, the second-best quality olive oil, comes from the second press of the olives after extra-virgin olive oil. Light olive oil is of inferior quality. Pomace is made through a chemical process and contains additives, so it is not natural. Pomace is used as an ingredient to make soap. Olive oil works well as a moisturizer for dry and normal skin, but it is not recommended if you have oily skin.
Hot Oil Treatment
For manageable and moisturized hair, try Purchon's hot oil treatment. Mix 4 tsp. olive oil with 2.5 tbsp. castor oil, 10 drops lavender essential oil, 5 drops clary sage essential oil and 5 drops sandalwood essential oil. Heat the oil in the microwave or on the stove until warm, being careful not to make it too hot. Massage this oil mixture into your scalp and through your hair. Cover your hair with a damp towel and leave the mixture on for about one hour. Then shampoo your hair.
Cradle Cap Remedy
Use olive oil as a gentle method to treat cradle cap on your baby's scalp. Cradle cap is a crustiness on the baby's scalp comparable to dandruff, explains AskDrSears.com. Spread olive oil over your baby's scalp, and leave it on for 15 to 30 minutes. Gently brush the crusty skin and oil off your baby's scalp with a soft toothbrush, and then wash his hair.
Facial Steam
For dry skin, create a moisturizing olive oil facial steam. Boil two quarts of water and pour it into a bowl. Add 1/4 c. light olive oil, 8 drops rose essential oil, 8 drops palmarosa essential oil and 6 drops lavender essential oil, according to Purchon. Put your face over the bowl, with a towel over your head to keep the steam in, for five to 10 minutes. When you are done, wash your face with cool water.
Essential Oil Base
Dilute skin-healing essential oils, such as lavender, in olive oil to apply them to your skin. Add one to four drops of essential oil to every tablespoon of olive oil, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Apply this mixture to your skin. Speak to a certified aromatherapist about the proper way to use essential oils.
Head Lice Treatment
If you or your child contracts head lice, olive oil is a home treatment that can help. Rub olive oil into your hair and scalp, cover your head with a shower cap, and leave this treatment on while you sleep at night. When you wake up, wash your hair. This treatment kills the lice and their eggs, according to AskDrSears.com.
Skin Cleanser
If you have dry or normal skin, cleansing with an olive oil mixture can make it soft and supple. Purchon recommends her olive and rosewater cleanser. Melt 1 oz. beeswax with 3.5 oz. olive oil in a double boiler. In another double boiler, heat 2 tbsp. rosewater and add 1 tsp. borax, allowing it to dissolve. Combine the rosewater blend with the oil and beeswax mixture, stirring continuously until the ingredients are combined. When cooled, this mixture will solidify, similar to a soap bar, and you can use it to wash your skin.
References
- "The Essential Natural Health Bible"; Nerys Purchon; 2006
- "Aromatherapy Oils: A Complete Guide"; Carol and David Schiller
- AskDrSears.com: Dry Scalp
- University of Maryland Medical Center
- AskDrSears.com: Head Lice
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