There is no doubt that extra virgin olive oil is a superfood with countless health benefits. But have you ever stopped to think about what olive oil is used for and what other alternative uses the liquid gold can have? 

Here are some of the best ways to use EVOO and what other “not so well known” advantages it has for your health, your skin… and even for polishing your beard!

An alternative use for extra virgin olive oil is possible

Although most Spaniards use extra virgin olive oil for cooking in different ways: salad dressings; to accompany raw foods such as carpaccio, cheese, vegetables and greens; or to make mayonnaise, aioli or other sauces, there are several “alternative uses” that we can trace back to ancient Egypt.

In this post we would like to offer you some more alternatives to the classic uses for bread recipes with extra virgin olive oil, fried meats, fish or other vegetables and those that we can even include in pastries to replace butter (ideal in the Arbequina variety).

Extra virgin olive oil for constipation 

Although it is an alternative use of EVOO that may be unknown to many people, the truth is that extra virgin olive oil is a perfect remedy for constipation (both in adults and children).

Its beneficial properties improve intestinal transit, as the walls of the intestine are lined after ingestion. Its fatty acids allow food to move more fluidly, regulating our visits to the toilet.

Extra virgin olive oil is also a great ally against constipation because it works on the duodenum, the first section of the small intestine where the hormone cholecystokinin is produced. 

This hormone moves bile acids and bile salts to the gall bladder. Once in the large intestine, it has a beneficial effect on digestion by agitating it and promoting proper digestion. It is advisable to take extra virgin olive oil before bedtime for constipation.

By taking a teaspoon before going to sleep, we encourage these natural sifting processes during the night. If we do not wish to take a spoonful before going to sleep, a good option is to take a good amount of EVOO on toast for breakfast.

The use of olive oil for constipation in children is also recommended as they often have digestive problems in their childhood. A home remedy that has been used for generations is to introduce small amounts of olive oil rectally using a syringe. 

This should be done carefully, avoiding overflowing and leaving the child lying down for several minutes. 

Extra virgin olive oil against bad breath

Another alternative use for extra virgin olive oil is to combat halitosis and bad breath. 

Yes, and although it may sound strange, there are elderly people today who will tell you that using a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil together with a few drops of lemon every day for a week will be a godsend against bad odours in your mouth. 

More scientifically, there are various preparations in pharmacies with extra virgin olive oil bases, which are sold as an effective remedy against halitosis. 

Extra virgin olive oil as a gastric protector against alcohol

Many mothers will know what we are talking about. The same properties that we mentioned at the beginning of the post about protecting the intestine and improving gastric health are the ones that act directly against alcohol intake.

This natural layer that extra virgin olive oil possesses will prevent our organism from absorbing all the alcohol and, therefore, it will not affect our capacities so much.

EVOO in cosmetics: soaps, gels and other beauty products

In this blog we have already told you about the cosmetic properties of extra virgin olive oil. These cosmetic uses date back to ancient Egypt, where the culinary and moisturising properties of EVOO were already known.

The Egyptians used extra virgin olive oil as a moisturising cleanser or as an antibacterial lotion. Research has shown that oleuropein (an antioxidant component of olive pulp) has an important antimicrobial and antiviral action.

Discover our EVOO cosmetics catalogue

Extra virgin olive oil for burns

Another of those “old-fashioned” remedies is to apply extra virgin olive oil to burns. The correct way to cover your burn with olive oil after a “slight” burn is to first clean it with plenty of fresh water.

Once the extra virgin olive oil has been applied, we should let it sit for a few minutes so that its antimicrobial properties moisturise the affected area and reduce the risk of infection.

Extra virgin olive oil to remove splinters, thorns or stings

The natural lubricating effect of extra virgin olive oil makes it ideal for removing thorns, stings or splinters that may have been stuck in the skin. All you need to do is spread EVOO on the affected area and use tweezers to remove the sharp object.

This is also an “old-fashioned” remedy for removing other parasites such as ticks without the risk of bleeding.

It goes without saying that the aforementioned lubricating effect of extra virgin olive oil also works to grease hinges, chains, gears, which can rust over time.

What is olive oil good for on the face?

Extra virgin olive oil works – as we have mentioned in its cosmetic properties – as a magnificent moisturiser and even as an effective anti-ageing tool.

But one of the uses that is starting to become fashionable is the use of extra virgin olive oil as a beard polish. Extra virgin olive oil has a high content of natural fatty acids and vitamins A, E and K which give it its moisturising and beautifying properties for hair and skin.

This is why using EVOO directly on your beard after shaving will make it look shiny and luminous.

In the cosmetic world there are already many barbershops that include extra virgin olive oil in their ointments and creams. Make a note of this method, you won’t be disappointed.

What do you think of these alternative uses of extra virgin olive oil? Do you know of any other method or remedy in which it is effective? If so, leave us a comment and tell us about it!