***Olive Oil as Healer

Written by David Russell, Ph.D., D.Sc nnOlive oil is one of the great healers of the plant kingdom. Its healing effects have been recorded in all classical medical traditions around the world for the last 3,000 years. Whether used in cooking or massaged into the skin, it helps the body build cells and restore worn-out tissues. Olive oil primarily supports the functions of the liver and improves digestion while relieving inflammation in the digestive system. It is used for diarrhea, colic, worms, food poisoning, and gas pains. Olive oil is not fattening as many believe, because it helps the body to digest fats and fatty foods more completely. nnOlive oil helps the bowels function normally and removes any congestion of the bile, which is produced in the liver. When the liver is sluggish or not functioning as well as it should, we can develop problems with cholesterol. Olive oil helps prevent heart disease caused by faulty liver functions, which can lead to cholesterol problems and hardening of the arteries. It has been proven to reduce “bad” cholesterol and increase “good” cholesterol as well as soften gallstones. nnOlive oil reduces excess heat in the body and soothes the nerve system. This is why it is so good for the skin and hair. Many cultures massage the skin and hair with olive oil to heal small wounds, give new life to the skin, nourish the hair and scalp, and help restore peace and balance in nervous disorders.nnBecause the skin quickly absorbs olive oil and because this oil lowers heat and fights inflammation and infections, olive oil is used externally to reduce fevers and help heal measles, scarlet fever rashes, and burns. Olive oil also supports the kidney and bladder functions and helps with fluid retention. By supporting the liver and kidneys, it has been shown to be effective in lowering blood sugar in adult-onset diabetes. nnOlive oil should be an essential part of your health program. (If you can find organic olive oil, all the better.) It can be used for frying because its chemistry doesn’t change when subjected to high temperatures. You can use it on salads or just take one teaspoon to one tablespoon of olive oil with meals, once or twice a day. An olive oil massage is very good for the general health of the skin and is used extensively in Eastern and Middle Eastern cultures for babies, young children, and women during and after pregnancy.nn Click Here to Read this article at Boomer-Living.com n