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Email a friendSoften Hair And Skin With Olive Oil
Newspaper Columns, Herb & Home Remedy Q&A August 25, 2007
Q. Years ago my dermatologist suggested I stop using all topical creams and lotions since I am allergic to them all. Twice a day I rub olive oil on my skin instead. On the weekends I also use it as a hair conditioner.
By sticking with olive oil, I have solved my skin problems. As the doctor said, "If it was good enough for Cleopatra, it's good enough for you!"
A. Some people may be allergic to olive oil, but for most people this can be an effective moisturizer. It may be a little greasy, though. Some women find that applying olive oil can also reduce vaginal dryness.
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio. In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.
© 2007 King Features Syndicate, Inc.
Reader Comments
I come from Greece, and I remember my Mother used to use olive oil on her long hair back in the 1960s, after she washed it. Probably it was something coming down from her family.
Posted by: rockk711 | August 27, 2007 8:23 PM
My gynecologist recommended a very thin application of Crisco to relieve vaginal dryness. It is easier to apply then olive oil or vitamin E and if used SPARINGLY leaves no stain on undergarments.
Posted by: LARC | August 31, 2007 9:20 AM
When my daughter was born, she had very little hair. When she turned two, she still had very little hair and someone suggested I give her warm olive oil treatments once a week. I would warm olive oil and put it on her hair and I would put a piece of plastic over her hair for about 30 minutes once a week. I did this faithfully and after several weeks of this treatment her hair started growing. It started getting thick, silky, and curly. I could hardly get a brush through it. Thank goodness for Johnson and Johnson's No More Tangles! She could finally wear dresses without looking like a little boy in a dress! TRUE STORY I SWEAR!
Posted by: Sharon | August 31, 2007 10:36 AM
I agree that olive oil is wonderful for skin and hair, but I can't believe anyone would use the table variety! I use wonderfully refined versions made especially for skin - along with an olive oil clensing oil too. I highly recommend these ultra pure and effective products, which come from Japan. When it comes to skin and hair, no one does it better! Go to www.DHCcare.com - or call 1-800-342-2273 to request a catalog.
Posted by: Carol Oropallo | September 1, 2007 1:06 PM
I have just started using olive oil for vaginal dryness and find it is excellent. If you are suffering from candida olive oil it does not irritate the vagina, in fact it does the opposite.
Posted by: merrin | September 2, 2007 9:59 PM