OLIVE OIL'S VIRTUES

Evening Star, Issue 21825, 14 September 1934, Page 7

OLIVE OIL'S VIRTUES

The finding of twigs and leaves indicates that the ancient Egyptians were probably the first people to recognise the value and uses of olive oil. It is difficult to determine just how. many centuries b.c. this oil was used, but it is definitely one of the world’s oldest known foodstuffs, and, incidentally, beautifiers. _ ■ . From a medical standpoint olive oil is one of the most valuable of all health agencies. The leaves of the olive treo are astringent and antiseptic. Obstinate fevers have been found to yield to an internal decoction of two handfuls boiled in a quart of water until reduced to half a pint. Both leaves and bark have valuable febrifugal qualities. Moreover, it is a nourishing demulcent. Externally it relieves pruritis. the effects of stings or burns, and is an excellent vehicle for liniments. As a lubricant it is valuable in skin, muscular, joint, kidney, and chest complaints, or abdominal chill, typhoid and scarlet fevers, plague, and dropsy. Delicate babies absorb its nourishing qualities well through the skin. A brief ' field investigation _ showed that 90 per cent, of homes visited had supplies of olive oil in the house, and, while the occupants always kept it handy, they had no specific reasons outside of the fact that it was one of those products which no homo should ever be without. _ ... The history of olive oil is inseparably linked up with the life of Moses.' He exempted, men. from military' service who would work at its cultivation. Biblically, olive oil is a symbol of goodness and purity, while the tree represents peace and happiness.