4 Popular and Beneficial Oils

Oil has always been around. However these four types of oil are currently enjoying new popularity, and for good reasons.

1. Olive Oil

An essential part of the Mediterranean Diet, olive oil has been primarily used in salad dressings and for cooking. In the past, it was common to buy olive oil in giant tin cans. Since olive oil can become rancid like other oils, this is not the best idea if you are interested in its health benefits.

Olive oils found in specialty shops should have the date the olives were pressed on the back of the bottle and the bottle itself should be dark glass, since light can also cause deterioration. According to Gundry MD olive oil, besides cooking usage, olive oil can even be taken as a supplement every day as many Sicilians do.

Instead of prescription drugs that can have many side effects, a shot glass of fresh-pressed olive oil every day promotes immune system and brain health as well as helping to regulate cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

However, it has to be a recent pressing to get the highest benefits. It should also be a pressing done when the olives are still green.

2. Essential Oil

An essential oil is a scent derived from an aromatic plant or tree. This essence is mixed with a carrier oil like almond oil.

When an essential oil is applied to the skin and the scent is inhaled, it stimulates the limbic system of the brain, which is where connections are made between scents and memories. This is why the scent of a Christmas tree doesn't just smell good; the pine smell stirs up all kinds of happy childhood memories.

The trick is to find a scent that always makes you feel calm and happy. Once that scent has been identified, it can be worn as a perfume or used in a diffuser. Diffusers spread the essential oil's scent throughout your living space by either spreading it naturally as in a reed or wooden diffuser or via a mechanical diffuser with a fan.

3. Facial Oil

For decades, the quest has been to rid the face of oil. For a while, harsh alcohol based astringents were used after cleansing to make facial skin squeaky clean. We now know, however, that stripping away the skin's natural oils causes facial glands to send more oil out in response.

Now we know that it's important to replace facial oils after cleansing. Jojoba and argan oils most closely mimic skin's own oil so your face will not feel required to produce an over abundance of its own. Other ingredients are commonly added to facial oil like vitamin C, which encourages faster skin cell turnover.

After application of a few drops, try using a gemstone roller to make sure the oil is deeply and evenly absorbed and to increase blood circulation for a healthy glow.

4 Body Oil

In ancient times, bathing with soap and water was an alien notion. Previous civilizations got clean by coating their bodies with oil and then scraping it off with a blade, called a strigil or plane. The oil attached itself to the dirt, sweat and dead skin cells. When the oil was scraped off, it took the debris with it but left behind just enough of the oil to leave the skin healthy and moisturized.

This process is making a comeback and those who either do this in place or a shower or just after their shower are astounded at how much is removed from what they thought was clean skin. They are also amazed at how moisturized and smooth their skin feels afterwards. When done in an upward direction, it has the added benefit of encouraging the lymphatic system to work more efficiently.

Oils can be your best friends. Try one or all of the above and see how oil can improve every area of your life.