Olea europaea

OLIVE

In history as well as in modern times, the olive has had many symbolic associations, the most recognized being that of an olive branch as a symbol of peace. In Olympic games, a crown of olive leaves was once worn by victors, and the oil, expressed from the seed of the tree, is used for annointing in some religious rituals.

The oil of olives, which is either cold of expeller-pressed from the small dark fruits, was thought to have been discovered thousands of years ago by the Egyptians, followed by the Greeks, Romans and Arabs, who used olive oil for making soaps, perfumes and as a skin moisturizer and the leaves of the olive tree are known to be astringent and antiseptic.

Olive oil consists mainly of fatty acids (oleic acid 55-85%, palmitic acid and linoleic acid) along with other skin-nourishing compounds such as squalene and oleuropein. Olive oil is also high in phenolic compounds and vitamin E, which give it strong antioxidant properties.

For dry and mature skin care, olive oil is a highly valued ingredient. It is very nourishing and has a strong protective action. In fact, in laboratory studies, topically applied olive oil has been shown to protect skin against UVB damage.

Olive Oil is one of several plant emollients that mimic the lipid content of the skin. It helps stabilize and maintain the structure of the skin's complex inter-cellular matrix, preventing moisture loss and cell damage, and promoting skin's soft, smooth, healthy appearance.

Skin Care Benefits:
Softening, Moisturizing, Nourishing, Protective

Alchemilla Products Containing this Herb:

Face Care
- Healing Lip Balm