CHI Spring 2008 - (Page 59) From The Beginning Olive Therapy The olive has been in use since time immemorial because it is basic to our bodies’ health. Today, the oil is renowned as flavorful and edible but is rarely associated with modern skin and hair treatments or cosmetic beauty. The therapeutic properties of the olive make it a logical starting point for any beauty or healing product. Although we are separated from the earliest cultures by many thousands of years, ancient bodies were just like our own—the body is our common denominator. Therefore, our search to heal and pamper ourselves can start at the very beginning—the distant past. By excavating valuable information from our ancestors, we can broaden our repertoire of beauty and wellness aids. Olive tree byproducts are among the many natural, ancient resources available to us for beauty care, demonstrating that natural treasures from long ago can be mined for today’s beauty therapies. One of the earliest references to the olive is one of hope. The biblical story of the flood finds Noah adrift in his ark with no sign of land in sight. A dove, returning to the ark, carrying a branch from an olive tree, proves that land and relief are near. Additionally, in ancient philosophies, the olive tree was a symbol of peace, fertility and longevity. Since antiquity the olive tree has been used for beauty care regiments. Olive oil restores moisture to dry, thirsty hair and skin while providing conditioning and protection from intense heat. It can restore hair with lasting shine. Natural olive oil treatments for hair were common as early as 5,000 years ago in the Mediterranean Basin and remain popular today in many cultures. oil while preserving its rich benefits. While users relied on the benefits of traditional olive oil treatments for centuries, modern technology now provides support for ancient claims of effectiveness. Using analytical techniques such as Gas Chromatography (GC), Mass Spectrometry (MS) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), we now know that olive oil is a triglyceride with omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, vitamins, amino acids, oleocanthal, chlorophyll and carotenoids. The oil has antioxidant properties and contains 16 key essential amino acids that are vital for hair and skin. Oleuropein, the main, active constituent of olive leaf extract, has been linked to antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Modern Support for Ancient Claims Every year in the fall, olives are harvested and then pressed to provide the purest olive Ancient Treasures Olives are just the beginning. From my extensive travels and research of both modern and ancient folklore, I have compiled an array of novel therapeutic ingredients continued Volume IV, Issue 14 59
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