Olive Oil: Bring The Mediterranean Spa Experience Home

The Ancient Mediterranean Spa

Throughout the ages, women have realized that there is nothing more relaxing than a day spent luxuriating at the spa. In fact, historians claim that the practice of bathing in hot springs or mineral waters for therapeutic reasons dates as far back as the time of the Babylonians. In ancient days, spas were symbols of wealth and power. Rich and powerful ladies such as Cleopatra spent fortunes on the construction of these spas for the sole purpose of pampering themselves.

At a time when virtually no luxuries were available to the masses, it is not hard to believe that the various "treatments" developed in these spas were the secret behind the legendary beauty of these ladies. Olive oil, a commodity so precious it was referred to as "liquid gold", was a key component of the elaborate spa treatments developed in ancient days to pamper the bodies and restore the spirits of royalty.

Though far more affordable than in ancient days, spending a day at the spa is still a luxury for most everyday people. This is especially true in today's economy when we feel the need to curb non-essential spending. But, the good news is that today olive oil is far more affordable than it was in the past. Therefore, using olive oil, and a few other household ingredients, we can recreate many of the spa treatments enjoyed by individuals such as Cleopatra, in the privacy of our homes, for little to no cost.

The following is a short guide to recreating some of the spa treatments enjoyed by ancient royalty.

Luxurious Aromatherapy Milk Bath:

Taking occasional milk baths is the secret behind maintaining firm, soft, clear, even-toned, skin. Milk contains lactic acid. This gentle exfoliator removes dead skin cells from the surface layer of your skin exposing the soft, radiant new skin underneath. Likewise, the minerals and vitamins in milk are absorbed into your skin nourishing and firming it. This spa treatment is especially beneficial to pregnant women wishing to prevent stretch marks.

You will need:

• 6 cups organic whole milk...at room temperature
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup organic rose water
• It is possible to add scented oils to this mixture but generally it is not recommended that you mix other oils with olive oil

Directions:

• Fill tub with hot water
• Add milk and stir
• Add olive oil and stir
• Add rose water and stir

Note: Be very careful when getting in and out of the tub as the olive oil will make the tub slippery.

Exfoliating Body Scrub:

This is a wonderful option for those of you who don't have time to soak in the tub and enjoy a long, relaxing milk bath.

This recipe is designed to produce enough body scrub for an adult to bathe with once or twice. You are certainly free to produce more and keep it at hand. To produce an unscented body scrub skip the rose water.

You will need:

• 1/2 cup coarse-grain sea salt
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup organic rose water

Directions:

• Mix all ingredients together in a plastic bowl
• Transfer mixture to a plastic container with a lid
• Shake vigorously before each use

Note: Salt is a harsh exfoliator. Therefore, it is not recommended that you use this body scrub more than 4 times a week.

Luxurious Spa Treatment for Your Hair:

For centuries olive oil has been highly valued as a conditioner capable of repairing and transforming the most damaged and hard-to-manage hair types.

The following video demonstrates how you can make your own olive oil conditioner at home. (Please enjoy on youtube.com)

Firming Face Mask:

Try this natural and inexpensive facial mask instead of spending hundreds of dollars on skin care products that come in fancy tubes and contain a mile-long list of mystery ingredients. You will be pleasantly surprised with the effectiveness of this age old beauty secret. Eggs are a perfect skin care ingredient for those who wish to firm and tighten their skin. That is because egg yolks are made from albumin, which gently dries, refines and removes oily residue build-up on your skin. On the other hand, the olive oil moisturizes your skin and unlike heavy lotions and other oils, rinses cleanly away, leaving your skin moisturized, supple and glowing. And of course we've talked about the exfoliating and nourishing powers of milk.

You will need:

• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1 tbsp whole milk

Directions for mask:

• Gently crack and beat the egg in a small bowl
• Add olive oil and mix
• Add flour slowly and mix well
• Add milk

Directions for application:

• Wash face with warm water and Castile soap
• Apply the olive oil face mask, massaging gently to exfoliate the skin
• Allow mixture to set for 20 minutes
• Rinse thoroughly

Home Remedy for Crow's Feet:

Olive oil is an amazing skin moisturizer. This crow's feet remedy is highly effective in preventing new wrinkles from forming around the eye area as well as minimizing the look of existing wrinkles.

You will need:

• 2 tbsp olive oil...in a shallow bowl
• 2 vitamin E capsules
• cotton rag soaked in warm water and wrung

Direction:

• Wash face with warm water and Castile soap
• Place the warm rag on your face for a few minutes
• Remove rag and slightly soak one corner in olive oil mixture
• Close eyes and gently brush the mixture on your eye lids and under eyes
• Wait 10 minutes and then gently wipe the mixture off with a clean cotton rag

Note: This mixture can also be used as an eye makeup remover

Strengthening Nail Treatment:

Of course, in ancient days, acrylic nails were not an option. So, ladies had to nourish and strengthen their real nails. likewise, today with the price of luxuries climbing ever higher many ladies are forfeiting the trip to the expensive nail salon and giving themselves manicures. If you are one of these ladies this nail treatment is ideal for you. This is because olive oil tends to repair weak or brittle nails while softening dry cuticles. Lemon juice tends to harden nails and remove any stains that may have embedded themselves in your nails as a result of doing chores such as cooking.

You will need:

• 1/4 cup olive oil...in a shallow bowl
• 2 tsp lemon juice

Directions:

• Soak nails in olive oil mixture for 15-20 minutes and rinse

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