Undoubtedly, olive oil is a game-changer in the kitchen. Olive oil is a versatile staple you can use for greasing, sautéing, dressing, and more. However, you can reap the benefits of it outside of the kitchen, too.

If you love olive oil, you’re about to love it even more when you read these out-of-the-ordinary uses for it in your wellness routine.

Repair 

Chapped lips 

No lip balm on hand? Try a dab of olive oil on your lips. The lipids in the olive oil help lock in moisture to help repair dry, chapped lips.

Dry, frizzy hair 

Olive oil has been used in hair care products for thousands of years, going back to ancient Greece. Instead of purchasing a pricy hair mask to repair damaged ends, rub a dab of olive oil into the ends of your hair. Additionally, you can rub near your scalp to help with dandruff and frizz.

Cracked heels

It’s easy to forget to take care of your feet, but dry heels can be uncomfortable in shoes and eventually lead to foot pain. Massage your heels with olive oil to repair cracks. You can even make an exfoliating cream with equal parts of uncooked rice, honey, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil.

Damaged cuticles and nails

Cuticles can turn into painful, unsightly hangnails quickly when dry and uncut. Brittle nails can also be a bummer if you like to keep a fresh manicure. So, try using the vitamin E in olive oil to help! After cutting back your cuticles and nails, use a dab of olive oil in your nail beds to repair and promote healthy growth.

Soothe

Congestion

Make your own vapor rub by mixing two drops of eucalyptus oil (or your favorite essential oil) with one teaspoon of olive oil. Massage gently on the chest or back to relieve congestion.

Sunburn 

If you don’t have aloe on hand after a sunburn, use a bit of olive oil in the meantime to soothe and cool down your burn. While it’s unclear if this method heals sunburn, olive oil contains polyphenol, which can provide pain relief and help moisturize to prevent possible peeling.

Ear infection

While you should visit a doctor for an ear infection, waiting to get seen by a doctor can be a painful wait. Soothe ear infection inflammation pain by applying a dab on the outside and inner ear. Research suggests ear drops with olive oil help reduce pain and bacteria from an ear infection.

Arthritis

Joint and arthritis pain can feel like a lost cause, but olive oil can be a helpful, natural solution. Some reports show olive oil can be just as effective, if not more than, traditional arthritis creams because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties.