Other ways to use infused olive oils apart from cooking

Flavored or infused olive oils are primarily used for cooking. They improve taste and flavor when used as dressings or marinades. You can bake with them, make savoury dips or prepare a quirky mayonnaise. They are truly a culinary marvel.

If you thought your homemade basil-infused olive oil was only meant for the kitchen, we have surprising news for you.

Apart from its culinary benefits, you can use infused olive oils for many other things. Herbs in infused oils contain beneficial compounds to your health and body. You can use a variety of infused oils for the following purposes.

Skincare.

Olive oil is highly beneficial for your skin. when used lightly, it works well as a moisturizer and won't clog your pores. EVOO contains vitamins and antioxidants that nourish your skin. Antioxidants help prevent premature aging and help reduce wrinkles. Vitamins A, D, E, and K help condition the skin and eliminate blemishes.

Vitamins coupled with EVOO's antibacterial properties help treat skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and control bacteria.

You can get the nourishing goodness of herbs through herbal infusion. Horsetail helps with rashes and eczema; lavender treats acne and sunburn; calendula relieves dryness, chapping, and diaper rash-just to name a few. If you have cracked heels, infused oils can help remediate the condition. Apply herbally infused oil on the site before you sleep. Wear socks to lock in the oil, and prevent smearing your sheets.

Hair health.

Olive oil does wonders for your hair. It contains emollients that moisturize and soften your hair. It strengthens your cuticles, prevents frizz, and can help reduce irritation and alleviate dandruff. Infused EVOO takes things further and improves your hair game. If you are battling hair loss, we have good news for you. Lavender and rosemary-infused oil are very effective in treating hair loss. All you need do is massage your infused oil regularly into balding areas and let it work its magic. Rosemary oil also reduces greying.

Respiratory health.

One of the most common methods of using infused oils is inhalation. Your homemade basil-infused olive oil will not only do well as a dressing but help decongest your airways. Some herbally infused oils have expectorant properties. This means they are good for relieving symptoms of flu, cold, or allergies.

Some infused also come packed with antiseptic properties that may help prevent respiratory infections. Using rosemary-infused olive oil for aromatherapy can help treat bronchial asthma. Infused oils can cure sore throat. Topically massaging rosemary oil on your throat reduces swelling and stimulates circulation and lymphatic drainage. All of which help ease pain and recovery.

Joint pain and masaages.

Olive oil is an excellent carrier medium for topical medicines. Did you know that infusing rosemary in oil can serve as a topical medication for pain? Herbs like rosemary and lavender have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. This makes it highly beneficial for people suffering from joint pain and arthritis.

Gently massaging rosemary-infused oil on affected joints will improve blood flow to the area, and reduce swelling and pain. Infused oils are also great for massages. They can help relieve muscle knots and tension and leave feeling refreshed and very relaxed.

For Ear treatment

Olive oil serves as a natural remedy for hardened ear wax. When ear wax hardens in, it can affect hearing, cause pain, and make the ear vulnerable to infection. Applying olive oil into the ear softens hard wax, eases discomfort and makes it easier to remove.

The recommended type of olive oil for ear treatment should be extra virgin olive oil. EVOO undergoes minimal processes and doesn't contain chemical solvents. Herbally infused oils can also be helpful in treating some kinds of ear infections. Herbs such as garlic and rosemary have antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. Your homemade garlic rosemary-infused oil (EVOO) can prove to be effective in treating an ear infection.

Conclusion.

Infused olive oils add extra flavor and depth to our dishes. They also have numerous benefits outside the kitchen. Infused oils are applicable for a range of conditions, like skin irritation, joint pain, balding, and ear infection. If you have not considered buying infused olive oils, now is a good time to do that.