Uses of Sweet Oil

Oleum olivae, otherwise known as sweet oil or olive oil, is something you'll find in the kitchen cupboards of most of the households in the United States. Sweet oil has many cooking applications in roasting, seasoning, marinading and cooking. It's not just for the kitchen, however, as you can use it for beauty applications, hair remedies and even some home remedies to make you feel better. Look at your bottle of sweet oil for more than just dipping your bread into.

Sweet oil is a thick, emollient moisturizer that can help your skin retain moisture naturally. Applied to the skin after a bath or shower, it can help your body lock in some of that moisture and keep your skin soft and supple. You can also add a few drops of sweet oil to your bath for a more luxurious and moisturizing experience. Rub some on chapped lips to soothe and heal the cracks.

Sweet oil can be used as a natural remedy for those who can't sleep at night because of their or their loved one's snoring. Taking a drink of water that has 1 tbsp. of sweet oil in it, or just taking a swig of olive oil at night can coat the throat and stop the dryness that causes snoring.

If your house is filled with rich woods that take long to dust, polish and condition, get it done in one step by using sweet oil as your polisher. The oil will bring out the natural tones and highlights in the wood, as well as conditioning the wood to last longer with a much-needed moisture-rich conditioner. Sweet oil was used for centuries as a natural wood polisher.

Instead of heading to the nail salon for a pricey manicure, do it yourself with some sweet oil. Soak your fingers for a minute or two in sweet oil to soften cuticles so that you can push them back. Use the sweet oil massaged into hands to soften them. And when you're through, use a few drops of sweet oil massaged into the nails to moisturize them and prevent them from cracking or breaking.

If you or your husband is out of shaving cream with razor in hand, sweet oil makes a perfect stand-in. It coats the skin, giving it a smooth cushion for the razor to glide along. It also protects from nicks and cuts.

When your hair is feeling dry, brittle or unconditioned, try using sweet oil as an inexpensive hot oil treatment. Warm some sweet oil in the microwave for 30 seconds, mix and comb it liberally through your dry hair. Wrap your hair up in a towel or place a shower cap or plastic bag on your head and leave for 1/2 hour. Rinse to reveal soft, supple and shiny hair.

When you've spent a little too much time in the sun and have a sunburn to show for it, cool some sweet oil in the fridge and use it to slather on your red skin. It will soothe skin and infuse it with much-needed moisturizer.