(Extra) Virgin on the Ridiculous

According to one of the many legends, the olive was the result of a quarrel between gods Athena and Poseidon over the rights to protect a newly created town.

Zeus suggested that each make a gift to humanity, and the most useful gift would be the winner.

Poseidon tapped a1280px-Olive_tree rock and out leapt a magnificent horse, capable of carrying riders and weapons.

Athena created a tree that could feed, heal wounds and colds, and live forever, the first olive tree in the Mediterranean. No contest.

As the winner, she was given the protection of the town, which still bears her name today, Athens.

Whatever its origin, olives and olive oil sing out sunshine, wine and all that is Mediterranean. We eat the olives, we cook with the oil or dress our salads…..but did you know that there are many other, unusual uses for this versatile oil?

Shave with it! It provides a safe and natural lubricant for a close shave.

Make furniture polish by combining 2 parts olive oil with 1 part lemon juice or white vinegar.

Dab a little on some cotton wool to remove make up.

Comb a few drops through dry hair to damp down the frizz.

Fly stuck? Pour a couple of drops on the teeth of the zip and ease gently up – or down,
depending on what you’re doing!

Cat care. A teaspoon of olive oil per day keeps the hairballs away….and gives a shiny fur coat.

Dab onto those annoying stickers that wont come off new crockery.

Exfoliate! Rub your skin with olive oil, and scrub with sugar, salt (or sand if you’re at the beach), before rinsing.

Add a few tablespoons to your bath

Pour a few warmed drops into the ear to help to cure earaches and loosen excess wax.

Buff up stainless steel and brass to a brilliant shine with a little oil on a clean, soft cloth.

Take a sip of olive oil to stop a throat tickle or dry cough.

☆ Surprisingly, a paste of 4 tablespoons salt with 3 tablespoons olive oil is a great treatment for acne!

Remove chewing gum from your hair or clothes.

Rub into worn leather to clean and soften.

Mix 1 teaspoon olive oil and 1 teaspoon salt or sugar in your palms to remove grease after an oily engine repair.

Remove paint from hair after a messy decorating session by rubbing it with olive oil.

☆ Mix half cup olive oil, quarter cup vinegar, and quarter cup water to make a night cream to leave you skin glowing.

Prevent your pasta from overflowing by pouring a tablespoon of olive oil into the water before boiling.

Make a lamp during a P-O power cut by pouring olive oil into a glass jar, poking a hole in the lid and inserting an oil lamp wick.