The trend of drinking olive oil at bedtime does not come out of the blue. In Mediterranean countries like Greece, Spain and Italy as well as North African countries like Tunisia, olive oil has been a regular part of food and rituals around health for centuries. Nowadays, interest is growing worldwide in natural products that support sleep, skin and overall vitality.
Olive oil was known in ancient times as an elixir for strength and recovery. It was used for skin problems, digestion and as the basis for massages and medicinal potions. This tradition lives on in modern wellness and natural care.
A small amount of olive oil before bed can help your body unwind better. This is because the healthy fats in olive oil play a role in the production of important signalling substances in the brain, such as serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin is often called the 'happiness hormone' and makes you feel relaxed and satisfied during the day. Melatonin is the hormone that helps your body fall asleep in the evening and regulates your sleep rhythm. By eating good fats, such as those found in olive oil, you indirectly support the production of these substances. The result? A calmer feeling before bed and a chance of a deeper, more restorative night's sleep.
Olive oil before bed can have a positive effect on your body and mind in several ways. These range from supporting digestion to hydrating the throat and skin from the inside out.
A spoonful of olive oil stimulates bowel function and can reduce bloating, helping you sleep more comfortably. This helps your body put more energy into recovery at night instead of heavy digestion.
Olive oil forms a thin layer in the stomach, which can provide relief from heartburn or reflux symptoms. This can make falling asleep a lot more pleasant and you are less likely to wake up from belching.
The healthy fatty acids in olive oil indirectly support the production of sleep hormones, contributing to feeling calm before bedtime. This gives your body a natural signal that it is time to relax and fall asleep.
By improving moisture retention in mucous membranes and skin, olive oil can make you feel more comfortable during the night. You are less likely to wake up with a dry throat or tight skin.
At night, the liver works to cleanse the body. Olive oil can support this process by boosting fat metabolism. Thus, you give your body extra help in its natural recovery and cleansing process.
There are several ways to apply olive oil before bed. Above all, choose what suits you.
Some people take a sip of olive oil before bed to reduce snoring. This natural remedy can have positive effects in several ways. Thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, olive oil helps reduce swelling in the throat and nasal cavity, keeping the airways freer. It also has a soothing effect: olive oil moisturises the mucous membranes, which can reduce vibrations during breathing and therefore snoring. Want to try this yourself? Then take a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil before bedtime. Combine this, for instance, with other smart adjustments, such as a good pillow or sleeping on your side. This way, you increase the chances of a quiet night, for you and your partner.
Olive oil on your face before bed is becoming increasingly popular as a natural alternative to expensive night creams. Whereas many commercial products are full of perfume or synthetic additives, olive oil is pure nature and rich in antioxidants, vitamins and healthy fatty acids. This makes it a gentle but effective way to take extra care of your skin at night.
While you sleep, your skin works on renewal and repair. Olive oil can support this process by retaining moisture and protecting the skin barrier. Its antioxidants help fight free radicals and help reduce fine lines and dryness. Especially people with dry or mature skin notice that their skin feels smoother, softer and plumper the next morning.
Using olive oil as a night serum is simple. Always start with well-cleaned skin, so that dirt and make-up residues do not have a chance to clog pores. Then apply a thin layer of extra virgin olive oil and gently massage it in with the fingertips. Let the oil soak in gently and, if necessary, work away any excess with a soft cloth or tissue. Do you have sensitive skin? Test a small area of your face first to see how your skin reacts. For extra care, you can also combine olive oil with a few drops of honey or aloe vera gel for an even more intensive night mask.
Not only your skin, but also your hair benefits from a nightly treatment when you sleep with olive oil in it. For centuries, people have been using olive oil to nourish and protect their locks. Thanks to its rich composition of vitamins, antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids, olive oil acts deeply on the hair fibres and scalp. This makes it a natural alternative to expensive hair masks and serums.
Dry, frizzy or damaged hair visibly revives from a treatment with olive oil. The fatty acids penetrate into the hair structure, making hair stronger and more supple. Vitamin E and antioxidants protect against external influences and help reduce split ends. The result: softer, shinier and more manageable the next morning.
Using olive oil as a hair mask is surprisingly easy. Apply a small amount of extra virgin olive oil to the ends of your hair and, if you like, also lightly on the scalp. Gently brush your hair through so that the oil distributes well. Tip: wear a shower cap or put a towel over your pillow to avoid staining your bedding. Let the oil do its work overnight, this will give your hair plenty of time to recover. The next morning, rinse it thoroughly with a mild shampoo and admire the result: soft, shiny and visibly healthier hair.
Yes, provided in moderation. Olive oil contains monounsaturated fats and antioxidants that have various health benefits.
Most people can use olive oil safely. In case of medical complaints or doubts: consult a doctor.
A tablespoon is usually enough. Don't overdo it: too much oil can actually strain your digestion.
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