Olive oil comes from olives, which are the fruit of the olive tree. The ingredient has been the staple of Mediterranean meals for centuries, and is widely considered to have a range of health benefits.
The main fat found in olive oil is monounsaturated fat (MUFA), which has been found to help lower our cholesterol levels.
Olive oil is also packed with antioxidants, which are said to lower the creation of damaging free radicals in the body.
The properties of olive oil also makes it very helpful when our ears get blocked with wax.
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How can olive oil help to remove earwax?
The NHS says olive oil in the ear can be a useful aid for when our ears have too much wax.
The NHS website states: “Earwax usually falls out on its own.
“If it does not and blocks your ear, put 2 to 3 drops of olive or almond oil in your ear twice a day for a few days.
“Over 2 weeks lumps of earwax should fall out of your ear, especially at night when you’re lying down.
“There’s no evidence that ear candles or ear vacuums get rid of earwax.”
However, if you’re having trouble with earwax build-up, the NHS also recommend you talk to your pharmacist or GP.
The website also states: “Speak to a pharmacist about earwax build-up.
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“They can give advice and suggest treatments.
“They might recommend chemical drops to dissolve the earwax.
“The earwax should fall out on its own or dissolve after about a week.
“Do not use drops if you have a hole in your eardrum (a perforated eardrum).”
The NHS recommend you see your GP if your ear hasn’t cleared up after five days, or if it is badly blocked and you cannot hear anything as it could make you prone to an infection.
How does olive oil break down earwax?
Naturally the ear is self-cleaning, and the movement of our jaw while we talk and eat should help to push it out.
But if we get an excess of earwax, olive oil helps to remove earwax by softening it, which allows it to fall out or dissolve.
Putting cotton buds in your ears to remove earwax is very dangerous, and is widely discouraged by medical professionals.
What are other uses for olive oil?
Many people use olive oil for health and beauty purposes.
Toiletries such as body lotion often contain olive oil, because it is said to have skin softening qualities.
Nail products also sometimes include olive oil, as it is believed to lock in moisture in the nails and cuticles.
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