5 Reasons You Should Load Up On Olive Oil

Most preppers don`t even consider stocking olive oil, because it goes bad faster than other alternatives. Indeed, an unopened bottle of olive oil can last up to four years, while an opened bottle may start getting rancid after only 90 days. However, olive oil has a LOT more purposes than cooking, that most people have no idea about.

 I`m going to show you five ways you can use olive oil as a prepper, whether it`s around the household or when you bug out. Hopefully, you`ll see why olive oil is a great multi-purpose item that can save you a lot of money (and space) if used properly.

 #1: Body care

 Olive oil is an amazing 100% natural moisturizer, so you can use it as body lotion, hand cream and even as hair conditioner. If you bug out, you can use it for softening dry skin and help scratches heal faster.

Also, if it`s freezing outside, you can apply a light layer of olive oil on your hands, face and hair, to protect them from the cold.

 #2: Leather care

 If it`s good for you skin, then it`s good for your leather clothes, as well. Apply a thin layer of olive oil on your leather jacket to keep it in good condition. Do the same with your leather shoes. Olive oil helps them preserve their shine longer, saving you from spending money on new shoes.

Attention: Wipe the dust off your jacket or shoes before applying the oil!

 #3: Lubricant

 Why waste money on retail lubricant when you`ve already got some in the kitchen? If you`ve got some olive oil that`s past its expiration date, don`t throw it out. Use it on squeaking doors, on knife blades or any other metal object that needs a protective coat (or just some shine). It`s 100% natural, so it won`t attack metal. On contrary, it will protect it just like any other lubricant — only it`s much cheaper.

 #4: Olive oil survival candle

 This is probably the easiest DIY candle ever. I got this from GreatNorthernPrepper and I`ll share it with you, as well, because I found it very simple and useful.

 Here`s what you need:

 - Olive oil (it can be expired, makes no difference)

- Mason jar (ideally with handle)

- Wick (string, shoelaces, shirts strips, mop strands… anything that is cotton)

- Paperclip or ornament holder

source: www.greatnorthernprepper.com

Here`s what you`ll do:

STEP 1:

• Twist the metal wire  (ornament, paperclip, stray wire) to form a ‘hook” to hold onto the edge of the jar

• Twist the metal wire into a semi-tight loop around the wick

STEP 2:

• Pour the Oil into the mason Jar, insert Wick into the oil

STEP 3:

• Make sure the wick is barely above the oil, about 1/4″

STEP 4:

• You’re done. LIGHT IT!

Here`s the step-by-step youtube video, in case you need visual aid:

#5: Detox

There is a great olive oil and lemon juice detox recipe that can clean you up in five days. Just mix 1 cup of olive oil with 1 cup of olive juice and take 2 tablespoons of this mix three times a day, before eating.

It only takes five days to see the results. You can continue up to seven days, if you want to. But usually five days are enough.

However, you should know this recipe is a bit more aggressive than the usual green juice detox diet. If you`re not comfortable with it, you can stop anytime. I suggest you try it out, because everyone reacts in a different way. It worked very well for me, so it might do the same for you.

Last, but not least, you should read what Carol Firenze, author of The Passionate Olive – 101 Things You Can Do with Olive Oil, says about storing and using olive oil:

“(Olive oil) should always be stored in glass, tin, or stainless steel, not plastic, so products sold or stored in plastic bottles shouldn’t be used for cooking or personal care.

She also notes that dark containers are better, because they prevent light damage, and that olive oil should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent damage.

Furthermore, approximately 60-90 days after a bottle is opened, it can start to go rancid, which means it’s not usable for conventional purposes—but it still makes a perfectly serviceable lubricant and cleaning product!”

By Alec Deacon