During my trip to Israel, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by the Mediterranean environment. As a Naturopath, I’m always amazed by the power of nature’s gifts. In this blog post, I’ll share with you some information about olive leaves and their health benefits, as well as my own powerful DIY facial mask that nourishes, protects and rejuvenates the skin.
The Olive Tree: A Common Tree in Israel That’s Packed with Health Benefits
The olive tree is one of the most common trees in Israel due to the soil and climate being the perfect match for its growth. The olive tree is used to produce olive oil and olives that are commonly used all around the world. According to traditional herbal medicine, the olive leaf is considered a medicinal herb from ancient times.
Health Benefits of Olive Leaves
The olive leaf has many particular benefits that include beneficial effects on cardiovascular parameters and immune system support. 1,2
The olive leaf also has health benefits when an extract of it is applied on the skin. One of the compounds in olive leaves and oil is the oleuropein, a powerful antioxidant. A 2014 trial from Italy checked the cosmetic properties of oleuropein against UVB-induced erythema (reddening of the skin). Oleuropein is a compound found in olive leaves and oil that has antioxidant and free radical-scavenging properties. Researchers investigated its potential cosmetic properties by studying its effect on UVB-induced erythema. They prepared an emulsion and an emulgel containing oleuropein, applied them to healthy volunteers, and evaluated the results. The study showed that oleuropein reduced erythema, transepidermal water loss, and blood flow, indicating lenitive efficacy. This suggests that oleuropein could be used in cosmetics to repair UV damages. 3
DIY Facial Mask Recipe
I’ve created a DIY facial mask recipe that utilizes the benefits of olive leaves. It balances, nourishes, and rejuvenates the skin.
OLIVE LEAVES FACIAL MASK
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons of green clay
1 teaspoon of aloe vera
7-8 fresh or dried olive leaves
1/4 cup boiling water
Instructions:
Infuse 7-8 fresh or dried olive leaves with 1/4 cup of boiling water and wait for at least 10 minutes, then strain the water.
Mix 3 tablespoons of infused olive leaf water with green clay and aloe vera in a bowl.
Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for an additional 10 minutes to stabilize the mask.
Mix the mask again and apply it to your face.
Wait until the mask is fully dry, then remove it with a cotton cloth and warm water.
Rinse your face with cold water to close all pores.
Apply your favorite serum for added benefits.
Explore Israel: A Perfect Combination for an Ideal Vacation
Israel boasts a diverse range of landscapes, stretching from the north with its stunning Carmel mountain and Golan Heights, to the south with its beautiful Mediterranean Sea beaches. In the center lies our largest cities, including Jerusalem, the holy city, and Tel Aviv, a vibrant and modern metropolis. Just a two-hour drive from Jerusalem, visitors will discover an extraordinary location—the shores surrounding the Dead Sea, which sits approximately 430 meters below sea level, making it the lowest point on Earth. The mineral-rich waters, abundant in magnesium, are renowned worldwide for their health benefits.
In conclusion, Israel’s natural surroundings and resources provide inspiration for natural remedies and skincare products. The olive tree is just one example of nature’s gifts that can be used for its health benefits. So why not try out my DIY facial mask recipe and see the results for yourself? And if you’re looking for the perfect vacation spot, Israel has it all.
