Discover 20+ Uses for Greek Virgin Olive Oil

A Liquid Treasure from Ancient Times to Today

In Greece, olive oil has been a beloved staple since ancient times and remains an essential ingredient in every household. It’s not just used for cooking- we pour it generously over salads and traditional dishes. In fact, many Greek recipes are known as ladera (meaning "oily"), that are generally vegetarian dishes that are simple to prepare and loved by all Greeks. On another article, I will give you some of my favorite recipes.

Beyond the kitchen, olive oil is a multifunctional natural product that every home can benefit from. From skin & hair care to health remedies, pet care and home usages, below, you'll find some of its many uses, as appreciated by a typical Greek housewife;

Skin & Hair Care

1.       Moisturiser

Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and packed with vitamins that help moisturize and nourish the skin. Many Greek moisturizing creams are based on olive oil, but you can also create your own natural moisturizer using extra virgin olive oil combined with plant extracts or essential oils. This powerful ingredient helps reduce dryness, soothe irritation, and even relieve sunburn. For a unique Greek traditional remedy, you can treat minor wounds by applying a mixture of olive oil and wine- a practice that has been used for centuries for its soothing and healing properties.

2.       Soaps

Traditionally, the main ingredient in soap is oil, and in Greece, you don’t need much else—there are plenty of homemade soaps made from 100% olive oil. These natural soaps are gentle, moisturizing, and free from harsh chemicals. During your visit to Greece, be sure to try one and bring some home as gifts for your friends—they’ll love you for it!

3.       Make up remover

Olive oil removes make up naturally without irritating the skin.

4.       Lip care

Greek women have long used olive oil as a natural beauty secret. Traditionally, they apply a few drops to their lips before bed to keep them smooth, soft, and moisturized throughout the day!

5.       Hair Mask

Olive oil is also a fantastic natural treatment for shiny, nourished hair! Simply apply it to your hair, leave it on for a couple of hours, and then wash it out. This deep-conditioning treatment helps reduce hair loss while leaving your hair soft, healthy, and radiant.

6.       Massage Oil

You can use Olive oil for a relaxing massage and help dry skin.

7.       Tattoo

Modern Greeks love tattoos and proudly show them off, especially in the summer. Personally, I see tattoos as a more spiritual practice. While traveling in Thailand for over a month, I had a small tattoo done by a Thai monk using the traditional bamboo stick technique. Afterward, the monk gave me a small bottle of oil to care for my tattoo. Out of curiosity, I later googled the Thai letters on the bottle, and to my astonishment, I discovered it was virgin olive oil!

It’s ironic that Greeks spend so much money on specialized tattoo care creams like Bepanthol when they already have the perfect natural remedy sitting in their kitchens!

Health

8.       Sore Throat

A spoonful of virgin olive oil can help soothe a sore throat, providing natural relief with its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties.

9.       For constipation

Olive oil acts as a natural lubricant for the intestines, promoting smoother digestion and relieving constipation. A spoonful of virgin olive oil on an empty stomach can help support gut health and regularity.

10.   Nail care

Olive oil deeply moisturizes nails and cuticles, keeping them healthy, strong, and hydrated. Simply massage a few drops onto your nails to prevent brittleness and promote natural shine.

11.   Teeth whitening

Olive oil can help promote oral health and brighten your smile. The traditional practice of oil pulling (swishing a spoonful of olive oil in your mouth for a few minutes before spitting it out) may help remove toxins, reduce plaque, and contribute to whiter teeth over time.

12.   Thorn removal

Olive oil can be a helpful remedy for removing thorns from the skin. Simply apply a small amount of olive oil to the area and gently massage it in. The oil softens the skin around the thorn, and Greeks believe the thorn will eventually exit on its own. You have to trust the process and have some patience. However, if the thorn is too deep and olive oil doesn’t do the trick, it can make it easier to remove using tweezers without causing irritation.

Home Usages

13.   Wood protection

Olive oil can help protect and preserve wooden items, such as cutting boards, by moisturizing and sealing the wood. Simply rub a small amount of olive oil onto the surface with a soft cloth to nourish the wood, enhance its natural shine, and help it last longer.

14.   Lubricant for Tools & Hinges

Olive oil can also be used as a natural lubricant for tools and hinges. A few drops of olive oil can help reduce friction, prevent rust, and ensure smooth operation, making it a great eco-friendly alternative to commercial lubricants.

15.   Unsticking Zippers

Olive oil can work wonders on a stuck zipper. Simply apply a small amount of olive oil to the zipper teeth using a cotton swab or cloth, then gently move the zipper up and down. The oil will reduce friction and help the zipper glide smoothly again.

16.   Remove paint from skin

Olive oil can effectively remove paint from the skin. Gently massage a small amount of olive oil onto the painted area, and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use a cloth or paper towel to wipe away the paint. The oil helps break down the paint, making it easier to remove without irritating the skin.

17.   Cleaning Metals & Preventing Rust

Olive oil can be used to clean and shine metal objects, including our razors. Simply apply a small amount of olive oil to a cloth and wipe down the metal surface. The oil helps remove dirt and tarnish, restores shine, and creates a protective layer that prevents rust from forming.

18.   Protect leather

Olive oil protects leather shoes, bags and jackets from drying and increases their life expectancy. You can spray some olive oil on leather items, wait a little bit and then rub it using a cloth.

19.   Candles

Olive oil can be used to make homemade candles. It serves as a natural, eco-friendly base for the wax, creating a clean-burning flame. Simply mix olive oil with a wick and other ingredients, such as beeswax or soy wax, to create a smooth, long-lasting candle that fills your space with a warm, gentle glow. You can find some homemade olive oil candles in Greek shops and boutiques and it will be the perfect souvenir from your trip.

Used for Pets

20.   Pets

A small amount of olive oil can be beneficial for your pet's coat. Gently massaging a small quantity of olive oil into their fur helps to add shine and moisture, while also soothing dry, flaky skin. It’s a natural way to keep your pet’s coat soft and healthy.

21.   Tick removal

Olive oil can help remove ticks from both pets and humans. Simply apply a small amount of olive oil to the tick, allowing it to soften and loosen. In a couple of minutes, the tick will leave by itself. If not, you can use a pair of tweezers or your fingers, minimizing irritation and reducing the risk of infection.

Cooking

22.   Natural Preservative

Olive oil can be used as a natural preservative for items like tomato paste. By covering the surface of the paste with a thin layer of olive oil, you create a seal that helps prevent air from reaching the food, keeping it fresh for a longer period. This method is especially useful for homemade or jarred goods.

23.   And of course… Cooking!

You can use olive oil on its own or as a base for a delicious salad dressing. In Greece, we often enjoy simply grilled bread drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with oregano, it's a simple yet satisfying dish! You can also get creative by adding herbs or spices to your olive oil, making a flavorful blend perfect for salads, cooking, or marinades. The versatility of olive oil allows you to customize it to your taste, enhancing any dish with its rich, natural flavor.

The Art of Olive Oil

In the Mediterranean, olive oil is as revered as wine, with professional tasters and specialized courses available to train experts, much like sommeliers. If you want to deepen your knowledge, consider booking an olive oil tasting while traveling in Greece. While these tastings primarily focus on the different types, production methods, and quality distinctions of olive oil (rather than the household uses I am sharing here), they offer valuable insights into this extraordinary ingredient and its complexity.

Experience Olive Harvesting & Olive Oil Tasting in Greece

For a hands-on experience, you can even participate in an olive harvest during your visit to Greece, especially in the winter months. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with nature, witness the effort and craftsmanship behind olive oil production, and appreciate the long journey from olive groves to the golden liquid we know as extra virgin olive oil.

Stay tuned as on another post, you’ll find some of the best places in Greece where you can take part in this unforgettable experience.