Olive Oil--Soothe Pre-Winter-Holiday Aches & Pains...

By Cal Orey, The Writing Gourmet

This weekend I made a promise to myself to do a lot of pre-winter chores--not just holiday preparations. That means, cleaning the fireplace, raking the pine needles before our next storm hits Lake Tahoe (and it may this time, according to NOAA), bathing the pooches, hanging the new shower curtain, dusting the dust bunnies, and more. By the end of the day I'm sure a scented olive oil-based massage will make me feel relaxed before I sit in front of a fire and chill....

But before I get to work, I want to share with you a few words about how olive oil, an ancient remedy, can help you year round and this season to celebrate and take care of you and yours. In my book The Healing Powers of Olive Oil you can discover easy ways to lose weight, lower cholesterol and blood presure...Prevent heart disease and cancer...Live longer...and so much more!

Discover the amazing powers of olive oil. From ancinet times to present-day olive oil has been used for everything from health ailments to beauty and the home and so much more. Evidence continues to show that a diet based on olive oil--the primary fat--can add years to your life and may even prevent some diseases. I consulted top doctors, nutritionists, olive oil producers, and chefs, getting the most up-to-date information on the many perks of olive oil, such as:

Health Improvements:
* Relieving arthritis aches
* Inhibiting breast and colon cancer
* Prevent diabetes
* Reducing pain

Home Cures:
* Cleaning your house, naturally
* Giving your hair a silky touch
* Zapping ticks and conditioning your pet's coat
* Soothing tight muscles

During pre-winter housecleaning and getting prepared for the holiday season or even exercising more than less, your muscles may ache after a hard day's work and play. Here, take a look at my tried and true massage oil. Use it solo if you don't have that special someone in your life to give you a massage. Either way, it can work wonders. And don't forget...After you're achy muscles are feeling relaxed, treat yourself to a warming cup of hot cocoa! You'll feel comfy, cozy, and good to go for the next day (whatever your age).

Callie's Reviving Massage Oil

This activating eucalyptus massage oil is effective for sore and aching muscles. Combine the following essential oils in a container of your choice:

20 drops eucalyptus

20 drops lavender

20 drops rosewood

5 drops chamomile

5 drops peppermint

Add 36 drops of this blend to 3 ounces of olive oil. (Note: You can substitute your fave essential oils if you don't have all of these on hand. No worries. It's all good, as they say.) Then, shake it up briefly, and simply massage a small amount into tired, achy muscles and joints. For more info, on massage techniques and oil, how exactly olive oil can help stave off arthritis to aches and pains, and so much more-- pick up a copy of The Healing Powers of Olive Oil.

P.S. This feel-good, pampering oil paired with the book (a budget-friendly mass market edition is available, too) can make a healthful holiday gift for you, your family and friends. Also, the Resource List provides a comprehensive list of places to order ready-made olive oil beauty products, such as fab soaps and shampoos.