It is a very stable oil and does not go rancid easily and can be stored without refrigeration for a year.

Olive oil has a strong "food" smell, but also has good medicinal properties, soothing and healing the skin, especially when it is dry.

The oil is made from the pulp and not the kernel and different qualities are available and range from extra virgin, virgin and pure. Extra virgin is obtained from the first pressing, while virgin oil comes from the second pressing and is normally lighter in color and less aromatic.

It contains good levels of essential fatty acids, alpha linolenic acid and when taken internally is said to assist with heart disease.

Applied externally it is useful for dehydrated, sore and inflamed skin and is also used as a remedy for arthritis when rubbed onto the affected parts.

We personally do not prefer to use Olive oil in aromatherapy, since we find the oil a bit too heavy and the aroma too overpowering, but you could add Olive oil to a blend when massaging a mature or dry skin.