The olive branch has become known as a symbol of peace, deriving from the customs of ancient Greece and found in most cultures of the Mediterranean basin, modern Europe, and the Arab world.

In Greek mythology, Athena competed with Poseidon for possession of Athens. Poseidon claimed dominion by thrusting his trident into the Acropolis, where a well of sea-water gushed out. Athena took occupation by planting the first olive tree beside the well. The court of gods and goddesses ruled that Athena had the better right to the land because she had given it the better gift!

Some fossil findings indicate the olive tree had its origins an unbelievable 40 million years ago in the Mediterranean region.  The common name “oil,” as is used in multiple languages, is derived from the Latin word “olea”, and is the same as the famous fruit and its evergreen tree. This culinary and beauty staple is made from the crushing and subsequent pressing of olives. Like wine, the quality, taste, aromatics, color, and nutrient content of olive oil varies greatly depending on the variety, growing location, the olives’ ripeness, and its processing method.

If you splurge on a special bottle of well-sourced, organic, extra-virgin olive oil and take a moment to marvel at its golden-green color and enjoy it's incredibly rich, complex flavor, you will never want to use any other. Besides the unforgettable culinary experience within each drop, olive oil is proven to be one of the most nutritious and healing oils on the planet. This precious gift has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries and if you look closer at its unique nutrient profile, it’s no surprise that olive oil is embraced by even the most conservative health professionals today.

With the highest level of polyphenols, as well as potent antioxidants Vitamin E and phytosterols, olive oil decreases the exposure of free radicals, which are known to damage the skin’s healthy cells and advance the appearance of aging. Thanks to its powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, ancient Greeks and Egyptians have used olive oil as a cleanser and topical remedy for injuries and wounds for many thousands of years. The specific compound oleocanthal, found in olive oil, is said to stop certain enzymes that cause inflammation, which makes this oil a great remedy for inflammatory skin conditions such as rosacea, dermatitis, and eczema. Further, olive oil’s rich content of monounsaturated fatty acids not only deeply moisturize and lubricate skin cells but repair and protect them from future damage, regenerating the skin inside and out.

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