My grandpa (who I loved – and still love dearly) passed away a little over a year ago. Oh, he taught me many things. Things about expecting the best in life, being open to love, appreciating your family, working hard…and harder still. He also taught me about letting go, when letting go is necessary in order to grow again. Of all the lessons he taught me, I had no idea he taught me about oil…
You see, at the age of 90 my grandpa had a full head of thick, black hair. Not a grey hair in sight. (He would always note this fact as one of his greater accomplishments, and who could blame him or disagree?) When I asked him for his secret, he simply said “baby shampoo.” (shhhhh)
But was there more? Something passed down through the Ages? Something learned, remembered, and then forgotten? Or, only forgotten by some?
As part of the Raw Lifestyle, I have quickly learned about the benefits of oil of all kinds. JoJoba Oil, Coconut Oil, Olive Oil…and the list goes on.
JoJoba Oil: Good for moisturizing the scalp, softening hands and feet, and my personal favorite – make-up removal.
Coconut Oil: Good for cooking, skin care (face moisturizer, natural sunscreen, body lotion, etc.), and hair conditioning. The uses are really endless. Do a google search. You will be amazed.
Olive Oil: Makes a great salad dressing and good for dipping bread, of course, but did you ever consider using olive oil as part of your beauty routine? Apparently, those living in Ancient Greece and Rome had this figured out, but I am just hearing about it now?!! (On a recent trip to Athens, I was introduced to “Traditional Pure Greek Olive Oil Soap.” I highly recommend.)
It appears that my great-grandmother (who came to the U.S. on a boat from Italy) also knew a thing or two about the value of olive oil. I just recently realized that my grandpa told me one time that she made him rub the oil on his scalp every day of his life because she said it was good for his hair.
Coincidence??
Of course, maybe it’s an “old wives’ tale” and genetics alone blessed him, but then again…the Ancients were pretty wise.
