Olive Oil -- A Best Medicine For Health

"By the fig and the olive by Mount Sinai by this city of security Verily We created man in the best stature" (AlQuran 95:1-4). Olives have been mentioned seven times in the Qur'an and their health benefits have been propounded in Prophetic Medicine. The Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is reported to have said, " Take oil of Olive and massage wity it , it is blessed tree" (Darimi 69:103). The olive like date hold great value in ancient and modern culture. In the mediterranean culture it has served as everything from money to medicines for several thousand years. The dove holding an olive branch in its mouth has become a universal symbol of peace. It is said to have originated in the story of prophet Noh (PBUH). The dove appeared as a sign that the flood, which had been sent as a punishment, would abate. The oil of this blessed tree has also been cited as a symbol of goodness and purity and used up to this day in anointing ceremonies in Greek Orthodox Church. The cosmetics industry, the natural health practitioners and the culinary world are unanimous on the benefits of this delectable fruit, which bursts with flavor and health. The olive industry which produced 460 gallons of olive oil in 2000-2001, has grown tremendously as consumers world-wide are alerted to the benefits of this amazing fruit. Olea europa, the botanical name of olive, has its origins in Asia and

spread to the mediterranean basi 6,000 years ago. Mediterranean basin is the major area of cultivation with Italy, Spain and Greek being the foremost olive-producing countries in the world. Olive production has also expanded to California, South Africa and Australia. From the 'blessed' tree hardly anything is wasted as the fruits are eaten or used to produce olive oil. Leaves posses medicinal value and the wood is highly valued for carpentary work. The Noble Qur'an refers to some of these uses: " And a tree (Olive) that springs forth from Mount Sinai that grows(produces) oil, and (it is) relish for the eaters" (23:20). Olive oil is produced through a process known as crusging and pressing. One of the by-products of his process is widely used in soap making. Olive oil is beneficial in lowering cholestrol levels, and it is now increasingly being linked to lowering

blood pressure.The medicinal and cosmetic uses of olive products are truly astounding. The oil is extremely nutricious and is recommended by dieticiand to improve balance of fats in the blood. Another medical benefit of olive relats to the maintenance of a healthy digestive system. Oxford University's Health Institute found ' olive oil may have a protective effect on the clorectal cancer.' Olive oil has traditionally been used to prevent constipation, assist in 'cleansing' the gallbladder and treating various ailments related to skin, such as burns, scratches and sunburn. Olive oil is also applied to the skin as it brightens the complexion, softens the skin and is used for treating eczema and psoriasis. Furthermore, olive oil is used for massage and as a

carrier of oil when blending essential oils. The leaf of the olive tree is used by the herbalists for its antiviral properties. It has been used traditionally for cooling the fever by boiling the leaves and concocting a tincture that is then taken orally. Olive leaves were not only used to treat severe cases of fever but tropical diseases such as malaria as well. Today, olive leaf extract is available with natural health practioners and taken orally in tablet form. The benefits of olive extend to its use as fuel for lamps. This luminescent property of olive oil is powerfully illustrated in the following parable in the Noble Qur'an. " Allah is the light of heavens and the earth. The parable of His Light is as a niche within it a lamp. The lamp is in a glass, the glass as it were a brilliant star, lit from a blessed tree, an olive, neither of the east nor west, but whose oil would almost glow forth, though no fire touched it. Light upon light!.(24:35)".. Commentator of the Qur'an have provided different interpretations of olive being neither from the Easst nor West. Interpretations include its geographical distribution (being neither of the East nor West) and also its exposure and position in relation to te sun ( it is exposed to the sun all day long). The olive tree, one of the blessings of plant kingdom, not only have nutritional, medicinal and cosmetic value. Along with all of creation, it fulfils as a religious funtion as a sign (Ayah) of Allah. " He it is Who sends down te water from the sky; from it you drink and from it (grows) the vegetation, on which you send your cattle to pasture. With it He causes to grow for you the crops, the olives, the date-palms, the grapes and every kind of fruit. Verily! in this is indeed an evident proof and a menifest sign for people who give thought."