6 Ways for New Moms to Use Olive Oil

4. As a breast friend
In 2015, the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health reported on the effects of olive oil consumption on healing burn victims’ skin. It’s a profound insight into the sheer power of taking olive oil as a supplement to help your skin heal. Moms with irritations, even teeth marks, on their breasts can take olive oil orally or rub it on topically for relief.

4. As a post-surgery skin healer
For those who deliver via a C-section, olive oil can be a godsend to help with post-surgery scarring. This is due to the high amounts of skin-healing vitamins K and E found in olive oil. Simply rub a high-quality olive oil into the skin surrounding the scarring daily.

5. As a natural way to treat ear infections
Okay, so this one is mostly for baby – but a baby that’s not in pain equals a mother who’s not under extra strain! The website babygooroo.com notes that olive oil is often sold in drugstores as a cerumenolytic — an ear canal lubricant that can loosen troublesome ear wax and provide soothing relief. Simply put a couple of drops of lukewarm — not warm and not cold — olive oil into the affected ear for mild pain relief and cleansing of wax buildup.

• US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health
• Harvard Health Publications