Olives
The olive was certainly one of the most valuable and versatile tress of biblical times. It is mentioned frequently throughout the Bible.
Probably the most famous reference to olive oil and its healing powers is in the parable of the Good Samaritan, in which the Samaritan cares for a beaten and robbed traveler, treating his wounds with oil and wine.
Olive oil is a high-energy food and one of the most digestible of all fats. The ancients of biblical times found ways to incorporate it in many of these meals. It was also used as a fuel, as part of religious ceremonies, as a cosmetic and to offer to guests as a sign of welcome. In addition to its healing properties as a food, olive oil mixed with wine was used to soften and soothe bruises and wounds.
The "anointing with oil" that was a sacred tradition among biblical people was probably done with olive oil. One ancient piece of folk wisdom tells us that "olive oil makes all your aches and pains go away."
For hundreds of years the benefits of olive oil nutritionally, cosmetically and medicinally have been recognized by the people of the Mediterranean which includes the Holy Land. It was used to maintain the suppleness of skin and muscle, to heal abrasions and to soothe the burning and drying effects of the sun and wind.
Pliny and Hippocrates, the noted physicians of ancient Greece prescribed medicines containing olive oil and olive leaves as cures for such disorders as inflammation of the gums, insomnia, nausea and boils. Many of these old remedies have passed into tradition and become a part of folklore. But research today confirms that they are just as valid today as they were hundreds of years ago.