The olive tree is a blessed tree mentioned in the Qur'an and the hadiths. Indeed, Allah says: "...lit from a blessed tree, an olive, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow forth even if untouched by fire." Abu Hurayrah reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "Eat olive oil and anoint yourselves with it, for it comes from a blessed tree." The olive tree offers many benefits: its oil is effective for many health problems, but its leaves can also be used. Abdullah Ibn Umar reported that the Messenger of Allah said: "Eat bread with oil."
Olive oil is a natural inhibitor; its lipid profile is very similar to that of human skin, and it is very effective for dermatological problems such as acne or psoriasis due to its vitamin E content, which is effective against cellular oxidation.
Ibn al-Qayyim says that the oil is hot and moist. It contains provitamins A and is highly laxative; it reduces high blood pressure and problems with obesity. Whoever says it is dry is mistaken, since it is moist, and moist products are effective in herbal medicine.
Olive oil is diuretic and is an antioxidant. The quality of the oil depends on the olives: if they are well ripened, the oil will be more balanced and better, and if they are not ripe, the oil will be cold and dry. The oil extracted from red olives falls in between, and the oil from black olives warms and moisturizes in moderation. Olives are useful against poisons, are laxative, and repel tapeworms.
Because of its vitamin E and A content, olive oil moisturizes the skin, protects against solar radiation, and is effective for thinning the dermis and epidermis. It also delays the graying of hair.
In addition, water from salted olives prevents the formation of blisters caused by burns. Olive oil, for its part, strengthens the gums. As for the leaves, they are effective against erysipelas, eczema, or even hives, and they even prevent sweating.
What the science says: olive oil and olive leaf, natural skin care, hydration and heat
What published research says about the remedies mentioned above, for context — the studies address material causes, healing belongs to Allah.
Olive oil and olive leaf
"Eat olive oil and anoint yourselves with it": a 2022 meta-analysis links olive oil consumption to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and mortality (Clin Nutr, 2022). Olive leaf has shown an effect on blood pressure and metabolic profile in prehypertensive individuals (PeerJ, 2021) (Phytomedicine, 2011). Precaution: olive leaf extract potentiates blood pressure medications — monitor your blood pressure and talk to your doctor.
Natural skin care
Aloe vera promotes wound healing and soothes the skin according to a review of clinical trials (Iran J Med Sci, 2019) (Plast Reconstr Surg, 2018); in eczema, daily moisturizing with emollients is the foundation of treatment (Int J Dermatol, 2025) and the skin microbiome plays a central role (J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol, 2023). Olive oil, black seed oil, honey and shea butter are the traditional emollients. Precaution: test any new product on a small area for 24 hours; a lesion that spreads, oozes or becomes infected calls for a doctor.
Hydration and heat
Drinking enough water supports the kidneys and digestive transit (Am J Clin Nutr, 2022) and prevents kidney stones (Minerva Urol Nephrol, 2025); in intense heat, water, fruits rich in water content (watermelon, cucumber — favorites of the professor), shade and rest during the hottest hours prevent heatstroke. The Sunnah recommends drinking while seated, in three breaths, without excessive ice-cold water. Precaution: infants, elderly people and those with chronic illnesses become dehydrated quickly; confusion, lack of urination or a high temperature during a heat wave are warning signs.
