Veda Warrior's cannabis-infused olive oil is made of 100% Greek Koroneiki olives. Olive oil has been a cornerstone of Greek culture and cuisine for millennia, its history deeply entwined with the very fabric of Mediterranean civilization. The olive tree, a symbol of peace, wisdom, and victory, has roots in ancient Greek mythology. According to legend, the city of Athens was named in honor of the goddess Athena after she gifted the olive tree to the Athenians. This divine gift was cherished for its fruit and the precious oil it produced, which became central to daily life, the economy, and even religious rituals.

From as early as 2500 BCE, during the Minoan civilization on the island of Crete, olive oil was a crucial commodity. The Minoans are credited with establishing the first advanced olive cultivation systems, evidenced by the rich deposits of olive pollen found in core samples dating back thousands of years. As the Greeks mastered the art of olive cultivation, the oil became a staple of their diet, a base for medicines, and a fundamental product for body care. Athletes in ancient Greece would rub it over their bodies, believing it to enhance their strength and physical presence during competitions.

The significance of olive oil extended beyond daily use to ceremonial purposes. It was burned in sacred lamps at temples, offered to deities, and used to anoint kings and athletes, symbolizing purification and blessings. Economically, olive oil contributed significantly to the Greek economy through trade with neighboring regions. Amphorae filled with oil were transported across the Mediterranean, serving as a vital trading good that spread Greek cultural influence.

By the classical period of Athens, olive oil production had become so pivotal that laws were enacted to protect olive trees, highlighting their economic and cultural importance. Solon’s laws, for instance, imposed penalties for cutting down olive trees, demonstrating the societal recognition of their value.

Today, Greek olive oil retains its esteemed place at the heart of Greek dietary habits and remains a celebrated export product. Renowned for its quality and health benefits, Greek olive oil embodies the heritage of an ancient tradition that continues to flourish, connecting modern Greece to its storied past through every golden drop.

Ayurveda, the ancient art of balancing mind, body, and spirit, classifies food based on its effects on the body. Everything from taste (hello, bitter and pungent!), energy (think warming or cooling), and post-digestive impact is analyzed. Olive oil, while not part of the OG Ayurvedic playbook (since olive trees aren’t native to India), is getting the VIP treatment as an “Anukta Dravya”—a fancy term for “unsaid substance.”

Translation: It’s a modern mystery Ayurveda is excited to crack!

The Ayurvedic Take on Olive Oil

1. A Match Made in Panchamahabhuta (The Five Elements)

In Ayurveda, everything is made up of five elements—Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether. Olive oil? Oh, it’s a Fire-Air-Ether type through and through:

• Fire (Agni): Olive oil thrives in sunny, hot climates, so it brings a warming, energizing vibe to the table.
• Air (Vayu): Its light, smooth texture aligns with airiness—making it great for those seeking lightness in their diet.
• Ether (Akasha): Its subtle, penetrating quality means olive oil can dive deep into your body’s tiniest channels. Talk about a VIP pass!

2. A Buffet of Ayurvedic Properties

Here’s what Ayurveda says about olive oil’s personality (yes, oils have personalities too!):

• Taste: Bitter and Pungent—a combo that stimulates digestion and clears your head.
• Energy (Veerya): It’s hot, baby! Perfect for warming you up in chilly weather.
• Post-digestive Effect (Vipaka): It leaves a subtle, spicy kick after digestion.

Why Olive Oil Deserves a Spot in Your Life

1. The Gut Whisperer

Feeling stuck? (Literally?) Olive oil’s natural lubricating quality works wonders for relieving constipation. It’s what Ayurveda calls Sara—or the ability to get things moving.

2. A Skin and Hair BFF

Dry skin and frizz beware! With its Snigdha (oily) and Mrudu (soft) properties, olive oil can moisturize your skin and add shine to your hair like no other. Bonus: it’s great for self-massage (Abhyanga), a cherished Ayurvedic ritual for stress relief.

3. The Heart’s Bodyguard

Modern science and Ayurveda agree—olive oil is a heart hero. It’s packed with good fats, fights inflammation, and gives your cardiovascular system the TLC it deserves.

4. A Health Shield

Olive oil’s bitter taste helps cleanse the body, while its warming energy aids digestion. Add its immune-boosting properties to the mix, and you’ve got yourself a health powerhouse!

Fun Ways to Bring Olive Oil Ayurveda-Style to Your Table

• Golden Olive Drizzle: Add a pinch of turmeric and black pepper to warm olive oil. Use it as a dip for bread or a drizzle on roasted veggies.
• Herbal Hair Serum: Heat olive oil with curry leaves (yes, they’re a thing!) for a DIY Ayurvedic hair treatment.
• Spicy Salad Boost: Mix olive oil with lemon juice, ginger, and honey for a salad dressing that’ll make your greens pop!

In a Nutshell (or an Olive Pit)

Olive oil may be a Mediterranean treasure, but Ayurveda is giving it a warm Namaste! With its unique mix of taste, energy, and therapeutic properties, this golden elixir is a wellness superstar, whether you’re drizzling it on toast or using it for self-care.

So next time you reach for that bottle of EVOO, channel your inner yogi and say, “Here’s to balance, health, and a little extra shine!”

Meet Drona, our GPT-powered wellness concierge. Trained in Ayurveda, ancient philosophy and modern clinical research, Drona is here to kickstart your journey into Ayurveda as your free digital guide.