Does olive oil speed up healing?

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

A 2014 study found that consuming olive oil accelerated burn wound healing and reduced hospitalization time in patients, suggesting significant internal benefits. This clinical evidence contributes to the ongoing discussion about whether and how olive oil can speed up healing through its unique compounds.

Quick Summary

Studies show that olive oil's potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds can promote wound healing by reducing inflammation and oxidative damage. It has shown promise for specific conditions like burns and diabetic ulcers, but more research is needed, especially for direct topical application on open wounds.

Key Points

Antioxidant Power: Extra virgin olive oil is rich in antioxidants that fight cellular damage from free radicals and reduce inflammation, supporting the body's repair systems.
Reduces Inflammation: Key phenolic compounds like oleocanthal provide strong anti-inflammatory effects that can help regulate the healing cascade, preventing delays caused by excessive inflammation.
Moisturizes and Protects: When applied topically, olive oil can act as a natural moisturizer, creating a protective barrier that seals in moisture and aids in skin regeneration.
Supports Cellular Growth: Studies indicate that olive oil can stimulate key healing processes, including collagen production and angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation).
Evidence from Studies: Clinical research, particularly involving burn patients and diabetic ulcers, shows that olive oil can improve healing time and outcomes, especially when used in conjunction with standard care.
Use High-Quality EVOO: For maximum therapeutic benefits, using cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil is recommended, as it contains higher concentrations of active compounds than refined versions.
Consult a Professional: Olive oil should not replace professional medical treatment for serious wounds. It is best used as a complementary therapy under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Understanding the Science of Healing

The wound healing process is a complex biological journey involving several distinct phases: inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Timely healing is essential for preventing complications and reducing recovery time. Many factors can influence this process, including nutrition, underlying health conditions, and proper wound care. As interest in natural remedies grows, the healing properties of olive oil, both when consumed and applied topically, have been investigated.

The Role of Olive Oil's Key Compounds

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) contains a rich array of bioactive compounds that contribute to its potential healing benefits. These include:

Polyphenols: These powerful antioxidants, such as oleocanthal and oleuropein, combat oxidative stress, which can delay healing. Oleocanthal has been noted for its potent anti-inflammatory effects, similar to ibuprofen.
Oleic Acid: As the predominant monounsaturated fatty acid in olive oil, oleic acid can modulate inflammation and support skin regeneration.
Vitamins: EVOO contains fat-soluble vitamins like E, A, K, and D, which contribute to skin health and regeneration. Vitamin E, for example, is a well-known antioxidant that protects skin from damage.
Squalene: This natural fat helps moisturize the skin and fortify its protective barrier, which is crucial for preventing infection and maintaining a healthy healing environment.

How Olive Oil Supports Wound Recovery

Scientific studies have explored several ways olive oil may contribute to faster healing:

Combating Inflammation: Chronic, excessive inflammation can impede wound closure. The anti-inflammatory properties of olive oil's phenolic compounds can help regulate the inflammatory phase, allowing the tissue to proceed more efficiently to the proliferative stage.
Providing Antioxidant Protection: Wounds often produce a high level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause cellular damage. The antioxidants in olive oil help neutralize these free radicals, minimizing damage and supporting cellular repair.
Promoting Tissue Regeneration: Research suggests that olive oil can stimulate the production of collagen, the main structural protein of skin. It also appears to support angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels), which is vital for providing nutrients and oxygen to the healing tissue.
Maintaining Moisture: When applied topically, olive oil acts as a moisturizing and occlusive agent, sealing in moisture. A consistently moist wound environment is known to promote faster healing compared to one that is left to dry out.

Clinical Evidence and Study Findings

Several studies have shown encouraging results for olive oil in wound management:

Burn Wounds: A 2014 study on hospitalized burn patients demonstrated that oral consumption of olive oil, compared to sunflower oil, accelerated wound healing and reduced the duration of hospitalization. This suggests that systemic benefits play a key role.
Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Topical application of olive oil has been shown to improve the healing process of grade 1 and 2 diabetic foot ulcers when used as an adjunctive therapy to standard care. Another study comparing it with honey found both to be effective.
Pressure Ulcers: Studies have found that applying an olive oil preparation can be as effective as other standard treatments for preventing pressure ulcers in at-risk patients.
Perineal Injuries: Clinical trials have indicated that olive oil can support the healing of episiotomy wounds and reduce pain severity.

Despite positive findings, it is crucial to note that many studies have been conducted on animal models or with limitations such as small sample sizes. More large-scale human clinical trials are needed to fully confirm the efficacy and optimal application methods.

Olive Oil for Healing: A Comparison of Use


Feature	Oral Consumption	Topical Application
Mechanism	Internal anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects through dietary intake.	External moisturizing, antimicrobial, and localized anti-inflammatory effects.
Best For	Improving overall systemic health to support healing from within, as demonstrated in burn patients.	Minor skin issues like dry patches, preventing pressure ulcers, and aiding the healing of some chronic ulcers.
Considerations	The quality of olive oil (extra virgin) is critical for maximum benefits. Dietary changes should complement, not replace, medical treatment.	Not for serious, deep, or infected wounds. Can potentially clog pores for those with acne-prone or sensitive skin. Always perform a patch test.
Evidence	Strong evidence from clinical trials demonstrating reduced healing time and hospital stays in burn patients.	Evidence suggests benefits for specific wound types, but topical application on open wounds requires more definitive studies.

Safety and Practical Considerations

While olive oil is generally considered safe, some precautions are necessary, especially when using it for wound care.

Extra Virgin is Best: Opt for high-quality, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, as it retains the most antioxidants and beneficial compounds. Refined olive oil has fewer of these therapeutic properties.
Sensitive Skin: People with sensitive or acne-prone skin should use caution when applying olive oil topically, as it can clog pores and cause irritation in some individuals.
Do not apply to fresh burns or sunburn: Applying oil to a fresh burn can trap heat and worsen the injury. Likewise, olive oil does not provide sun protection and should not be used in place of sunscreen.
Professional Medical Advice: Always consult a healthcare professional for the treatment of serious wounds, burns, or chronic ulcers. Olive oil should be used as an adjunctive therapy and not a replacement for professional medical care. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides guidance on evidence-based natural therapies for wounds, highlighting the need for more research.

Conclusion: Does Olive Oil Speed Up Healing?

Based on scientific research, olive oil does appear to support and potentially accelerate the healing process, primarily due to its potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and moisturizing properties. Evidence from clinical studies on burn patients and those with diabetic ulcers shows promising results, suggesting that both oral consumption and topical application offer distinct benefits. However, it is not a magic cure-all, and its use should be approached with caution and medical guidance, especially for severe wounds. The key lies in utilizing high-quality extra virgin olive oil as a complementary therapy, alongside conventional medical treatments, to create an optimal environment for the body's natural healing mechanisms.

National Institutes of Health Source

Frequently Asked Questions

It is generally not recommended to put olive oil directly on a deep or infected open wound. While it has beneficial properties, it lacks the sterile and advanced properties of modern wound dressings. For minor, clean scrapes or abrasions, some people use it, but always consult a healthcare professional for proper wound management.

Some studies have shown that consuming olive oil can accelerate healing in burn patients, likely due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, never apply olive oil to a fresh burn, as it can trap heat and worsen the injury.

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is considered the best choice for its medicinal properties. It is the least processed variety and retains the highest concentration of beneficial compounds like polyphenols and antioxidants, which are crucial for its healing potential.

Some believe that the vitamins and antioxidants in olive oil, particularly vitamin E, can help fade scars by promoting skin cell regeneration and hydration. While some anecdotal evidence exists, more robust scientific research is needed to confirm its efficacy for scar reduction.

Yes, some clinical studies have found topical olive oil dressing to be an effective and safe adjunctive therapy for the healing of grade 1 and 2 diabetic foot ulcers when combined with standard care.

For most people, topical use is safe. However, individuals with sensitive or acne-prone skin may experience clogged pores or irritation. It is always best to perform a patch test on a small area of skin first.

Olive oil and honey both possess potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. One study on diabetic ulcers found that both were equally effective in promoting healing. The best choice may depend on the specific wound and user preference.