This isn’t some new TikTok trend. This is the old Mediterranean/Desi remedy that grandmothers have been pushing for centuries: Take 6–8 dried figs → soak overnight in good extra-virgin olive oil → eat the figs + drink the oil in the morning or before bed.
I started doing 3 figs + 2 tbsp oil every night when my cholesterol hit 265 and my wife threatened to leave me if I didn’t fix it. Six months later cholesterol 182, lost 9 kg, sex drive back like I’m 30, and I sleep like a dead man. Here are the 8 real benefits I and hundreds of others actually experienced – plus the side effects so you don’t screw it up.
1. Cholesterol Drops Like a Stone
Dried figs = soluble fiber + sterols Olive oil = monounsaturated fats + polyphenols Together they:
- Lower LDL 20–40 points
- Raise HDL 8–15 points
- Reduce oxidized LDL (the really dangerous one)
My own numbers: Before: Total 265, LDL 188, Triglycerides 220 After 6 months (3 figs + oil nightly oil): Total 182, LDL 112, Triglycerides 98 Doctor asked if I was secretly taking red yeast rice. I showed him the jar of figs.
2. Constipation Becomes a Forgotten Memory
Figs = 7–10 g fiber per 100 g + natural sorbitol (laxative) Olive oil lubricates the intestines Result: morning bowel movement so smooth you’ll cry happy tears. People who used to take Dulcolax every weekend now don’t even own it.
3. Blood Pressure Falls 10–20 Points
Potassium in figs (700 mg per 100 g) + oleic acid in olive oil relax blood vessels. My uncle (68) went from 168/96 to 138/82 in 10 weeks. Doctor reduced his BP medicine dose by half.
4. Bedroom Performance Comes Roaring Back
After 40–50 most men notice weaker erections and lower libido. Figs + olive oil increase nitric oxide → better blood flow → stronger, longer-lasting erections. Olive oil also raises testosterone slightly. One friend (55) told his wife “either the figs are working or I’m having an affair.” She made him double the dose.
5. Blood Sugar Stabilizes (Even for Diabetics)
Despite being sweet, figs have low–medium glycemic index because of the fiber + healthy fat from oil. Many Type-2 diabetics report fasting sugar drops 15–40 points after 4–6 weeks. HbA1c improvement 0.5–1.2 %. Always monitor and adjust medicines with doctor.
6. Bones Get Stronger
Figs = highest plant source of calcium (160 mg per 100 g) + magnesium + phosphorus Olive oil helps absorption Post-menopausal women doing this daily reduced bone loss by 40 % in a small study. My aunt (64) stopped shrinking.
7. Skin & Hair Glow-Up
Figs = copper + iron + vitamin C Olive oil = vitamin E + squalene Result after 3–4 months:
- Hair fall down 60–70 %
- Grey hair darkens at roots for some people
- Skin looks plump, wrinkles soften My wife gets asked what parlor she goes to. She just smiles.
8. Inflammation & Joint Pain Quiet Down
Polyphenols in figs + oleuropein in olive oil = powerful anti-inflammatory combo. People with arthritis report 40–60 % less morning stiffness after 8–12 weeks.
The Exact Method That Works (Copy This)
Night version (most popular):
- Take 2–4 dried figs (Anjeer)
- Put in small glass bowl
- Pour 2–3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (good quality – cold-pressed)
- Cover and leave on counter overnight (or minimum 4 hours)
- Next morning or before bed: eat figs + drink every drop of oil
Morning version: Prepare at night, eat first thing empty stomach with warm water.
Real Results From Real People
- Me (48): cholesterol –83 points, lost 9 kg, morning wood daily
- Mom (72): BP medicine dose halved, sleeps 7 hours straight
- Friend (59, diabetic): fasting sugar 160 → 112, HbA1c 8.1 → 6.7
- Cousin (35, PCOS): periods regular after 6 months
Side Effects & Mistakes That Can Screw You
- Weight gain – if you eat 10 figs + half cup oil. Stick to 2–4 figs + 2 tbsp oil max.
- Loose motions – first 3–5 days (fiber + oil shock). Start with 1 fig for a week.
- Low blood sugar – diabetics can drop too fast. Monitor closely first month.
- Allergic reaction – rare, but stop if lips swell.
- Garlic-breath-like smell – some people notice mild body odor first week (goes away).
- Expensive if you buy tiny fancy jars – buy big 5-liter olive oil tin + 1 kg figs = 3 months supply for ₹2,500.
My Personal Routine (Steal It)
Every night at 10:30 p.m.: 3 medium dried figs + 2 tbsp Kirkland/Costco extra-virgin olive oil in a small steel bowl → cover → leave on counter. Next morning 6:30 a.m.: eat everything + drink warm water. Been doing this 3 years straight. Doctor now uses my reports to show other patients what’s possible.
2–3 soaked figs in olive oil every night. Costs ₹25–30 per day. Saves you lakhs in medicines and hospital bills later. Your heart, gut, bones, skin, and bedroom will thank you. Start tonight. Your 60-year-old self is begging you.