Avocado

Botanical Name

Family Lauraceae
Persea americana

Common Name

many variations (see under Foods)

Cautions

The leaves and bark can stimulate menstration, as well as inducing abortions, so should not be taken during pregnancy.

Description

Native to Central America, the avocado is cultivated mainly for its fruit in tropical and subtropical regions which include Israel, Spain, and South Africa. It is an evergreen tree growing to seventy feet, with dark green, leathery leaves and white flowers. The fruit is picked when fully grown, and the leaves are harvested as needed.

History

The Maya of Guatemala have long used the avocado to stimulate hair growth, repel worms, and treat diarrhea. The fruit pulp is often used as a baby food there and in South Africa.

It was widely used throughout the Aztec empire for both food and medicine. All parts of the avocado tree was used medicinally.

Key Actions

(a) Leaves and Bark

astringent
carminative
diuretic
relieves coughs
promotes menstrual flow

(b) Fruit Pulp

carminative
emollient
nutritive

(c) Rind

antiparasitic

(d) Seed

antibiotic

Key components

(a) Leaves and Bark

flavonoids
tannins
volatile oil (methylchavicol, alpha-pinene)

(b) Fruit Pulp

protein (25%)
sesquiterpenes
unsaturated fats
vitamins A, B

Medicinal Parts

Leaves, fruit, bark, seed, peel

Remedies

Oil from the seed is of good quality and is used for food, as well as for the skin.
Decoction of the leaves or bark is used to treat diarrhea or dysentery.
The fruit pulp is a nourishing food, as well as being useful in treating wounds and helping them to heal quickly.

Traditional Uses

The leaves and bark have long been used to treat diarrhea, gas, and bloating, as well as to relieve coughs, liver obstructions, and clearing out uric acid, which causes gout.

The rind is useful in expelling worms.

The fruit is used externally to soothe the skin, help heal wounds, and to stimulate hair growth. Consumption of the fruit is encouraged because of its essential fatty acids and protein.