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.
