Avocados are famed for their healthy fats and delicious taste but most people don’t realize they have many medicinal benefits as well. Not only have they been used throughout folk medicine but they are also currently being researched to unlock even more pharmacognosy secrets.
What folk medicine has to say:
Avocados can aid in the treatment of some dermatologic conditions. In folk medicine, raw mashed avocado has been used for the treatment of psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema. Avocado oils have been used topically to treat wounds, infections and stimulate hair growth. They have a softening and soothing nature and can be used in face masks. They have a high absorption rate into the skin. This allows them to aid in driving other constituents into the skin as well.
Avocados can also help with systemic disharmonies. The seeds, leaves and bark have been used for dysentery and diarrhea. They can also aid in reproductive issues, stimulating menstrual flow and relieving PMS. Plus, they are an aphrodisiac!