Persea americana, Persea gratissima

Family: Lauraceae

Parts Used: flesh of fruit

Base oil: use as an addition to a base, 10 percent dilution

Avocado is an evergreen tree native to the Americas. The tree grows to a height of about 30 - 60 feet, has dark-green oval leathery leaves and greenish-yellow flowers that develop into yellow, green, red, or purple, or black fruit. The pulp is soft and buttery with a large kernel inside. Avocado grows in many tropical regions.

Contains: vitamins A and D, protein, lecithin, fatty acids

Practical Uses: all skins, especially dry and dehydrated; eczema. The carrier/base oil is used to dilute essential oils in aromatherapy for massge oils and other formulations. For massage oils, it is best to mix 10 - 20 percent of avacado oil with another carrier before adding the essential oils.

Therapeutic Properties: abortifacient, hepatic, rejuvenator, restorative, tonic, vulnerary

Note: for massage oils it is best use 1 part Avocado to 3 parts of a lighter carrier oil before adding the essential oils.

In Mexico and Arizona, the oil from the flesh of the avocado pear has been used for hundreds of years. Avocados contain the skin-nourishing vitamins A and D, as well as linoleic acid, which strengthens cell walls, making the skin stronger. On its own, this oil is viscous and absorbs slowly into the skin, making it difficult for massage. However, if you combine Avocado oil with lighter oils, it provides a rich emollient treatment for dry skin. It has been shown to slow down the signs of skin-aging and even acts as a mild natural sunscreen.

*Special Tip: For split or damaged nails, soak the fingertips in 20 ml / 4 tsp pure Avocado oil for 10 minutes each night; wipe off any excess and then rub the nails really well to encourage absorption.

Special Blends

Add these essential oils to 15 ml / 3 tsp basic carrier oil, plus 5 ml / 1 tsp Avocado oil:

To moisturize very dry skin:

• 2 drops Melissa, 4 drops Rose Geranium, 4 drops tangerine

To soothe sunburn:

• 6 drops Lavender, 2 drops German Chamomile, 2 drops Yarrow

*Source: Harding Jennie, The Essential Oils Handbook. Duncan Baird Publishers, 2008

fShare

Tweet