Uri Herbs Workshop
If you thought the best part of an avocado was the creamy, green flesh, think again. You've been throwing away a tiny, polyphenol-packed superstar!
We're talking about the avocado pit – that slippery, golf-ball-sized seed that makes up almost 20% of the fruit. Natural healers and makers of natural cosmetics now grind the avocado seed and infuse it in olive oil to create a rich, nourishing oil.
Think of this infusion as giving your olive oil a superhero cape: a richer, more powerful ingredient for your skin and hair.
🔬 The Science: How a Humble Pit Becomes a Powerhouse
The avocado pit is full of beneficial plant compounds, often in higher amounts than the creamy fruit itself. Infusing the ground pit in olive oil helps carry these compounds into the oil.
The antioxidant army: The pit is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids (such as catechins and procyanidins), natural plant compounds known for their antioxidant properties.
The perfect carrier (olive oil): Extra virgin olive oil is already a star, rich in oleic acid and its own polyphenols. It is a gentle, nourishing base for skin and hair. It's a great partnership: the pit brings the plant compounds, and the olive oil carries them.
✨ The Beauty Benefits: Your Skin's New Best Friend
Avocado seed and olive oil has become a favourite in natural beauty routines. Here is how people traditionally use it.
1. For Younger-Looking Skin
Soft, smooth-looking skin: The rich oils and antioxidants help keep skin moisturised and supple, so fine lines and wrinkles look softer.
Everyday protection: Antioxidants help protect your skin from everyday stress such as sun and pollution, two big reasons skin ages faster. Think of it as a natural helper for your skin – but keep using your sunscreen!
Blemishes and marks: In traditional natural medicine, this oil has been used on small blemishes, rough patches and marks, to help the skin look calmer and more even.
2. For Dry or Sensitive Skin
Calming care: Some studies on avocado seed extract (including research from Penn State) suggest it may have soothing, anti-inflammatory properties. Many people with dry, sensitive or easily irritated skin enjoy it as a gentle, natural moisturiser. If you have a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis, please ask your doctor before trying it.
Natural freshness: Avocado seed may have mild natural antibacterial properties, which is why some people use a little on blemish-prone skin or a dry, flaky scalp.
3. For Hair
Dry hair: The combination of moisturising olive oil and nutrients from the pit makes a lovely hair mask. It nourishes the hair and adds shine and softness.
Itchy, dry scalp: Massaging the oil gently into the scalp can help reduce dryness and flakiness.
The Bottom Line
The humble avocado pit, usually thrown in the trash, is a botanical treasure. It is a great source of plant compounds like polyphenols and flavonoids. By infusing the ground seed in extra virgin olive oil, you create a rich, all-natural oil for skin and hair – and turn food waste into a beauty win!
Patience is key: the long, three-week infusion is non-negotiable. It gives the hard pit time to release its goodness into the oil.
🥣 DIY Recipe: Three-Week Avocado Pit Infused Olive Oil
To make a good, rich oil for your skin and hair, the pits need to be well dried, ground and steeped for a long time.
What you need: 3–4 avocado pits (well washed and clean) · about 2 cups of extra virgin olive oil · a strong blender or food processor · a clean, sterilised glass jar with an airtight lid · a muslin cloth or coffee filter.
Step 1: Dry the pits
Bake the pits in an oven at a low temperature (100–120°C / 210–250°F) for 2–3 hours, until they are completely dry and slightly cracked. This is important: it prevents moisture and mould during the long infusion.
Step 2: Grind
Carefully cut the dried pits into smaller pieces with a sharp knife, then blend them into a fine or coarse powder. Don't worry if the powder turns a reddish-orange colour – that's natural oxidation!
Step 3: Infuse for 3 weeks
Put the powder into the glass jar and pour the olive oil over it until it is completely covered. Close the jar tightly and keep it in a dark, cool, dry place for at least 3 weeks (21 days). Shake or stir it once a day.
Step 4: Strain and store
Strain the oil through the muslin cloth or filter (twice if needed, so no powder remains). Keep the finished oil in a dark, sealed glass bottle.
This oil suits most skin types and is especially nice for dry or mature skin. Always test a little on your inner arm first.
🌿 Make Your Own Natural Skincare in Chiang Mai
Love making natural beauty products? In our Natural Skin Care & Aromatherapy workshop in Chiang Mai Old City, you make 4 of your own products with Thai herbs, plant oils and essential oils – and take the recipes home. See all our workshops and book at www.uriherbs.com.
