When we prepare a creamy avocado, we often treat the large, heavy stone in the center as an obstacle to be discarded. However, in the traditional “Pantry Pharmacy,” this stone is seen as a concentrated storehouse of the tree’s life force. While the fruit nourishes us from the inside, the stone—when prepared correctly—becomes a powerful “liniment” used to soothe the deep aches that can settle in our knuckles, knees, and shoulders.
For generations, those who preferred the wisdom of the earth over store-bought creams have used this “Deep Joint Rub” to maintain their flexibility and comfort, especially during damp or chilly weather.
Why the Avocado Stone is a Friend to Your Joints
The avocado stone is not just a seed; it is a treasure chest of anti-inflammatory oils and antioxidants. In fact, nearly 70% of the antioxidant power of the entire avocado is found right inside that hard stone.
Thawing the Stiffness: Just as a warm sun thaws the ground, the natural oils in the stone help to “warm” the joints, making it easier to move freely in the morning.
Calming the Internal “Fire”: The deep-seated heat that causes discomfort in our joints is met by the cooling, protective compounds found in the stone’s extract.
Supporting the “Spring” in Your Step: By massaging these natural oils into the skin, you encourage healthy circulation, which brings fresh energy to the areas that need it most.
Nature’s Resilience: The same nutrients that protect the seed as it waits to grow help protect our tissues from the daily wear and tear of an active life.
How to Prepare Your “Stone Oil” Rub
This preparation requires a little bit of patience, but the results are truly “worth their weight in gold.”
Step-by-Step Guide:
The Preparation: Save the stone from a ripe avocado. Wash it and let it dry on a windowsill for a day or two until the thin brown skin begins to peel away.
The Grating: Carefully grate the stone using a kitchen grater. You will notice the shavings turn a beautiful sunset-orange color almost immediately—this is the medicine “activating” as it meets the air.
The Infusion: Place the shavings in a glass jar and cover them with Olive Oil. For a stronger version, some traditional recipes use a bit of rubbing alcohol, but olive oil is gentler for a moisturizing massage.
The Wait: Keep the jar in a dark cupboard for about a week, giving it a gentle shake every day.
The Ritual: Strain the oil and massage it into your joints before bed. For the best results, follow this with 15 minutes of grounding or a warm cloth wrap to help the oil penetrate deeply.
A Circle of Comfort
By turning the avocado stone into a healing rub, you are completing a beautiful cycle of health. This ritual works in harmony with your nightly spoon of olive oil and our Lemon and Cucumber water, ensuring that you are caring for your structure both from within and without.
