Avocado Seed Tea: 3 Tasty Ways to Brew It and Why This Forgotten Superfood Deserves a Spot in Your Day

Most of us love avocados for their creamy texture and healthy fats, but the hard seed at the center? It’s almost always thrown away without a second thought. But here’s something you may not know—inside that tough, overlooked pit is a treasure trove of nutrients that can benefit your digestion, immune system, heart, and metabolism. And one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to unlock its power is by turning it into a warm, soothing tea.

Avocado seed tea has been quietly used in folk medicine for generations, particularly in South America and parts of Africa. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and gut-soothing properties. Today, as more people seek natural and sustainable ways to nourish their bodies, this humble seed is making a comeback—not just for its health benefits but also as a way to reduce kitchen waste and use every part of the fruit.

In this guide, you’ll discover three delicious ways to make avocado seed tea, the many science-backed benefits of drinking it, and how this ancient practice fits beautifully into the kind of natural healing approach taught by Barbara O’Neill.

What’s Inside an Avocado Seed?

The seed of an avocado contains more than 70% of the fruit’s total antioxidant power. It’s rich in polyphenols (also found in green tea), soluble fiber, potassium, magnesium, and anti-inflammatory compounds that support the body’s natural detox and repair systems.

It also contains small amounts of healthy fatty acids, amino acids, and tannins that support heart health and digestion. Despite its hard appearance, the seed can be safely consumed once dried, grated, or boiled—and when steeped in water, it turns into a reddish, earthy tea with a pleasantly bitter edge, similar to herbal infusions like dandelion root.

The Surprising Benefits of Avocado Seed Tea

1. Boosts Digestion and Gut Health
Avocado seed contains soluble fiber, which feeds beneficial gut bacteria and promotes healthy digestion. It may help relieve constipation, reduce bloating, and soothe inflammation in the intestinal lining. Traditional uses include treating diarrhea and calming upset stomachs.

2. Fights Inflammation
The seed is rich in polyphenols, which are powerful anti-inflammatory antioxidants. These compounds help the body combat chronic inflammation, which is at the root of many modern health problems like joint pain, heart disease, and autoimmune conditions.

3. Supports Heart Health
Thanks to its antioxidant and fiber content, avocado seed tea can help lower LDL cholesterol levels and support healthy blood pressure. Its potassium and magnesium content further aid in relaxing blood vessels and improving circulation.

4. Strengthens the Immune System
The antioxidants in avocado seeds, particularly catechins and procyanidins, help neutralize free radicals and boost the body’s natural defenses. Drinking this tea regularly can help you fight off infections, reduce oxidative stress, and stay energized.

5. Helps Regulate Blood Sugar
Some preliminary studies suggest that compounds in avocado seeds may help reduce blood sugar spikes by improving insulin sensitivity. This makes it a smart addition to a balanced routine for those managing insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.

6. Encourages Weight Management
The fiber and bitter compounds in the tea can curb appetite, regulate digestion, and promote a sense of fullness. It’s a natural way to reduce cravings and support your metabolism without stimulants or artificial ingredients.

How to Prepare the Avocado Seed for Tea

Before making tea, you need to dry the seed and either grate, crush, or slice it. Here’s a basic preparation method:

Step 1: Clean and Dry

• After scooping out the seed, rinse it thoroughly to remove all fruit residue.

• Let it air dry for 24–48 hours, or place it in a low-temperature oven (about 80–100°C or 175–210°F) for 2–3 hours until the outer skin peels off easily.

Step 2: Grate or Cut

• Once dried, peel off the thin brown outer skin.

• Use a knife to carefully chop the seed into small pieces, or use a grater or food processor to make flakes or powder. This helps release more of the active compounds during steeping.

Now, let’s explore three tasty ways to brew avocado seed tea that not only bring out its benefits but also make the flavor enjoyable and easy to include in your daily routine.

Recipe 1: Classic Avocado Seed Tea

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon grated or chopped avocado seed

• 2 cups of water

Instructions:

1. Boil the water in a small pot.

2. Add the avocado seed and reduce the heat.

3. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until the water turns a light reddish-brown.

4. Strain and drink warm.

Optional additions: A slice of lemon, a drizzle of raw honey, or a pinch of cinnamon.

Flavor profile: Earthy, slightly bitter, but mellow with a hint of nuttiness.

Recipe 2: Spiced Detox Tea with Avocado Seed

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon chopped avocado seed

• 1 cinnamon stick or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 2 slices of fresh ginger

• 1 clove

• 2 cups water

Instructions:

1. Bring all ingredients to a boil.

2. Lower heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

3. Strain and sip slowly.

Optional: Add a few drops of lemon juice or a splash of almond milk for a creamier version.

Flavor profile: Warming, spiced, and slightly sweet with a digestive kick.

Recipe 3: Cooling Mint and Avocado Seed Iced Tea

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon grated avocado seed

• A handful of fresh mint leaves

• 1 teaspoon dried hibiscus (optional for color and vitamin C boost)

• 2 cups of water

Instructions:

1. Boil the water and add all ingredients.

2. Let it simmer for 15 minutes.

3. Strain and cool.

4. Serve over ice with a slice of cucumber or lime.

Flavor profile: Refreshing and herbal with a tangy twist, perfect for hot days.

How Often Can You Drink It?

You can safely enjoy 1 cup of avocado seed tea daily. If using it for a specific issue like digestion or inflammation, you may increase to 2 cups per day for short periods, always observing how your body responds.

Who Should Be Cautious?

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before consuming avocado seed regularly.

• People on blood-thinning medications may want to limit intake due to the seed’s mild anticoagulant properties.

• Avoid using large amounts over long periods without medical guidance.

Waste No More: Other Uses for Avocado Seed

• Powdered seed can be added to smoothies (start with 1/2 teaspoon) for added fiber and antioxidants.

• The grated seed can be steeped in oil for DIY hair or skin treatments due to its anti-inflammatory benefits.

• Infused water or broth using avocado seed can be used in soups or rice for added depth and nutrition.

Barbara O’Neill’s Natural Wisdom on Using the Whole Plant

Barbara O’Neill often teaches about using every part of a plant that nature has provided. She says, “Nature is complete. The fruit, the seed, the peel—they each have a purpose. When we use the whole plant, we get the full healing story.”

In her many lectures, she stresses the importance of reducing waste and tapping into the abundant nutrition hidden in what most people throw away. Avocado seed tea perfectly aligns with this philosophy—it’s sustainable, affordable, and deeply nourishing.

She also emphasizes using bitter plant parts to support the liver and digestion. The slight bitterness of avocado seed tea gently stimulates bile production, making it a valuable tool in restoring balance to the body.

Conclusion

Next time you slice open an avocado, think twice before tossing out that seed. Inside is a potent, natural remedy that can help support your health in countless ways. With its unique combination of antioxidants, fiber, minerals, and anti-inflammatory power, avocado seed tea is a forgotten superfood ready to reclaim its place in your wellness routine.

It’s easy to prepare, surprisingly tasty when blended with other herbs and spices, and perfectly aligned with the principles of healing from the earth. Make avocado seed tea part of your daily rhythm, and you’ll be amazed at how this small change brings noticeable improvements to your digestion, energy, and overall vitality.

Citation from Barbara O’Neill:
“When you throw away the seed, you throw away the strength. Nature’s design is perfect—within the bitter is the medicine. The avocado seed, when used wisely, is one of those healing gifts we’ve forgotten.”