You’ve probably seen the viral videos. Someone takes a massive, slippery avocado pit, hacks it into chunks, and shoves the whole mess into a jar of rubbing alcohol. It looks like a bizarre science experiment or maybe a DIY tincture from a Victorian-era pharmacy. People claim it fixes everything from joint pain to dandruff. But honestly, does it actually work? Or are we just wasting perfectly good fruit scraps on an internet myth?
The logic behind the avocado pits and rubbing alcohol trend is rooted in old-school folk medicine, particularly in Central and South America. People there have used the Persea americana seed for generations. They weren't just tossing them in the trash. They knew something we’ve forgotten.
The Chemistry Inside That Giant Seed
Let's get real about what’s actually inside an avocado pit. It’s not just a hard lump of wood. It’s a powerhouse of polyphenols. We're talking about things like catechins and procyanidins. These are the same kinds of antioxidants that make green tea a "superfood." When you soak these pits in isopropyl alcohol—that's the technical name for rubbing alcohol—the liquid acts as a solvent. It pulls those compounds out of the fibrous pit and into the liquid.
Is it a miracle cure? Probably not. But the science isn't totally empty.
A study published in the journal Antioxidants back in 2013 highlighted that avocado seeds actually contain a significantly higher concentration of phenolic compounds than the flesh we eat. Like, way higher. Most people eat the green stuff and throw the "gold" away. When you combine those anti-inflammatory compounds with the cooling effect of rubbing alcohol, you get a topical rub that feels pretty amazing on a sore knee.
How People Actually Make This Stuff
If you're going to try this, don't just drop a whole pit in a bottle of alcohol. It won't do anything. The surface area is too small. You have to break it down.
First, you need to peel that thin, brown papery skin off. It’s tedious. Do it anyway. Then, you either grate the pit—which is surprisingly soft, sort of like a firm nut—or chop it into small dice. You’ll notice something weird almost immediately. The pit starts out creamy white, but as soon as the air hits it, it turns a deep, rusty orange. That’s oxidation. It’s the antioxidants reacting to the oxygen.
The Standard "Recipe"
Most "abuela-approved" versions suggest filling a glass jar about halfway with chopped pits. Then, you pour in 70% isopropyl alcohol until the seeds are completely submerged. You’ve got to let it sit. This isn't an instant fix. It needs to stay in a dark cupboard for at least two weeks.
The liquid will turn a dark, bloody red. It looks intense. Some people add a few sprigs of rosemary or some camphor tablets if they want that "medicated" smell, but the avocado pits and rubbing alcohol are the stars of the show.
Does Science Back the Pain Relief Claims?
Here’s where we need to be careful. If you go to a doctor and say you’re rubbing "pit juice" on your arthritis, they might give you a look. There haven't been massive, double-blind human clinical trials on avocado seed tinctures for joint pain. Most of the research is "in vitro" (in a petri dish) or on rats.
However, a 2019 study in Advances in Food Technology and Nutritional Sciences looked at the anti-inflammatory properties of avocado seed extract. The researchers found that it inhibited certain pro-inflammatory mediators. Basically, it helped turn off the "pain signals" at a cellular level.
Does that translate to your elbow feeling better after a tennis match? Maybe. Rubbing alcohol by itself is a counter-irritant. It evaporates quickly, cooling the skin and distracting your nerves from the dull ache underneath. When you add the seed extracts, you’re basically making a DIY version of those expensive topical gels you buy at the drugstore.
Using Avocado Pits and Rubbing Alcohol for Hair and Skin
Beyond the joints, there’s a whole community of people using this concoction for their scalp. The idea is that the astringent nature of the alcohol cleanses the pores while the seed’s oils and antioxidants nourish the hair follicles.
- For Dandruff: People dab the liquid onto a cotton ball and swipe it across their scalp. The alcohol kills the Malassezia fungus that often causes flakes.
- For "Graying": There is a persistent myth that this can dye your hair. It won't. It might stain a very light blonde hair a slightly reddish tint because of the tannins, but it's not a hair dye replacement.
- For Muscle Soreness: This is the most common use. After a workout, you rub it on your calves or lower back.
It’s important to remember that rubbing alcohol is incredibly drying. If you have sensitive skin or eczema, dousing yourself in an avocado pits and rubbing alcohol mixture is going to cause a flare-up. Always spot test. Honestly, just don't put it on your face. The skin there is too thin for high-percentage alcohol.
The Safety Talk: What Not to Do
Don't drink it. Seriously.
Because it’s made with avocado—a food—some people get the bright idea that this is a "natural supplement" they can take orally. Rubbing alcohol is toxic. It’s denatured. Drinking it can lead to blindness, organ failure, or worse. If you want the internal benefits of avocado seeds, there are powders made from dried pits that are food-grade, though even those are controversial because of compounds like persin.
Persin is a fungicidal toxin found in avocados. While it's mostly harmless to humans in small amounts, it’s deadly to birds, horses, and goats. If you have pets, keep your DIY avocado pits and rubbing alcohol tincture far out of reach. One knocked-over jar could be a disaster for a curious cat.
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The Sustainable Side of the Trend
Part of why this has blown up on social media is the "zero-waste" movement. We feel guilty throwing away those huge pits. They feel substantial. They feel like they should be useful. Using them for a topical rub is a great way to extend the life of your groceries.
But let's manage expectations.
This isn't going to replace a knee replacement. It isn't going to cure chronic rheumatoid arthritis. It’s a home remedy. It’s "lifestyle medicine." It’s something you use because it smells like nostalgia and provides a bit of cooling relief after a long day on your feet.
Actionable Steps for Your First Batch
If you’re ready to try it, follow these specific steps to get the most out of those seeds.
- Dry the pits first. If they are soaking wet from the avocado flesh, the water content can dilute the alcohol and potentially lead to mold if the alcohol percentage drops too low. Let them air dry for 24 hours.
- Grind or Dice. Use a heavy kitchen knife or a dedicated grater. The smaller the pieces, the better the extraction.
- Use a Glass Container. Alcohol can leach chemicals out of certain plastics. Use an old pasta sauce jar or a mason jar.
- Wait for the Color Change. Don't use it until the liquid is dark red. That’s how you know the polyphenols have moved from the seed to the liquid.
- Strain it. After 2–3 weeks, strain out the solids. The leftover "bits" go in the compost. The liquid can stay in your medicine cabinet for up to a year.
The beauty of avocado pits and rubbing alcohol lies in the simplicity. It’s a low-cost, low-risk way to explore traditional medicine. Just keep it on your skin, keep it away from your pets, and don't expect it to perform miracles overnight.
For those looking for more "scientific" applications, keep an eye on dermatological research. We are seeing more avocado-based extracts appearing in high-end skincare serums every day. Your DIY jar is just a more "rustic" version of what's happening in the labs.