Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. We do not take responsibility for any adverse effects resulting from the use of this information. This home remedy is not a substitute for professional medical treatment, diagnosis, or therapy. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional or doctor before trying any new home remedies, especially if you have chronic pain, joint issues, or underlying health conditions.
When you cut open an avocado to make guacamole or a salad, the first thing you likely do is pop out the large, round brown seed and throw it in the trash. For most people, the pit is just waste. However, in many traditional cultures, particularly in Latin America, that seed is considered a valuable resource. For generations, people have used grated avocado seeds to create a homemade liquid rub designed to soothe aching knees, stiff joints, and sore muscles.
This simple, homemade extract takes advantage of the natural compounds hidden inside the seed. In this article, we will explore exactly what gives the avocado seed its traditional power, how you can make this liquid rub at home, and the important safety rules you must follow when using it.
The Secret Inside the Seed
To understand why people rub avocado seed liquid on their joints, it helps to know a little bit about what is inside the pit. The avocado seed is packed with natural plant compounds, including high levels of tannins, flavonoids, and polyphenols. In nature, these compounds act as a defense mechanism for the plant, protecting the seed from bacteria and fungi in the soil.
When you extract these compounds, they offer mild antioxidant properties. When the seed is grated and exposed to the air, you will actually see these compounds at work. The inside of the seed is a pale, milky white, but once it is grated and hits the oxygen in the room, it rapidly turns a deep orange, rust, or red color. This color change is proof of the active compounds oxidizing.
When you mix this grated seed with alcohol, the liquid pulls all those natural compounds out of the seed. When you later rub this liquid on a sore knee or a stiff lower back, three things happen to provide relief:
- The Alcohol Effect: The alcohol evaporates quickly on your skin, which creates a cooling sensation that distracts your nerves from the pain underneath.
- The Massage Effect: The physical act of rubbing the liquid into your skin increases blood flow to the area and helps relax tight muscles and tendons around the joint.
- The Plant Compounds: The extracted antioxidants and tannins from the seed provide a mild, soothing effect on the surface of the skin.
While it is not a miracle cure and will not fix a torn ligament or worn-down cartilage, it serves as a highly effective, natural massage aid to help manage daily aches and stiffness.
How to Make the Avocado Seed Rub at Home
Making this traditional rub is incredibly simple, but it does require a little bit of patience. You do not need any special equipment.
What You Will Need:
- 1 large avocado seed (or two small ones)
- A standard kitchen cheese grater
- A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid (like a mason jar or an old jam jar)
- Rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol works best) or a high-proof clear drinking alcohol like vodka.
Step 1: Prepare the Seed
After you remove the seed from your avocado, wash it gently under warm water to remove any leftover green fruit. Pat it dry with a paper towel. You can use it immediately, but some people prefer to let the seed sit on the counter for a day or two so the outer brown skin dries out and peels off easily.
Step 2: Grate the Seed
Place your grater on a cutting board. Carefully grate the avocado seed using the side of the grater with the medium or large holes. Be very careful with your fingers, as the seed can be slippery. As you grate it, you will notice the shavings start to turn red or orange. This is completely normal and exactly what you want to see.
Step 3: Combine and Steep
Scoop all of the grated seed shavings into your clean glass jar. Pour your rubbing alcohol over the shavings until they are completely covered by at least an inch of liquid. Put the lid tightly on the jar and give it a good shake.
Place the jar in a cool, dark place, such as a bathroom cabinet or a pantry. Let it sit there for at least three to five days. Every day, take the jar out and give it a gentle shake. Over time, you will see the clear alcohol turn into a rich, dark amber or red color.
Step 4: Strain the Liquid (Optional)
After a few days, your liquid is ready. You can leave the seed shavings in the jar, or you can pour the liquid through a kitchen strainer into a new, clean bottle to make it easier to apply.
How to Apply the Liquid
When your knees, shoulders, or back are aching, pour a small amount of the red liquid into the palm of your hand. Gently massage it directly onto the sore area. Take your time and rub it in circular motions for a few minutes to stimulate the blood flow.
Important Practical Warning: The tannins in the avocado seed act like a natural dye. The liquid can and will stain your clothes, bedsheets, and towels. If you apply this rub before bed, wait for it to dry completely on your skin, or gently wipe away the excess color with an old, damp towel before you get under the covers to prevent ruining your sheets.
Crucial Safety Rules
While this is a natural remedy, “natural” does not always mean harmless. You must follow these safety guidelines:
1. STRICTLY FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY: You must never drink this liquid. Avocado seeds contain compounds and antinutrients that are not meant for human consumption. Drinking a concentrated alcohol extract of the seed can upset your stomach, cause digestive distress, and introduce untested compounds into your organs. It is only to be rubbed on the skin.
2. Do a Skin Patch Test First: Before you cover your entire knee or back in the liquid, test a small drop on the inside of your wrist or arm. Wait 24 hours to ensure you do not develop a rash, redness, or an allergic reaction.
3. Do Not Use on Broken Skin: Because the mixture contains strong alcohol, never apply it to cuts, scrapes, open wounds, or freshly shaved skin. It will burn intensely and irritate the wound.
4. Watch for Dry Skin: Using rubbing alcohol on your skin every single day can strip away your body’s natural oils, leaving your skin dry, flaky, or cracked. Use the rub only when needed, and consider applying a standard moisturizing lotion to your joints on the days you do not use the avocado seed rub.