If you’ve ever suffered from aches and pains that don’t seem to go away with any amount of rest, stretching, or pills, you might be tempted to try something new that’s trending on TikTok: a topical spray made from avocado pits and alcohol.
This tincture spray — made by soaking cut up avocado pits in 91 percent rubbing alcohol overnight — can help with just about any type of pain, one TikTok user claims in a video that has racked up millions of views. “Joint pain, neck pain, muscle pain, spasms. … Spray it on there and thank me later,” the user says.
This isn’t an entirely far-fetched idea. Avocados do contain some anti-inflammatory compounds that have the potential to ease pain — but there’s no solid proof that it’s a good idea to try, says Lorena Pacheco, PhD, MPH, a nutrition researcher at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston.
“There is no evidence, as of yet, to know whether this could be effective to manage or treat pain,” Dr. Pacheco says.
Why Avocado Pits May Have Pain Relief Potential
The flesh of avocados contains several compounds that may help reduce inflammation, including monounsaturated fats, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that support immune health and decrease inflammation, says Nebojsa Nick Knezevic, MD, PhD, a clinical professor of anesthesiology and surgery at the University of Illinois in Chicago.
Avocado pits, also called avocado seeds, may have anti-inflammatory properties, too.
“Extracts from avocado seeds have been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory proteins by immune cells called macrophages,” Dr. Knezevic says. “However, more research — particularly in animal and human studies — is needed to fully understand their potential and determine safe and effective applications for topical use.”
What One Avocado Pit Study Found
While there isn’t much evidence behind this TikTok trend, researchers have done some preliminary lab tests that suggest avocado seeds have potential as pain relievers.
“Evidence shows that avocado seeds contain anti-inflammatory properties and could potentially be used to produce pharmaceuticals,” Pacheco says. But the research to date is preliminary, and there haven’t been any human studies, Pacheco adds.
Some types of avocado oil (made from avocado flesh) might also help relieve pain when applied to the skin, but this, too, has been observed only in laboratory and animal studies, Knezevic says.
Potential Risks of Avocado Pit Tincture
Even though avocado oil and avocado seed extract show some potential as pain relievers, there are some risks to consider before using avocado pit sprays for pain relief, Knezevic says. These include:
- Allergic Reactions Some individuals may experience skin irritation, itching, or hives. People with a latex allergy may have a higher risk of an avocado allergy, Knezevic says.
- Toxicity Because avocado pits haven’t been well studied, it’s unknown if tinctures made from this ingredient might have unpleasant or dangerous side effects with exposure to high doses or long-term use, Knezevic says.
“Given these potential risks, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before using avocado tincture sprays for pain relief, particularly for individuals with known allergies or skin sensitivities,” Knezevic says.
Other Natural Options For Pain Relief
- Heat and Ice Heat can help loosen up stiff muscles, and ice can help reduce inflammation, per the Cleveland Clinic.
- Exercise Too much sitting can cause muscles to stiffen, and moving around more can help ease aches and pains. It’s best to try walking, gentle yoga, stretching, or lifting light weights.
- Breathing Exercises Several types of breathing exercises can help relax the body and ease pain. These include diaphragmatic breathing (inhaling slowly through your nose then exhaling slowly through your mouth) and box breathing (inhaling for a count of four, holding your breath for four counts, then exhaling for four counts).
- Herbal Remedies Supplements like magnesium and turmeric have pain relieving properties, although they can interact with some prescription drugs. Epsom salt baths can also reduce inflammation and pain.
- Integrative Medicine Acupuncture, chiropractic medicine, and massage therapy can all help manage pain.