An old-time folk remedy for arthritis that Earth Clinic readers have raved about over the years is raisins soaked in gin. The raisins must be golden raisins, which are made from seedless white-fleshed grapes.
Here is what one Earth Clinic reader had to say about this remedy back in 2008.
Posted by Myra (Montgomery, AL): "Take a box of white raisins; place in a glass container, cover with Gin. Cover with a tight lid. Eat 10 raisins a day. (I put them in my cereal) Keeps pain and swelling from arthritis. When I miss a week, my knees have shooting pain so bad that I have difficulty walking upstairs. Helps shoulder pain and overall over body pain from arthritis. One of my students was in a wheelchair, and after treatment can walk with a cane."
Why Does It Work?
Many theories exist as to why this remedy might work.
Sulfur Content in Raisins
Some think it's the sulfur used in the process of making golden raisins. Sulfur-containing supplements like MSM are among the treatments that provide relief to chronic pain and arthritis.
Grapes used to create golden raisins are mechanically dried. They are then exposed to sulfur dioxide (SO2), which retains their gold color and prevents oxidation and caramelization.
Juniper Berries in Gin
Many holistic practitioners believe the juniper berries used in Gin are what make this a potent remedy. When combined with the sulfur in golden raisins, Juniper berries are anti-inflammatory and may account for the reported effectiveness of this home treatment.
What Kind of Gin Should I Use?
Gin is grain alcohol with juniper berries added for flavoring. All brands of Gin are made with juniper berries, although in varying quantities. Many add other botanicals as well.
Avoid the cheapest gins, which are made with artificial juniper flavoring.
Recommended: Gordon's London Dry Gin uses "the finest hand-picked juniper berries," according to its website.
What Kind of Raisins Should I Use?
Only use golden raisins.
How Long Should the Raisins Soak?
Readers disagree on the amount of time that the raisins must soak in the gin. One reader writes that it must be no less than two weeks, while other readers write that soaking raisins for one week works great.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
Results vary. Some people can feel arthritic pain reduced in a week. Others say it takes up to a month, eating about 9 raisins a day to see results.
Instructions
Below are several sets of instructions summarized from Earth Clinic reader posts. Pick the one that resonates with you and let us know how it works!
Pyrex Dish Method
Ingredients
- Good Quality Gin
- 1 Cup Golden Raisins
Instructions
- Place a cup of golden raisins in a glass pie pan.
- Pour enough Gin over the raisins to cover them.
- Cover raisins a paper towel and let sit for ten days.
- Eat 9 raisins a day.
Stock Pot Method
- Good Quality Gin
- 1 Box of Golden Raisins
Instructions
1. Lay raisins flat in a stockpot
2. Cover the raisins with Gin. Use just enough Gin to cover the raisins.
3. Let the raisins soak up the alcohol for two weeks. Do NOT cover the raisin container. When all the alcohol is soaked up by the raisins, you put the raisins in a smaller covered jar. Important note: The raisins may soak up the alcohol sooner than two weeks but wait until the raisins sit two weeks before you try them as it doesn't work if you eat the raisins too soon.
4. Eat 9 Raisins a Day.
Mason Jar Method
- Juniper Berry Gin
- Box of Golden Raisins
Instructions
- Add raisins to a mason jar.
- Pour the Gin just above the level of the raisins in your jar.
- Soak them for a week, which basically reconstitutes the raisins.
- After that week, take anywhere between 5-10 raisins a day, whatever works for you.
Send Us Your Feedback!
Continue reading below for feedback from Earth Clinic readers and let us know if this remedy has ever helped you!
