For the past 6 weeks two family friends and I have been running our own “trial” on an alternative to OTC anti inflammatory pills which often do work on those aches and pains but come with their own risk of side effects.
Have you ever heard of gin soaked golden raisins for arthritis? This was a new one to me but I’m always open to trying the safe, no side effect route first.
This folk remedy was mentioned on the radio by Paul Harvey in the 1990’s and has been circulating the internet ever since. It was also highlighted on Dr. Oz in the fall of 2010 as a folk remedy that works.
Did they “cure” us? Of course not but they did help. Not for every ache but for a couple stiff shoulders, a painful hip, a head ache and stiff and aching hands, they made a difference. And they taste good.
It could be the gin. It could be the raisins. It could be the placebo effect (if you believe strongly in a treatment, endorphins, which are our natural pain mediators, kick in).
Why Gin? Gin is made from distilled rye and other grains (so if you’re celiac this remedy is not for you) and juniper berries which give gin its flavor and which are full of anti-inflammatory compounds (menthol, limonene and terpenes). Juniper berries are also high in Vitamin C. Juniper berries have been used since the Middle Ages for pain.
Why Raisins? Raisins are rich in anti-oxidants, B vitamins, minerals such as iron, potassium, calcium and are considered a natural pain killer. Perhaps it’s the sulphur used in producing the golden raisins. Sulphur has anti inflammatory as well as pain relieving chemicals including aspirin-like salicylic acids.
An elderly gentleman had such amazing results he started a company called www.drunkenraisins.com!
The recipe is listed above under Recipes.
The worst thing that can happen is they don’t help you but what if they do? Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
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