Gin Soaked Raisins for Arthritis?

Raisins soaked in gin are thought to be a cure for arthritis. This popular folk remedy joins the ranks with bee stings, fruit pectin, magnets, and copper bracelets as arthritis home remedies. The gin soaked raisin arthritis remedy indeed may seem easy but the question is, is it effective? There are no proven scientific studies that confirm this cure works for patients with arthritis, but it is not unusual to have a lack of studies backing home remedies. Consequently, the only way to find out for sure is to try it.

Here is how to make gin soaked raisins;

• White raisins or a golden variety need to be used. The standard black raisins simply won't do.


• Place the raisins in glass container and pour gin to completely cover the raisins.


• Allow the gin to evaporate by letting the container set for about two weeks.


• The raisins are ready to use once they have soaked for two weeks.


• Eat seven to ten raisins daily to help relieve arthritis.


• If you do not like the taste of the gin soaked raisins, you can mix the raisins in cereals or snacks.

Different versions of this remedy have been thrown around for decades and there are differing opinions on how many raisins should be consumed daily to help relieve pain in arthritis. Despite numerous variations of this home remedy, many have claimed of its effectiveness. Some may find the gin soaked raisins to be quite funny and weird. How can this work?

While no one knows for sure exactly how gin soaked raisins seem to help arthritis sufferers. One theory states that it is the sulphur used in making white raisins that is responsible for the effectiveness of this arthritis cure. Sulphur dioxide is added to raisin to prevent them from darkening, as grapes often do when they are made into raisins due to enzymatic processes.

Another theory believes that is not actually white raisins, but rather juniper berries that must be soaked in gin. Juniper berries are commonly used as flavoring for gins, and are known to be rich in vitamin C and terpenes. Juniper has long been known for its anti-inflammatory features in herbal arthritis home remedies.

Meanwhile, others believe that the cure comes from the raisins itself. Grapes are known to have pain-relieving benefits which can be used as anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory natural remedies. The final theory is that the only benefit this treatment provides is a placebo effect, providing psychological effects that induce the release of endorphins which are natural pain mediators.

It is important to remember to consult with your doctor whenever adding a natural arthritis remedies to your pharmaceutical treatment regime. If considering this raisin remedy, talk about it with your doctor first so make sure there won't be any unwanted interactions with your current arthritis treatment. As a guideline, when home remedies are considered for arthritis, they should considered adjunct or in combination of current prescription drugs, rather than substitute.