Q. You have recommended soaking golden raisins in gin for arthritis relief and suggested that cheap gin would work fine. I spent several years in the distilled spirits business. It was said that the cheap gins are not true distilled gin, but neutral spirits (like vodka) with a gin flavoring added.
It might be better to use a real gin containing juniper. It should say “distilled” gin on the label, and is usually found in the middle (and upper) price ranges.
A. We don’t know what it is about golden raisins soaked in gin that helps some people with joint pain. We have heard from so many folks who benefit that we suspect there is something to this combination. It might be the juniper, or it might be something else entirely.
Here are a couple of stories:
“I’m 40 years old and recently started playing competitive tennis. The wear and tear on my knees was causing a lot of problems, especially with my left knee. I was in a lot of pain, having to wear tape 24 hours a day, and having to see my chiropractor on a weekly basis. I started eating the gin soaked raisins I read about in your column and within two weeks I was pain free, no longer needed the tape, and was able to stop seeing the chiropractor. Thanks for the great tip!
Then there’s this story:
“Last fall I suddenly began having arthritis pains in my knees. It was painful and hard to walk up and down stairs. I tried the gin soaked raisins, giving them a 99% chance that they wouldn’t work.
I was amazed and thrilled that after one week I could feel a difference and now after about one and a half months since I started, the improvement is terrific!
I am thrilled and hope it keeps up. I am also wondering if there is a difference in the effectiveness between cheap gin and more expensive gin? Anyway thank you so much for the information!”
As for the question about the quality of the gin…
Thanks for the word on “cheap” gin. The difference is that in “distilled gin” the botanicals that give the drink its flavor are distilled with the alcohol. In cheaper gin, separate extracts are added. Whether this makes a difference in the effect on joint pain is unclear.
The recipe calls for covering golden raisins with gin in a shallow pan. Let the gin evaporate, then keep the raisins in a closed container. Eat nine daily.
For more information about gin and raisins and lots of other natural arthritis remedies please check out our book, The People’s Pharmacy Quick & Handy Home Remedies.
