Millions of people have stiff, sore joints. Some rely on NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, MotrinIB) or naproxen (Aleve) to get relief for arthritic pain. However, while these medications can be helpful, they do have downsides. These are most likely to show up with long-term use. That’s why many people are interested in trying home remedies such as gin-soaked raisins.
How Do You Use Gin-Soaked Raisins to Get Relief for Arthritic Pain?
Q. I have arthritis in my lower back. Based on one of your columns, I have begun taking gin-soaked raisins. After one week, there has not been an improvement, but I understand this is a short time. Have I got the procedure correct?
Just checking–gin is booze, right? How long do the raisins soak before ingesting them?
I have been taking 2 tablespoons once daily with a meal. Is that the right dose? Should the mixture be refrigerated?
A. We have been writing about this home remedy for over 30 years. As with many home remedies, there are no published studies or precise instructions.
Gin is an alcoholic beverage flavored with juniper berries and occasionally other herbs. Some people report relief for arthritic pain after about four to six weeks of eating nine gin-soaked raisins daily.
The raisins are allowed to soak until the gin evaporates (about a week). Many people store them in the refrigerator, but that is not necessary. The gin keeps them from going bad.
Unfortunately, back arthritis is notoriously challenging to treat. Please let us know if you get a response.
Do Raisins Interact with Prescription Medicines?
Most people never consider that a home remedy or dietary supplement might interact with a prescription medicine. That is why this question is important. We wish more people would inquire about such interactions.
Q. I am taking gin-soaked raisins for arthritis in my right hand and it is working really well.
Is there any interaction with my meds: hydrochlorothiazide, simvastatin, terazosin and finasteride? I have been doing the gin/raisins for a month or two and the relief has been fabulous.
A. We doubt there is an interaction between your medications and the gin-soaked raisins you are using. As long as you stick to the recommended dose of nine raisins a day, you are getting about one drop of alcohol. On the other hand, there has been no research on the potential for interactions, so you may have to be vigilant on how your body is responding.
Others who would like to know more about this raisin remedy or other ways to ease arthritis pain may be interested in our Guide to Alternatives for Arthritis.
Not for Everyone
Gin-soaked raisins don’t work for everyone. The golden raisins used contain sulfites, so they are not appropriate for those who are sensitive to those compounds. It is also not a good remedy for alcoholics or recovering alcoholics. And the raisins must absolutely never be given to the family dog. Raisins are toxic to dogs!
Gin-Soaked Raisin Testimonials
People who do get relief are often as enthusiastic as Carol, who wrote:
“I started taking gin-soaked raisins a year ago for arthritis pain in wrist. After 3 weeks, it relieved all pain … pain which previously kept me awake at night and kept me from doing simple tasks with my left hand. During the past year I only stopped taking the raisins for 4 days, while I was on vacation. By the 4th day the pain returned so I immediately started taking them again. Since taking them, my shoulders and knees feel better too.”
Barbara is just as positive:
“I have used golden raisins soaked in gin as recommended to me by a nurse who had Fibromyalgia as I have. I have used a teaspoon a day for over 15 years and I have gone from major muscle pain to no longer feeling my body unless I get hugely stressed and have a flare up. But I recover in a day.
“I am a support/contact person for The CFIDS Association of America. I have recommended this remedy for fibromyalgia, arthritis and to a lady with a serious back condition that required her to sleep in a recliner, not a bed. After 3 days on the raisins, she slept in her bed 8 hours not getting up to take any pain meds. This is a safe alternative to addictive pain meds and it WORKS.
“The American Arthritis Association recognizes how the raisins and gin cut pain and inflammation, as I called the Portland office. They were reluctant to give “medical advice” so I just said a lady called and wanted to know if she could substitute vodka as she thought she was allergic to gin and the woman at the Arthritis Association quickly responded “Oh NO, it has to be gin!” There you have it. An admission that gin and raisins really work.
“And after they start working, you can go for DAYS without taking them as they do NOT work like an aspirin where you need to take them every 4 hours or you hurt again. Once they are in your system, they work, you can go away for a week and not bring them with you, just restart when back home.”
