Q. Last summer you ran a letter from a woman who reported that gin-soaked raisins had helped BOTH her arthritis and restless legs syndrome (RLS). Mercifully, I don't have arthritis, but I do have RLS, so I've been trying this remedy after dinner ever since.
I am most happy to report that those silly little raisins have gone a long way towards moderating the problem for me. I can once again watch a few hours of TV in the evening without wanting to crawl out of my skin. It's usually a lot easier to fall asleep as well. Oh joy!
A. We have been writing about gin-soaked raisins since 1994. We have no idea why some people find them so helpful for arthritis pain.
Last July we received this letter from a reader: “I read about your home remedy of white raisins soaked in gin to help arthritis pain. I tried this and found only a moderate improvement in arthritis pain. But after two weeks of treatment I noticed a marked improvement in RLS.
“Have others reported this seeming cure? I used to experience RLS two or three times a week, but have not had a recurrence since beginning the gin/white raisin treatment.”
Anyone who would like to know more about the gin-soaked raisin remedy or other approaches to leg cramps and RLS may order our Guides to Home Remedies and Leg Pain. Please send $4 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (63 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. RR-51, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.
