Q. A couple wrote to you that they were taking Certo in grape juice to relieve arthritis pain. Did they say how long to keep taking it?
My mother-in-law is trying it, and says it is better than gin-soaked raisins so far. Please send anything you have on these home remedies.
A. You aren’t the only one who wanted more information on home remedies for aches and pains. M.L. in Santa Monica asked about golden raisins soaked in gin: “since the gin evaporates, is there a problem for someone who shouldn’t drink alcohol?”
There’s hardly any science involved in home remedies but we did have the gin-soaked raisins analyzed. After evaporation, nine raisins contain about one drop of alcohol.
The recipe: put golden raisins in a shallow bowl and barely cover with gin. Allow the gin to evaporate; then eat nine raisins daily.
Anyone who should avoid alcohol should probably not even mess with a bottle of gin. The temptation could be too great. We continue to get LOTS of questions about how to prepare gin-soaked raisins:
Here are just a few frequently asked questions:
How long does it take for the gin to evaporate?
Once the raisins are ready, should they be refrigerated?
Does it matter what type of gin you use?
Can you use dark raisins instead of golden raisins?
Are there any side effects to the gin-soaked raisins?
Will I flunk a Breathalyzer test after eating the raisins?
Answers to these FAQs along with lots of other valuable information can be found in our Guide to Alternatives for Arthritis publication.
Certo is a canning aid used to thicken home made jams and jellies. The remedy calls for a tablespoon of Certo in 8 oz. of grape juice each day. People also put Certo in pomegranate juice or cherry juice. There are no rules on length of use.
