Q. I soaked some raisins in an oblong glass baking dish. All the liquid eventually disappeared, but the bottom of the dish was still coated with syrup, and the raisins were moist.
Did I let them soak long enough? Do they need to dry out completely?
A. We are constantly amazed by the number of questions we receive about the “gin-raisin remedy.” People often want to know what brand of gin to buy, how long to let the raisins “dry out,” and where to store them (refrigerated or room temperature). Others want to know how much alcohol is in a “dose” of 9 daily raisins. Many people want to know how the gin-soaked raisins work to ease arthritis pain and how long it will take for them to start working.
The reality is that this is a home remedy that has not been tested in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. As a result, there are no actual rules. All we can share is what readers tell us.
First, not everyone benefits. Some people say that the raisin remedy is worthless but that they like the taste of the raisins after they have been soaked in gin. They put them on their morning cereal for the flavor. Others say it is nothing short of a miracle. The raisins got them moving when far more powerful (and toxic) drugs failed.
To answer this visitor’s question, the raisins will NEVER become really dry. They will plump up and remain moist. Even after several weeks they will stil stay soft and juicy.
If you would like to read about other frequently asked questions (FAQs and our answers), why not check out our Guide to Alternatives for Arthritis. You will find out about using dark raisins, side effects and how much alcohol there is in nine gin-soaked raisins.
Here are some stories from visitors to this website to whet your appetite:
“Thanks for the tip on the raisins soaked in gin….can’t believe it as I’m not suggestive…but it is working….thanks again.” Flo
“Can you stand one more raisin story? My aches and pains have caught up with me lately, so decided to give the raisins a try. Walked into the liquor store and asked for the cheapest, smallest bottle of gin. Clerk looked at me: ‘Gonna try the raisin bit, huh?’ I laughed and asked him what kind of response he had gotten. He said some thought it helped and others didn’t.. I figure I’ll eat my way through a box and see.
“Have enjoyed and appreciated your comments, etc. through the years.” Nancy
“I laid in a supply of golden raisins when I began having arthritis pains in my left hand. However, as I drink only wine I had no gin in the house and kept forgetting to buy some. Meanwhile, when I ran out of the usual black raisins I add to my homemade granola, I used some of the golden ones instead.
By the time I had consumed about 8 ounces of golden raisins this way, over the course of a month to six weeks, my arthritis pains entirely disappeared. So I never did buy the gin, and I continue to use golden raisins in granola.” Charles
“I have been suffering with unbearable hip and knee joint pain and for the last several years have taken to using a cane. I finally gave up after my sister-in-law mentioned that I had been walking like a person who needed a hip replacement. Well went to the orthopedic surgeon and after viewing x-rays I am a good candidate for both hip/knee replacements. My family and friends know that I suffer from this pain so when I visited a friend in Florida recently she pulled out the People’s Pharmacy article about the gin-soaked raisins and told me to try them. She had a batch made up already because she has started to get the same type of pain.”Anyway, I started taking by taking 9 raisins the night before going to bed. The next morning I was shocked…no “snap, crackle or pop”! I could almost jump out of bed w/very little to no pain. Throughout the day I was surprised….no need for a cane, ability to walk up stairs and to move around with little or no effort. I don’t know how it’s done…but it’s great.
“Now I take these 9 raisins every night before bed knowing that when I get up in the morning…I’m going to be able to move pain free.
“Probably will still get that hip/knee replacement though…nothing lasts forever!
Thanks People’s Pharmacy!” D.N.T.
We cannot imagine that the raisin remedy could start to work overnight. Most people who report any benefit at all have to wait 6 to 8 weeks to experience some relief.
Let us know how you make out. And if you would like more details on the Raisin Remedy or other non-drug approaches to easing joint stiffness and pain, check out our Guide to Alternatives for Arthritis at this link.
