Gin and Raisins for Knee Pain

Gin-soaked raisins are a folk remedy for knee pain caused by arthritis or rheumatism. Many people are advocates of the remedy, although its effectiveness has not been proved scientifically. Some say prescription medications are expensive and may have some undesirable side effects. Others argue it is much safer to obtain pain relief from natural rather than chemical sources.

History

In the early 1990s, Paul Harvey, a popular radio personality, announced that the gin-and-raisin remedy freed him from arthritic pain and read the recipe to his listeners. The incident led to much interest from those suffering from knee pain and other arthritic ailments.

Recipe

Place one cup of golden raisins in a glass bowl. Add enough gin (which must contain or be made from juniper berries) to cover the raisins, then cover the bowl with a cheesecloth for about one week to allow evaporation. After evaporation has taken place, cover the raisins and refrigerate them.

Dose

Eat nine raisins daily. You can have them at any time during the day, but they are reported to be particularly tasty in morning cereal or oatmeal.

Time Frame

According to anecdotal accounts, it takes up to six weeks to feel the effects of the remedy, so be patient. Unfortunately, the gin-and-raisin remedy does not work for everyone, and there's no definitive scientific study of why it works or why not.

Warning

It is not advisable to try the gin and raisin remedy if you are an alcoholic or suffer from gout or other illnesses that require abstinence from alcohol.

References

• People's Pharmacy
• RecipeZaar
• Third Age

Resources

• Health Central