Gin-Soaked RaisinsFor Arthritis?

Blog Posted by Jeremy D. ONeal, OHSU Dietetic Intern

Yes, you read correctly! From my aging
grandmother to mainstream media, gin-soaked
raisins are a hot topic in pain relief for those with
arthritis. At first glance, they seem to be a great
folk remedy and tasty treat.
Gin-soaked raisins are inexpensive when compared
to regular medications and simple to make.
But, are they truly effective?


This folk remedy takes a week to prepare; so avid users need to plan ahead in
order to avoid running low on your gin-soaked remedy.



In order to make your first batch (or future batches) simply:
1. Take a box of golden/white raisins, like the ones below, and place them in
a shallow container.
a. Avoid black raisins as they dont have the same benefits

















2. Next, cover the raisins with juniper-berry-
infused gin.
a. Check with the store attendant to avoid
purchasing gin that is artificially flavored
(click the gin on the right for a list of
options, with brand names).

3. Let the raisins soak in the gin until it completely
evaporates.
a. This may take between 1-3 weeks
depending on the humidity.

4. Once evaporated, EAT! For an effect, eat at
least nine of the raisins daily to ease arthritis
pain.
a. Nine-a-day is the number Ive seen most
often. There shouldnt be any harm with
more, however, avoid operating heavy machinery and/or driving if
you feel drowsy.



Currently, there is no scientific research suggesting gin-soaked raisins are useful,
though, this concoction is rich in antioxidants.
1. Juniper berries contain terpinen that can decrease inflammation. Also, the
juniper berrys essential oil (in naturally infused gin) contains more than
100 compounds including myrcene, catechins, and flavonoids. All of these
are antioxidants. Juniper berries have been shown to inhibit prostaglandin
synthesis (which increase inflammation) in test tubes. This is similar to
what aspirin does to our bodies.

2. Sultana grapes (from golden raisins) contain proanthocyanidins and
resverterol that help fight infections and further decrease inflammation.

3. Naturally infused gin contains juniper-berry, anise, coriander and other
herbs thought to have a calming effect for upset stomachs. This may not
decrease inflammation in arthritis, but will allow someone to feel
comforted by this remedy instead of avoiding it due to nausea.





Q: So where did this idea of gin-soaked
raisins even come from?
A: Theres not an exact moment in time
since this is a folk remedy. However, Paul
Harvey, a radio icon in the 1990s,
mentioned this arthritis relief in his one of
his popular broadcasts. From there, gin-
soaked raisins gained public attention and
people swore by them for relief. Recently, Dr. Oz aired Home Remedies Put to The
Test and claims [Gin-Soaked Raisins] work! Drinking alcohol has been shown to
cut the risks of developing rheumatoid arthritis in half. Gin is flavored by the
juniper berry, which contains anti-inflammatory properties... There is still no
scientific evidence to support this quote.

Q: How much alcohol is in the raisins?
A: The alcohol content of a single dose (9 gin-soaked raisins) is very small after all
the gin has evaporated. In fact, 9 of these contains about only one drop of gin.
This amount would not be enough to trigger a positive breath alcohol test. One
standard drink per hour is required to meet and maintain the legal breath
alcohol limit of 0.08%. This means half an ounce of alcohol or one 12 oz. beer,
one 5 oz. glass of wine, or one 1.5 oz. shot of distilled spirits per hour (according
The late Paul Harvey during a 1991 broadcast.
to the NIAAA). 9 gin-soaked raisins a day will not meet or come close to this legal
limit.

References

1. Filipowicz, N., amiski, M., Kurlenda, J., Asztemborska, M. and Ochocka, J. R. (2003),
Atibacterial and antifungal activity of juniper berry oil and its selected components.
Phytother. Res., 17: 227231. doi: 10.1002/ptr.1110
2. Lu, Y., Zhong, C. X., Wang, L., Lu, C., Li, X. L., & Wang, P. J. (2009). Anti-inflammation
activity and chemical comosition of flower essential oil from Hedychium
coronarium. African Journal of Biotechnology, 8(20).
3. Wei, A., & Shibamoto, T. (2007). Antioxidant activities and volatile constituents of
various essential oils. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 55(5), 1737-1742.
4. Jones, S. M., Zhong, Z., Enomoto, N., Schemmer, P., & Thurman, R. G. (1998). Dietary
juniper berry oil minimizes hepatic reperfusion injury in the rat.Hepatology, 28(4), 1042-
1050.
5. de la Iglesia, R., Milagro, F. I., Campin, J., Boqu, N., & Martnez, J. A. (2010). Healthy
properties of proanthocyanidins. Biofactors, 36(3), 159-168.
6. Maroufi, K., Farahani, H. A., & Darvishi, H. H. (2010). Importance of coriander
(Coriandrum sativum L.) between the medicinal and aromatic plants. Advances in
environmental biology, 4(3), 433-436.