Gin-soaked raisins are a type of home remedy that some people claim can relieve arthritis pain. However, the only evidence for this is anecdotal.
While many people claim they will work for arthritis symptoms, there are currently no studies examining the effects of consuming gin-soaked raisins.
Some studies have looked at different ingredients and components of gin-soaked raisins and have found at least some supporting evidence they may help with arthritis. However, these studies do not address gin-soaked raisins specifically or necessarily transfer easily to raisins.
In other words, while chemicals or nutrients in the raisins may help, they may or may not contain sufficient levels to have any notable effect.
This article explores what gin-soaked raisins are, possible benefits, how to make them, and other science-backed arthritis treatments.
Gin-soaked raisins use golden raisins and gin.
A person needs to soak raisins in gin until they have absorbed all of the liquid. Once they have fully absorbed the gin, they are ready to eat. The process can take several weeks to complete.
Some people claim that gin-soaked raisins can help with arthritis symptoms such as pain and stiffness. It is unknown when or where this trend started, but it may be a relatively recent development.
The folklore surrounding gin-soaked raisins received a boost in 1994 when a well-known columnist, Paul Harvey, mentioned their use in treating arthritis. Following his mention of the remedy, people began experimenting with the raisins and provided testimonials and anecdotal evidence that this home remedy helped their arthritis pain.
The claims may have some limited scientific evidence supporting their use. Some chemicals and ingredients found in raisins and juniper berries — the main ingredient of gin — have anti-inflammatory effects.
However, some experts express skepticism because the amounts of the compounds a person may consume in gin-soaked raisins are small and likely will not produce the desired results. Instead, positive testimonials for gin-soaked raisins may result from people consuming them during a period of disease remission.
In other words, some people may have experienced results with gin-soaked raisins as a result of their arthritis symptoms naturally waning at the time of eating them.
It is unlikely that gin-soaked raisins will help a person’s arthritis symptoms. If a person does try them and notices an improvement, it may be due to a placebo effect, natural waning, or the effects of other treatments.
Some evidence
However, it is not likely a person will consume enough gin-soaked raisins to receive any benefit. High quality studies are necessary to fully prove or disprove their effectiveness and safety for most people.
It is not likely that gin-soaked raisins have any health benefits beyond the claimed benefits for arthritis. Even their use for arthritis symptoms is speculative at best.
Unlike formal treatments or even supplements that provide dosing guidelines, no formal amount of gin-soaked raisins is standard.
Some people suggest that eating nine per day may work, but this may be too many for some individuals to tolerate.
Before consuming them, a person should consult a doctor about their use to make sure they will not interfere with their treatment or overall health.
Gin-soaked raisins are easy to make at home. To do so, a person should:
A person can consume the raisins once they have soaked up all the gin.
Alongside medical treatment using approved therapies and medications, a person may be interested in trying or adding more natural remedies to their routines that have more scientific backing to their claims. The following therapies may help a person with their arthritis pain and other symptoms:
Gin-soaked raisins likely do not benefit arthritis pain, though some people claim they do. While it is possible that some people may find benefits in eating them, there are no studies on their effectiveness and safety. In addition, some experts believe they likely do not contain enough nutrients to have any actual effect.
Instead, people interested in natural or home remedies could try certain topical creams, a plant-based diet, and exercise to help relieve their arthritis symptoms.
Last medically reviewed on April 27, 2022
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