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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.
Jason
Can you reuse the gin for the next batch of raisins?
Terry Graedon
Jason, we’ve never had enough left over to use any again.
Justin
Why does it have to be uncovered and evaporate? What are you gaining? What’s the point?
Terry Graedon
Part of the point is that you are not consuming alcohol, at least not more than a couple of drops.
Roger
Yadkinville, NC
If I rolled over while sleeping at night my right shoulder would instantly wake me up with pain. Finally, after enduring months of poor sleep, useless pain killers (with side effects), and constant clicking and aching in my shoulder, I heard about drunken (gin soaked) raisins.
I bought the cheapest gin, the cheapest golden raisins, and I almost followed the recipe (I leave my raisins floating in the gin instead of pouring it off.) After a week of soaking, I began my daily regimen of eating 9 drunken raisins on a Friday night.
The following Tuesday morning, (4:30am) as I was preparing to leave home for work, I realized that my shoulder was pain free! I have been eating drunken raisins for 2 months now, and I can sleep at night, free of shoulder pain. Drunken raisins definitely work for me.
james
ontario
i got sick and had to go on med for three months to heal my belly be careful
M. Storms MD
Marquette, Michigan
The gin-soaked raisin remedy with juniper berries worked like a miracle for me on my plantar fasciitis. I eat them periodically and always feel better with more mobility the next day. I eat 1-2 juniper berries with the raisins soaked in gin.
CM
If a blood test is taken after eating the gin soaked raisins, will there be a positive reading of alcohol? Can you take both the raisins and pain medication?
PEOPLE’S PHARMACY RESPONSE:
Nine gin-soaked raisins have about one drop of alcohol. It is not likely that someone would get into trouble with a test for alcohol unless they ate a tremendous amount and drank some gin as well. There have been no studies to test the safety of nine raisins with pain medication.
SL
Can the gin be re-used? The raisins did not dry out as they were soaked in a covered container. I have enough gin to cover another batch of raisins
People’s Pharmacy response: If you try it, let us know how it works. We’ve not heard from anyone else who did it that way.
shirley
can wiskey be used instead of gin & raisins?
BAF
I live in Asia and everybody here uses Black Organic Raisins soaked in Brandy/Cognac. Soak them for 2 weeks in a jar on the shelf with a lid but not air tight. Start taking 9 per day and apparently after a month, all joint pain disappears. I will be starting this weekend, so will let you know.
SARA H. FAYETTEVILLE, NC
The raisins don’t dry out….but the bottom ones do stay more moist, so I stir them every day or so…..
Libby
I have been using the gin soaked raisins for about 3 months. I actually remember most nights. They have really helped the stiffness in my hands. Since the raisins are gin infused, I have never refrigerated them. They are in a covered container on the cabinet where I will see them and remember to enjoy a teaspoon full (or more).
Dee D.
About six years ago when I was diagnosed with arthritis in my shoulder and my insurance wouldn’t pay for Celebrex for persons under 65, I decided to try the golden raisins soaked in gin. I have been on this regimen since then and I must say it works. I have been sharing this formula with several people and they all thank me for introducing them to this pain-free remedy.
Anita
I have no cartilage between the bones of my knee. The orthopedist said the only remedy is total knee replacement. I think I know the answer to my question, but I’ll ask it anyway as I sure would like to avoid surgery. Once the cartilage is gone, does any remedy work?
Peoples Pharmacy response: We know of no way to replace the cartilage, but you will find many comments on this website from people with a similar condition. Many of them have found ways to alleviate the pain that don’t involve surgery.
Sheree S.
I am extremely allergic to sulfa. Does this mean I would be allergic to sulfur/sulfite, too? I wanted to try the raisins but now that I know golden raisins are treated with sulfur I’m not sure I should. Thank you.
Kenneth W G
I am guessing that after the liquid evaporates the raisins always stay sticky and therefore require refrigeration. I’ve never tried fully drying my batch which is a regular store bought box of golden raisins, Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey in a tuperware container with sealed lid.
Refrigerated this mixture lasts me weeks at a time without worrying about going bad. So far I cannot vouch for the effectiveness as I don’t eat cereal every morning – lucky if I eat twice a week. But I can say my lumbar back arthritis ache has been GONE since I started doing this about a year ago…
Victoria
Allowing the gin to evaporate in an open container is the only method I’ve heard about, npk. I place the container in my cupboard to lessen the chance of dust settling in it, and when the gin is evaporated, I put the lid on and store it in my fridge. So, you are eating the raisins with un-evaporated gin, and still getting good results?
Isn’t it amazing that Gin and Raisins are a healing combination no matter which method we are using!
Victoria
Thanks for suggesting apricots, Fred. I’m going to try it. :-)
Victoria
I’ve been using Gin and Raisins for over 10 years now, though I gave up counting out nine a few years ago. Usually a teaspoonful offers the same amount.
I’d had slight swelling in my fingers and pain in my knuckles as well as terrific pain in my shoulder joint when awaking in the morning. I’d had a habit of raising my arm over my head while sleeping, and had pain so sharp I’d cry out when bringing my arm back down.
It didn’t take long when first using this remedy to find that the pain was gone, both in my fingers and shoulder, so I don’t intend to ever stop using it!
Patric F.
I tried the Gin-Raisins remedy a couple of times but to no avail. However, I never tried consuming them just before going to bed. I’m going to give it another try and see if eating them before going to bed works. It’s definitely worth a try. Incidentally, I buy my golden raisins at Sprouts Market. They’re much larger than the raisins that are in a box so when you eat nine Gin Soaked Sprouts raisins, you’re getting a mouthful. Yummy!
John C.
I was having pain in the knuckles of my left hand, which had several broken bones from when I was a teenager. I mentioned it to my internist who x-rayed my hand and diagnosed arthritis.
I said that I was going to try the gin-soaked raisins and he laughed and said to go ahead. I just soaked them in the gin and stored them in the refrigerator and eat 9 whenever I remembered to, which was not everyday.
After several months the pain was gone, and I continued to eat them whenever I remembered because I had them. I have not eaten any for a least a year and the pain has not come back.
Pat
I tried the gin soaked raisins and had very bad indigestion and heart burn. After studying the contents of the raisins I discovered they are preserved with sulfites. Being allergic to sulfa and the sulfites they use in wine as well,I was allergic to the golden raisins. Has anyone every thought that perhaps the sulfa in the raisins is why some people get relief from their arthritis pain? And that it has nothing to do with soaking them in gin?
HLL
I had a friend advise me of the gin & golden raisins remedy at our local Elks Lodge. He knew how much pain and suffering I was experiencing with my back, hips and knees from old author. After eating nine raisins soaked in gin for approximately two weeks, I have no pain or trouble walking, crossing my legs now. I began this remedy approximately four months ago, which is still working for me. At 69, I feel like a new man. Lee
npk
Cover your raisins with gin in a little glass jar-LID ON..you can keep adding to it as they go down. Continue until the gin is gone, then start over.
Never heard of letting them OPEN to the air to dry out!!!
Fred
I understand that it is not known how the gin/raisin combo works. However there is speculation that it might be connected to the sulfur that the golden raisins are treated with. (The raisins are golden because the sulfur keeps them from turning brown.) Also the juniper in the gin is a potential joint/muscle pain reliever. (See http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-724-JUNIPER.aspx?activeIngredientId=724&activeIngredientName=JUNIPER
Perhaps this one/two combo is what does it.
BTW I found a web page where two gin tasters ranked various gin brands. They rated Gordon’s low due to its strong juniper flavor – “like drinking juniper berry juice”. So if it’s juniper you want that’s the one to get.
Also if the sulfur contributes to the remedy consider getting apricots. They also are treated with sulfur. I dice them and soak them with the raisins. DELICIOUS! The tart and tangy apricots cut the sweetness of the raisins. Excellent snack. BTW I take a teaspoon full every now and then throughout the day. No counting to nine for me. This remedy has worked really well for me and my wife.
emh
Correct, they never “dry”, I’ve found this to be true. The alcohol evaporates off and a sugary syrup remains. No trouble tho, they are still quite enjoyable. Been on them 1.5 weeks, so still heading for the month or so. I believe!