Drunk Raisins

You may have heard of a remedy for arthritis that involves gin-soaked raisins.

The People's Pharmacy, a health-care column that runs in our local paper, has written about the folk remedy for a long time.

When I had my foot x-rayed in November to show a stress fracture, the doctor also noted some serious arthritis in my toe. However, nothing to treat the arthritis was offered. So I decided to try the drunken raisin remedy.

To be sure, I have noticed a decrease in pain in my big toe. But improvement has been most noticeable in my knees, which used to hurt much more than they do now.

So I have kept up the routine of eating a spoonful of gin-soaked raisins one time each day.

Here is how I make them:

First, you need golden raisins and gin. I have read that there are different types of gin, some of which is really vodka. You need the real gin. I always ask at the liquor store, and they generally recommend Seagram's. They say that is what most people use for gin-soaked raisins. I have tried a couple other brands and so far I haven't really noticed a difference.

The raisin on the left is a sober raisin. The one on the right is plump from soaking in gin. I imagine it is pretty high.

I pour gin into a dish until the raisins are covered. Then I cover it with a dish towel or paper towels. I let it sit until the liquid evaporates, and I stir it once or twice day. The evaporation usually takes about three days, give or take a little humidity.

The raisins are fatter after they have soaked in the gin. I store the drunk raisins in an air-tight container.

Do not soak the raisins in the air-tight container as the gin will not evaporate. If you can taste the gin, then the evaporation process has not been going on long enough.

I would not advise eating gin-soaked raisins if one has alcoholic tendencies or problems with addiction.

Also consult with your doctor if you are taking medications of any kind.