Easing The Pain
Happy Thursday ladies. Today, I’m updating a post from a few years ago because I see the error of my ways. You may not be able to teach an old dog new tricks but you can remind them of ones they knew;)
Several years ago, arthritis in my thumb began inching toward excruciating. My doctor prescribed a hand brace and copious amounts of Advil to reduce the pain. The results were not terrific. Some days my entire hand burns and I have trouble using it at all so I decided to try an urban myth that promises great relief. Gin-soaked raisins.
I know that cortisone shots can relieve inflammation and reduce pain, but I’ve heard they may also degenerate the thumb joint, so I decided to not go that route.
Update- I have gone that route.
I have to admit, that shot was an amazingly uncomfortable excruciating procedure and no amount of numbing spray could make it tolerable.
Several years ago, a friend recommended something she swears by, which I thought sounded insane. The theory is that a daily regimen of ingesting gin-soaked raisins will help ease the pain of arthritis. I thought she was kidding but a quick look around the internet turns up many recipes and testimonials about its effectiveness.
It sounded so unlikely I checked it on Snopes, the definitive internet fact-checking resource for urban legends, folklore, myths, rumors
Here’s my gin-soaked raisin recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 cup golden raisins
- 1 -2-cup gin (enough to just cover the raisins)
Directions
I let my raisins sit for 2 weeks, not to make them stronger but becauseĀ they looked gross. Some of my raisinsĀ didn’t plump up. They actually looked pretty nasty so I assume they were too dried out to start with and I tossed them.
Gin soaked raisins are an acquired taste but if they help the pain, they’re worth it.
Update, this did help alleviate some of my arthritis pain so I gradually stopped taking them! Very dumb. I’m back in a thumb brace, waiting for the cortisone to kick in and preparing my next batch of gin-soaked raisins.
Have you tried this?
How do you treat your arthritis?
Thanks for reading ladies and have a great day!
Wow! Apparently Arthritis pain relief is an important subject for so many. I feel blessed that although my Dr.told me about 10 years ago that an MRI and a CAT Scan both show that I have arthritis, I have no symptoms. However, I do have occasional localized pain when doing certain movements that aggravate an old neck/ shoulder injury. I have friends that swear by Turmeric and CBD for arthritis pain. Iāve been taking Glucosamine/Chrodroitin supplements for over 25 years and tribute my painfree movements to that, whether it really works or not, I will continue using it.
I am astounded by the response to this post. It is absolutely wonderful. I am blessed. I don’t suffer with this, but I have read all the comments up to here and I am just so pleased to see such an outpouring of caring and advice. Makes me feel good about the world, and that’s in short supply lately. Jennifer, you bring out the best in people.
I feel so blessed. My readers are the very best, Gayle!!
I also suffer from Basal Thumb Arthritis. I take Turmeric that I get from my Nutritionist. I have also done the Apple Cider Vinegar drink with 1/4 tsp of Turmeric, Ginger, Cinnamon and Nutmeg and a squirt of honey. This will help with inflammation and weight control if you can tolerate the drink. Put in 8oz of water hot or cold. The best remedy has been low dose Naltrexone and the Turmeric. I am on 2mg daily for small joint arthritis and Hoshimotos. Helps with other autoimmune diseases but good luck finding a physician to prescribed.
Reading your blog post and all the replies, what a wealth of information!! Thank you Jennifer for starting this conversation and I’ll be watching for follow ups!!! š
My daughter is a nurse with psoriatic arthritis who swears by Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides. It comes in a white 24 oz tub and has a blue label with a cow sketch picture. She buys it at the Roseville Costco. I just started using it myself, so I’m still in a “let’s hope” phase. It does make sense to replace the collagen in your joints. I’m going to try the gin raisins too!
Thank you Connie!! I’ll try some too.
I recently heard about collagen pills for joint pain, but the cream would be much better. I hope I can find it at Costco in Canada
I think the product Connie described from Costco is actually a powder that you put in coffee or another drink. Really works for making hair healthy.
My goodness, so many suggestions to relieve arthritis! I have osteoarthritis all over, especially in my shoulders and hands. I cannot write anymore. I do not take anything really for it, but maybe an Alleve now and then, but only one in the morning. I will try the raisins in gin. Arthritis makes you very tired and that really bothers me. Thank you everyone for all of the suggestions!
Hi Jennifer, I sympathize with you as I have severe Osteoarthritis and Fibromyalgia. (Both knees replaced before age 60) Anyway, have you tried Voltaren gel? it is a prescription NSAID gel that has worked for me. Also, I changed to a Whole Foods Plant-Based Diet, which has been a tremendous help for me. Best of luck!
I wondered if those topical gels worked. Thanks for the recommendation.
I keep Mason jars filled with things to put on my cereal or yogurt. Drunken raisins every day. They work so subtly that you don’t think they are working until you travel or forget them and then the pain comes back and you know they work. The gin evaporates when you leave the jar cap off the first week. Also in Mason jars I have dried tart cherries along with sugared ginger slices which I tear into bits as a sweetener. Also walnut bits, , sliced almonds, dried blueberries, dried coconut, flaxseed…
So all these Mason jars full of goodies are at the ready as cereal or yogurt toppings. The one I never miss is the raisins with the tart cherries my second most useful for pain.
There’s a spice mixture called Ras el Hanout, which is a Moroccanspice ..that you can get on Amazon. Has tumeric, ginger, cinnamon, fennel, anise, cardamom and on and on. I thought I was only only one who knew this and then saw someone on the Great British Baking Show use it. I put it into soups, pastas, veggies. The one I bought is from Zamuri Spices but have not tried others and will.
One question….Do the Gin soaked raisins need to be refrigerated once theyāve absorbed the alcohol? Or can they be left out in the covered jar at room temperature?
I left mine out. I thought the gin would kill anything, but I’m not sure. Does anyone here know?
Thank you, thank you, Maryellen! Having them all lined up sounds so smart. I think the drunken raisins and dried cherries will be awesome with my Kumquats on yogurt:) I can’t wait until they’re ready to use.
Have you ever gone to a medical marijuana shop? I have not and I do not have severe arthritis but I have heard that there are amazing salves. If I was in chronic pain, Iād try one of those pharmacies since itās legal where we live. And your experience would make a very interesting blog post!
I will be checking it out and share my experience, Marian
https://missionfarmscbd.com/
Relieve CBD Roll-On from Mission Farms in Bend, Oregon
I roll it on my hands every night and massage in. The goat milk soap
from Bend Soap Co and their products I like for what is not in them.
Good to know, thanks Karen
not related – where did you get that blue sequin skirt?
I’m similar to Bette (above with osteoarthritis in the spine) together with a few fractures (sustained a little over a year ago when skiing) so have cycles of excruciating pain and symptoms of inflammation. That said; have found acupuncture treatment the most beneficial for myself as am not a ‘pill popper’ … āŗ…. and wishing you success Jennifer in your journey of finding what is right for you.
-Brenda-
P.S.: On another note and in respect to old remedies; for those who might be experience cramping in their muscles (often nocturnal in feet/calves/legs ) ; a tbsp. of pickle juice works for me. (As not a fan of Dill pickles, I just use that from ‘sweet’ Mixed Pickles or Gherkins.) Have recommended such to others and they agree. (Actually have a friend who keeps a small jar of just the juice (no pickles) in her night table as works almost instantly plus saves her a trek down a long flight of stairs to the refrigerator.)
Nancy
Hi Jennifer,
My son has bouts of gout and says unsweetened cherry juice (the kind from the health food store) helps tremendously. Here in Colorado people say CBD oil helps with everything, I bought some of the balm for my bunion. Donāt know if it will help but itās worth a shot.
Have you tried CBD at all?? My mom is going to try some for her hip issues. Can’t hurt I figure.
Xoxo
Jodie
Hi Jennifer, I have the exact same problem with my thumb joint, so I empathize with your pain. I have had amazing results with a recipe from Peopleās Pharmacy. Mix one cup of grape juice with one tablespoon of Certo. (Certo is pectin used in canning; you can buy it at the grocery store. Pectin also comes in powder form, but is difficult to dissolve.)
I thought it sounded crazy, but the relief was immense. Good Luck!
Hey Jennifer. I have a remedy that has not been mention by other readers….yellow root. This is a Native American remedy for inflammation in joints. I was experiencing pain in my thumb and shoulder. A friend told me about this and after using it I had relief within 24 hours. It can be found in some grocery stores as a bundle of small sticks which you use to brew tea. Sometimes you can find the tea sold in quart jars. For travel, I went to a health food store and found capsules with the same ingredients found in yellow root. I found quicker relief using the tea. I would drink 4 ounces every morning. Yellow root has really helped me.
Wow! Fabulous suggestions! I wonder what the raisins do?
Friends in my exercise class are believers in cherry juice. I have just started taking it. No change so far for my knee arthritis. You have to buy the tart cherry juice. The other kind won’t do it. I also use Bio-freeze roll on. It does work but lasts only 3-4 hours. I’m also researching some cbd topicals. I live in N.Y. so can’t get anything with cannabis. This was a very helpful column. Thanks.
I have severe arthritis in my neck. My dr prescribed Mobic, said it was the good without the bad stuff in Advil. It helps. I also see a Physical therapist who does dry needling, which has completely relieved me of the headaches I was waking up with. Maybe that would help your thumb?
I also had surgery a few years ago on thumb joints of both hands. I was at the point of not being able to hold anything without dropping or spilling. The tendon replacement for the joints has worked miracles. Iām back to normal movement and no pain within a few weeks. Like you, I tried everything to postpone the inevitable so probably waited too long.
I did discuss this with my hand doctor last week and it’s probably in my future. So glad to know it really works.
CHERRY JUICE! I have a coworker with excruciating arthritis hand pain. She began drinking unsweetened cherry juice with ginger ale and it helped her pain tremendously. She stopped for a short time, and the pain came back full force so she knows it works.
Two votes for cherries! I will get some juice today. Thanks, Shannon
I have osteoarthritis in my spine, among other places. My insurance paid for 2 months of pt a year ago. I couldnāt believe how much it helped. At the end they gave me a set of exercises and resistance bands. I am still faithfully doing them every day a year later. All the difference in the world.
I am doing PT for my back and you’re right, it makes a big difference! I wish insurance would pay for me to go every day.
I have been taking them for arthritis in my left knee. They have been a miracle for me. No pain or stiffness. Best thing I found!!
I had problems when I took turmeric and ibuprofen. Iām going to try the golden raisins w gin. They guy at the liquor store said the dry gins have more juniper. I also eat two cups of jello ever day and after several months, it has improved my knee issues. SAM-E helps after two weeks and also helps w mood and liver. Costco and Swansonās are the most affordable – use 400 mg. I want to try the MSM again too.
Theyāre safer and have no side effects. I take Sam e as well and think it helps! Good luck and keep me posted
I have been thinking of trying drunken raisins to see if it would offer any help for the arthritis in my knees. I am looking forward to finding out how they did for you. My Dad, who never drank alcohol when he was younger, has for the past year or so found that one small shot (glass), I didn’t ask if it was a whole or partial shot glass, of gin (no raisins) at night helps his arthritis knee pain so he can sleep. He actually tried the same amount of vodka instead a few times, and it didn’t help at all. He says the gin does help. Makes me wonder if it’s something in the juniper berries, and not the effect of the alcohol. He is 89 years old. I’m thankful he found something that helps him.
I noticed many commenter’s recommendations for tumeric/turmeric, and also ginger, here. I don’t work in any medical field, but I am a user of one of the newer blood thinners. The blood thinner I use had regular advertising that it was not affected by foods, they may have been referring to salads and vegetables. I have since found mention of ginger, and just now when I checked about tumeric/turmeric, I found it may also have some possible interaction with blood thinners. Grapefruit,
and any grapefruit products also have an interaction possibility with my blood thinner according to my cardiologist.
I don’t want to overstep any mind-your-own-business bounds, but I would strongly suggest to anyone who uses blood thinners and are considering using ginger and/or tumeric/turmeric as a pain reliever to please call your doctor and/or pharmacist and ask if there are any dangerous interactions between these (what I always considered to be simple spices) and the specific blood thinner that they take. It’s easy to ask questions, to be safe. I find my pharmacists to be excellent sources of information, are easier to get a chance to speak with, and know exactly what accurate interaction information to refer to. I wish the pharmaceutical companies and doctors would make a greater, more intense, effort to clearly inform consumers about common foods, drinks, spices that may have interactions with various blood thinners.
I hope that all of us suffering from joint pain can find relief one way or another.
I totally agree Susie! My pharmacist is a wealth of wisdom. Often more complete than my physician, which makes sense, drugs are her specialty. My husband is also on a blood thinner and avoids grapefruit etc. I think itās the juniper berries, perhaps in conjunction with the sulpher in golden raisins. I have an update coming out in my experience in a few days. Thank you for sharing. We all learn from each other!
I’m not fond of raisins, but I love gin. If this is okay for diabetics, I’ll get right on it. I’ve already had surgery for arthritis on one foot and would like to avoid it on the other. My husband has already started looking up recipes with turmeric. He’s a keeper.
I was diagnosed with RA 5 months ago. The doctor put me on an anti inflammatory diet. No wheat, dairy, sugar, corn, or meat. I am allowed FIA, turkey and fish. Turmeric gives me an upset stomach. I put ginger in my smoothies. I was on steroids for 2 months before the methatrexate started working. Alleve doesn’t work for me. The RA is in my hands, mostly in my right thumb.
I hope you are getting relief from the pain, Ginger. It can be so debilitating especially in the hand! I have heard that corn and sugar can be a problem so may need to alter my diet.
Hi, This is an interesting topic. I use Roll on bio freeze. it helps my hands and other areas of my body. I also use Great Lakes collagen in my coffee. I buy it from Amazon. A tablespoon a day seems to do wonders. What I want to know is if you combine all these treatments, would it be to much of a good thing. Is that possible?
Karen
I too have horrible arthritis (Rheumatoid) pain from time to time. I learned that I had food allergies and by eliminating the offending foods, I was able to control a good deal of the pain and inflammation I was experiencing throughout my body! Relief for me means staying away from all dairy, tree nuts, wheat, gluten and some of the “nightshade” vegetables like white potatoes and peppers. It’s tough to discipline myself to eat this way but well worth the effort when the pain stays away! You might want to try writing down your daily intake of foods in a journal and then making notes of how your thumb feels each day. You would be surprised how common food allergies are and yet most doctors won’t tell you there is any connection to pain in the body! Good look using the gin-soaked raisins…hoping it works for you!
I think that’s what I’m going to have to do Renita. Gluten free is not enough do there must be other allergies I’m not aware of. My doctor has been of no help with this at all! But my readers sure have. Thank you!
Tomatoes and peppers (and other members of the “nightshade” family of vegetables) can cause arthritis flare-ups. As much as I love fresh tomatoes, it only took a week of feasting and a month and a half of painful hobbling to realize that the correlation was real. So now I limit my intake of tomatoes.
Oh no Wendy! I love tomatoes! I’m going to have to watch and see what causes it to flare up.
Let me offer an alternative to ānoā nightshade veggies, including peppers and tomatoes: I spoke to southern Italians about their lack of large numbers of folk with severe arthritis. They indicated, in two cases, that Italians have always skinned and removed seeds from eggplant, peppers and tomatoes. The acid is under the skin ( unfortunately, likely most of the vitamins too) and in the seeds.
So, buy Italian or ? canned tomatoes with no skin or seeds and prepare peppers, eat your eggplant similarly. New habits!
Good to know! Thanks Debbie
My uncle shared this remedy with my mom years ago and they both swear by it!
Yay! I’m hopeful.