Chronic pain, either from arthritic or rheumatoid conditions, affects many people. Numerous pain treatments are readily available. Some treatment techniques, such as injections or prescription medications, can be obtained only through your doctor, while others, such as over-the-counter NSAIDS or aspirin-based remedies, you can get yourself. Some people, though, would appreciate a natural food-based alternative for pain relief. One such currently popular remedy involves juniper berry derivatives along with raisins.
One Alternative
Juniper berries are the small blue-gray fruit of the juniper plant. They are most commonly used as a primary ingredient in gin. Also, the berries or their extracts have long been used for medicinal purposes, including pain relief. Golden raisins are valued in health food terms for their high sulfide content. These products, especially in combination, may provide pain relief for various ailments.
Many claims have been made about juniper berries. Native Americans reportedly used the berries, their juice, and their oils for illnesses ranging from colds to venereal disease, infections, and both chronic and acute pain. Juniper berries are still popular, and are believed to benefit the digestive tract, the urinary system and the immune system. They have a distinct pine flavor, as noticed in gin, and are sometimes used as a cooking ingredient, more so in Europe than in the U.S.
Raisins, because of their high sulfide content, are thought to have many health benefits, including cardiovascular effects and immune system support. Since raisins are inexpensive, easy to obtain, flavorful and healthy, they are a popular food. Combining juniper berries and raisins may provide an anti-inflammatory benefit and pain relief.
Obtaining and Using the Ingredients
Juniper berries, their extracts, and oils can be purchased at health food stores and at some drug store or grocery store supplement counters.The easiest form to use is gin, originally distilled as a tonic for gout. Some recipes merge these two ingredients. One very popular recipe, variations of which can be found on many websites, is for gin-soaked raisins. Although the recipes may differ slightly from each other, they all call for several days of soaking golden raisins in pure gin, then eating a certain number of them daily.
Precautions & Considerations
Juniper berries are known to have a significant effect on the kidneys and urinary system. Therefore, anyone with kidney/urinary tract problems should avoid using the berries or their extract. Juniper berries also have a blood-thinning effect, and should not be used with blood thinners such as Coumadin. In addition, juniper can cause uterine contractions resulting in spontaneous abortion, so should not be used by pregnant women. Fourth, alcoholics, recovering alcoholics or people with substance abuse issues should not eat gin-soaked raisins but should find another way of combining these substances when seeking pain relief. Finally, juniper products should be used only for limited periods of time as indicated on their packaging. These guidelines should be followed diligently. Do not fall prey to the misconception that "natural = safe."
Tags: pain relief, berries their, Juniper berries, should used, berries their extracts, gin-soaked raisins