Medicinal uses of alcohol (Yes, beer can be healthy!)

tomarnidhi

Well-known member
We find solace in alcohol in more ways than one. Most of us can relate to the movie Hangover, but alcohol has medicinal properties if used in the right manner.

Today we are looking at booze and which drink breaks the medicinal barrier. Here's a rundown of the medicinal uses of alcohol through history and time.

Stepping back in time


Alcohol was a favoured remedy for snake bites, as an antiseptic, and was also used as an anesthetic too. In the old days, physicians would give patients whiskey shots before an operation.

After the Sars epidemic we have stocked up on hand sanitizers and wipes, but back in the day alcohol was the popular antiseptic of choice.

Jagermeister

Jagermeister is a German 70-proof (35% abv) digestif made with 56 herbs and spices. Since it's a digestif it is served after a meal.

Did you know Jagermeister was originally called Goring-Schnapps? It is a hunter's drink, this is why when translated it spells - hunt-master.

Jagermeister was developed as a digestif and as a cough remedy. It clears out minor cold and congestion. A shot of cold Jagermeister will soothe your cold, cough and sore throat.

Ouzo

Ouzo is an anise-flavored aperitif that is widely consumed in Greece and Cyprus, and a symbol of Greek culture.

Ouzo has its roots in the 14th century monks living in a monastery on Mount Athos. You can mix it with water but it turns cloudy white or develops a faint blue tinge, and served with ice or you can have it as shots.

It will clam you down, therefore good for insomniacs as it helps you relax. It works as an antiseptic and works great for toothaches as well. It is a great solution for decongestion. Ouzo works well when the temperature is high and dry, as it thins the blood.

Scandinavian glogg


Scandinavian glogg is basically hot spiced wine; it is a potpourri of spices and red wine, port, and brandy.

The tradition of spicing and heat wine goes back to ancient Rome and Greece. Different countries have different variations to this wine.

This concoction of spiced wine makes you feel warm. A heart warming recipe for a cold winter's day!

Beer

This drink is an all time favourite for any occasion around the globe. Today there are several kinds of beer and different brands. Chilled beer of different pursuits is gaining popularity among Indians.

It is an age old beverage among the European countries and the benefits of beer are plenty. From beer being a natural hair conditioner to a cure for upset stomachs, it can also reduce osteoporosis. Dark beer works as an anti-aging drink; it contains high levels of anti-oxidants.

Around the world, beer is mixed with herbs like ginger. It's helpful for morning sickness and rheumatoid arthritis.

Brandy

Brandy works as a digestif and is traditionally drunk at room temperature. Distillation as a process was common in Rome and Greece, but this spread to other European countries too.

Brandy is traditionally distilled from grapes but different countries have their own versions like peach and apple brandy.

It is a well known fact that brandy will keep you warm and aids to improve your cold. In the military, men were given doses of brandy to help them last through troubled times. Brandy is also a sleeping aid, anti-oxidant and stress reliever.

Chartreuse

This French Liqueur was created by monks from 130 spices in the 1600s as a health tonic. It is also known as the "elixir of long life".

Chartreuse works as a digestif. But it could be the secret to a long life. If you can get your hand on Chartreuse, expect to live long and prosper.

Akvavit

Akvavit is digestif straight out of Norway. When cool, drink it from shot glasses. What you are drinking is often called 'water of life'. It has been in production since the 1500s and is believed to cure internal and external problems.

Worth the try, isn't it? If this 'water of life' can heal internally and externally, imagine what it can do for you. Try it and let us know!
 
Top