Rakia is one of the most versatile of spirits and other then enjoying the unique taste and effect of the drink with family and friends on countless occasions it is used as a cure for various illnesses.
Having first arrived in Bulgaria in 2005 there is always a new use for rakia in the medicine cupboard - and they all work!
Hangover
It has been said that rakia is a cure for hangovers. Don't believe one word of it, this is an old wives' tale. All it does is nullify your original hangover and give yo another on later on. I know having tried it many moons ago.
Muscular Aches and Pains
I found out about this on this year and it works a treat having strain my right shoulder chopping wood. Simple mix around 200 ml of very strong rakia (60%-80%) with 6-8 small hot chillies peppers and a good dose of freshly ground black pepper and let sit in a screw topped jar for a week. The black concoction should be applied with a cotton pad and massaged in the sore area, preferably just before you go to bed. Works wonderfully!
Sore Throat
Sore throats is something I used to get regularly in the UK, but rarely in Bulgaria. Even so, when that time of a sore throat does appear, it is quickly soothed by a combination of honey and rakia. pure honey and homemade rakia heated up and drunk. this is a short term and immediate cure. An overnight cure is to soak rakia in a flannel and rap it around the back of your neck overnight. Morning brings relief and thanks to the wonderful world of Balkan magic tricks.
Oral Pain/Toothache
Rakia acts as a disinfectant which in turn can ease toothaches, mouth ulcers and many other oral ailments. Gurgling rakia can reduce pain by numbing the area albeit for a temporary while leading up to the trip to the dentist. However don't turn up to the dentist drunk, just gurgle don't swallow!
Infected wounds
Ordinary homemade rakia with an alcohol content of around 40% strength has anti-inflammatory properties and this is ideal for treating wounds and skin infections. Apply the rakia via a cotton wool soaked pad (womens' make up pads) and dab the area infected. The stinging is a sure sign that it is working and a short lived suffering for the long term benefit.
Temperature/Fever
A mix of chestnut infused rakia is used as an oil to use whilst massaging to bring the fever down works well. A very simple trick which will help bring you back to normal temperature and help rid you of the fever.
All said and done I hope you are not called to use these remedies, but rest assured rakia will come to your aid if you do.
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