Is Pálinka really a remedy? Here’s some bad news
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It is a well-known “fact” that pálinka is a remedy. It brings appetite on an empty stomach, decreases toothache if you rinse with it, stops throat ache and disinfects anything. If you don’t want to get sick, drink it as prevention. If you are already ill, drink it as a medicine. Hungarians think it is useful for everything.
Is that true? Konyhalál has some bad news. These facts have little truth in them.
Alcohol disinfects. That is true, but only when it is more than 70 degrees. The strongest shots of pálinka are “only” 50-55 degrees; thus, they do not disinfect. And 70-degree alcohol not only sanitises your throat but erodes it as well, which is not very well-recommended.
Does it disinfect externally? It has a dehydrating effect, so it destroys tissue as well. Therefore, it is not recommended to pour pálinka on wounds either.
Does pálinka help to fall asleep? Let’s just say it helps you to lay down. In small amounts, it has a stimulating effect, and in larger amounts, pálinka knocks you out, resulting in restless sleep.