Synergistic Wellness

The Alcohol Conversation

The Alcohol Conversation: The Good Side and the Bad

Not all alcohol is created equal. In the past, it served medicinal purposes and beverages like rice wine, specific red wines, and digestives (like ginger or fennel) held genuine health benefits when consumed in moderation. However, the landscape has shifted, and today, alcohol is often produced for mass consumption, prioritizing low-grade grains and artificial flavorings for cost-effectiveness.

Let's delve into the essence of alcohol. Spirits (alcohol) possess the unique ability to dissolve oils, effectively stripping them away. From an alchemical perspective, spirits (alcohol) dissolve the soul (oils) and set it in motion. They act as solvents, much like when creating a tincture from a plant. However, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to the release of one's soul, potentially lowering its vibrational frequency – hence the saying, "alcohol steals your soul," often resulting in animated, exaggerated behavior.

Most plants used in alcohol production today are of low quality, lacking in nutrients, laden with pesticides, and contain other volatile chemicals like acetone, methanol, and ethyl acetate which can lead to worsened impairment. During the fermentation process, various compounds are generated, and poor distillation techniques can introduce undesirable elements into the final product, contributing to hangovers, headaches, and general discomfort.

Compounds that are found during distillation

In the distillation of high-proof spirits, three distinct portions are what we want to look at,  heads, hearts, and tails.

  • Heads: These contain a high percentage of low-boiling-point alcohols and other compounds like aldehydes and ethyl acetate. Ideally, these should be separated during distillation.
  • Hearts: These are the desired middle alcohols, representing the peak of quality and purity.(Boiling it to the point of Ethanol 173.1F)
  • Tails: This distillate contains a high proportion of fusel oil and fewer alcohols, typically found at the end of the distillation process.

Consuming pure liquor can be soul-draining, especially if the heads were not adequately separated during distillation, which unfortunately is what we commonly see in the stores. However, when alcohol is infused with soul-enhancing ingredients like ginseng, Fo-ti, or high-quality grapes, it can contribute positively to one's spirit, rather than diminishing it.

Wines, when fermented without distillation, maintain their soul. Despite the potential soul-release caused by alcohol, they are enriched by the “soul” of the substances used, fostering a healthier approach to an altered state.

For some individuals, they may have an excess of “soul” or oils(Mind, thought, and emotion), so consuming clean alcohol in moderate doses may actually lift their spirits (animation, bright, like a breath) and allow their soul to move from something like stagnancy or heaviness in your being aiding in a shift of perspective. People low in “spirits” but with a lot of “soul” are often attracted to spirits.

However, alcohol's ease of overconsumption and abuse is a significant concern. In 2019, alcohol use was the leading risk factor for disease burden in various age groups, resulting in millions of deaths worldwide and a range of health issues.

  • In 2019, alcohol use was the leading risk factor for attributable burden of disease among people ages 25 to 49, the second-leading risk factor among ages 10 to 24, and the ninth-leading risk factor among all ages.4
  • In 2019, alcohol use accounted for 2.07 million deaths of males and 374,000 deaths of females, globally
  • 10.2% of Americans aged 12 years and older had Alcohol Use Disorder in 2020.
  • 24.0% of people aged 18 years and older reported binge drinking in the last 30 days; this is a 7.0% decline between 2019 and 2020.
  • Every day, 385 Americans die as a result of excessive alcohol use.
  • 83.9% of these deaths involve adults aged 35 or older.
  • Alcohol causes 10% of deaths among 15- to 49-year-olds.
  • Worldwide, up to 3 million people die every year as a result of alcohol abuse.
  • Collectively, Americans lose over 3.59 million years of potential life due to excessive drinking.

Interestingly, when we look to the past, the older alcoholic beverages contained lower alcohol content, preserving original oils and probiotics from the fermentation process. Unpasteurized, they even offered beneficial effects on the gut biome. For example a strong Belgian that goes through fermentation twice has more of a specific type of probiotic yeast that kills disease causing bacteria in the gut. 

So, what's the best approach to alcohol?

One of the finest ways to engage with alcohol, if you choose to do so, is to craft it yourself. Responsible brewing with a medicinal intent surpasses mere indulgence. Creating your brew ensures transparency in ingredients and allows you to infuse intention into the process, never underestimate the potency of intention with your crafts.

Another approach involves informed sourcing. Did you know liquor stores often feature organic wine sections with no added sulfates, and contain no pesticides offering cleaner options? Alternatively, seek out organic and holistic alcohol curators who specialize in such products. For instance, some Japanese alcohols are infused with the potent ginseng root.

While quality alcohol might come at a higher price, your health is beyond value. Affordable options are available if you look carefully, but homemade creations are often your best bet until society becomes more aware of the pitfalls and potentials of alcohol processing.

https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics/alcohol-facts-and-statistics/global-burden

https://drugabusestatistics.org/alcohol-abuse-statistics/

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