Is rakija a digestive? An honest look at the popular belief

January 12, 2026 •

3 min read

Across the Balkans, a shot of rakija is believed to aid digestion, with some historical sources documenting its use for medicinal purposes dating back to the Middle Ages. This tradition runs deep, but how does the perceived effectiveness of this strong fruit brandy stand up to modern science?

Quick Summary

This article explores the cultural belief that rakija serves as a digestive, contrasting it with the actual scientific effects of high-proof alcohol on the digestive system. It examines the tradition, potential benefits of herbal infusions, and how moderate consumption impacts digestion.

Key Points

Cultural Tradition: Rakija is widely believed to be a digestive in Balkan cultures, consumed after meals to aid digestion.
Scientific Contradiction: Studies show that high-proof alcohol actually slows down gastric emptying and can irritate the stomach lining, impeding digestion.
Herbal Infusions: The digestive benefits attributed to certain rakija varieties, like travarica, are more likely due to the bitter compounds in the infused herbs, not the alcohol.
Ritual over Remedy: The perception of digestive aid is likely tied to the social ritual of sipping and relaxing after a meal, which promotes a feeling of well-being.
Risks of Excess: Excessive alcohol consumption, including rakija, can lead to digestive issues like heartburn and ulcers.

The Cultural Significance of Rakija

For centuries, rakija has been more than just a drink in the Balkans; it is a cultural staple, a symbol of hospitality, and an all-purpose remedy. It's served to guests upon arrival, used in celebrations, and, notably, consumed after a heavy meal. The ritual of sipping a small glass of rakija post-dinner is deeply ingrained, believed to 'settle the stomach' and facilitate digestion.

This belief is often associated with the potent 'warming' sensation of the alcohol, which is interpreted as the drink 'working its magic'. In many households, especially homemade varieties, rakija is even infused with various herbs, walnuts, or honey to enhance its perceived medicinal properties.

The Science Behind Alcohol and Digestion

While tradition holds a powerful sway, scientific studies present a different perspective on how alcohol affects digestion. A 2010 study from the University Hospital of Zurich found that consuming alcohol with a heavy meal actually slows down digestion significantly, compared to drinking water or tea. Alcohol interferes with the stomach's ability to empty, and high-proof spirits can also irritate the stomach lining and disrupt enzyme production, potentially leading to heartburn and indigestion.

The perceived benefits likely come from other factors. The social ritual of relaxing and slowing down after a meal, often accompanied by sipping a drink, can contribute to a sense of well-being. Furthermore, the herbal infusions in specific types of rakija, such as travarica, contain bitter compounds that can stimulate digestive enzyme release, offering a genuine, albeit separate, digestive aid.

Types of Rakija and Their Digestive Claims

Not all rakijas are created equal, especially when it comes to their traditional 'cures'.

Šljivovica (Plum Rakija): A common digestive variety, but the benefits are largely traditional rather than scientifically proven.
Travarica (Herb Rakija): The most plausible candidate for aiding digestion. The herbs used often have bitter compounds that stimulate the stomach.
Kruškovac (Pear Rakija): Also served as a digestive, relying on traditional belief for its efficacy.
Rakomelo (Honey Rakija): Made with rakija and honey, often used as a folk remedy for sore throats and colds, but not specifically for digestion.

Comparing Rakija and Other Digestifs

To better understand the digestive properties (or lack thereof) of rakija, it is useful to compare it with other common spirits and dedicated digestifs.


Feature	Rakija (General)	Herbal Rakija (Travarica)	Dedicated Herbal Liqueur (e.g., Amaro)	Scientific Findings (High Alcohol)
Primary Function	Cultural tradition, social beverage	Traditional digestive and remedy	Formulated specifically as a digestive aid	Impedes gastric emptying, irritates stomach
Mechanism of Action	Perceived 'warming' effect, ritualistic	Bitter compounds in herbs stimulate digestion	Specific bitter herbs and botanicals aid digestion	Slows digestion, can cause heartburn
Key Components	Distilled fruit (plum, grape, etc.)	Distilled fruit with herb infusion	Neutral spirits, herbs, botanicals, sugar	Ethanol, with no inherent digestive benefits
Cultural Context	Deeply woven into Balkan life	Strong regional variation and folklore	Italian and European tradition for digestion	Based on scientific research and physiological studies

A Balanced Perspective on Rakija as a Digestive

Ultimately, whether rakija is a 'digestive' is a matter of cultural perspective versus scientific evidence. The tradition of drinking rakija after a meal is a cherished part of Balkan heritage, fostering social bonds and relaxation. However, the notion that the high alcohol content actively aids digestion is largely a myth. Instead, the opposite is true: alcohol can actually slow down the digestive process.

The real digestive benefits, if any, come from the herbal additions in certain infused varieties, mirroring the function of other traditional herbal digestifs worldwide. For those seeking genuine digestive relief, a non-alcoholic herbal tea or a walk may be a more effective choice. The best way to enjoy rakija is to appreciate its rich cultural role and flavor, sipping it slowly and in moderation, rather than relying on it for its purported medicinal effects. You can explore more about its cultural place at Yugoblok.

Conclusion: Savor the Tradition, Understand the Science

The tradition of using rakija as a digestive is a fascinating example of folk belief. While it provides a cherished cultural ritual and the warmth of the spirit offers a comforting feeling, modern science shows that high-proof alcohol does not speed up or improve digestion. The true digestive power in some rakija lies in herbal infusions, not the alcohol itself. So, enjoy your rakija as a delightful expression of Balkan heritage, but manage your expectations regarding its medicinal prowess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in many Balkan countries, it is a long-standing tradition to have a small glass of rakija, known as a digestif, after a large meal.

No, scientific research indicates that high-proof alcohol, like rakija, can actually slow down digestion and potentially cause gastrointestinal irritation rather than aiding it.

The belief is largely rooted in tradition and cultural practice. The warming sensation from the alcohol is often mistaken for a digestive effect, and the ritual of a post-meal drink contributes to a sense of calm and well-being.

Travarica is a type of rakija infused with herbs. The herbs in it contain bitter compounds that can genuinely stimulate digestive enzymes, making it a more plausible candidate for a digestive aid than plain rakija.

While some traditions include drinking rakija before a meal as an aperitif, it is not recommended to drink any strong alcohol on an empty stomach, as this can increase irritation and the rate of alcohol absorption.

While rakija is rich in cultural significance and may contain antioxidants from its fruit base, the health risks associated with alcohol consumption should not be overlooked. Any purported benefits are often outweighed by the risks of drinking strong spirits.

Rakija is a fruit brandy, similar to grappa (which is also a pomace brandy but made from wine-making residue) but distinct from anise-flavored spirits like ouzo or Turkish raki. Its digestive use is based on Balkan tradition, similar to how grappa is used in Italy.