Rakiya is the cure for everything, I've heard!
Drink it hot to prevent getting the "grip".
Put it in your ears if you get an ear infection.
Soak a cloth in rakiya and put it on your neck if it's stiff.
I've seen all of the above. In fact, someone wrote a satirical piece in the Peace Corps "unofficial" newsletter on rakiya curing venereal diseases! I haven't needed to try that one yet. :)