They used to call it Mothers Ruin . Years ago a hot bath and a good slug of gin was supposed to help women who maybe thought they had an unwanted pregnancy ! .
Many people find it makes them depressed and tearful .It had a very negative effect on the people when the government allowed unlicensed gin production in the 1700's. So it has a bit of a reputation as shown in engravings by Hogarth .
Have a look what Wiki has to say about it under History .
You still can' t beat a nice G&T on a hot day though with plenty of ice and lemon.!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gin#History