Further accounts of individuals’ experiences with castor oil can be found in Dr. William A. McGarey’s book The Oil That Heals and David E. Kukor’s book The Miracle Oil (both published by A.R.E. Press).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
What exactly is castor oil? It is a yellowish-colored oil that is extracted from the castor bean or seed of the Ricinus communis, a tall tropical plant with large palmate leaves, also known as Palma Christi (palm of Christ). The castor oil plant is native to India, where it has been used extensively to treat all types of gastrointestinal disorders, bladder and vaginal infections, and asthma. In Russia it is used as a lubricant in industrial equipment because of its consistent viscosity; it won’t freeze even in Russia’s severe winters. It is also used there medicinally to restore hair and to treat constipation, eye irritations, and skin ulcers.
Chemically, castor oil is a triglyceride of fatty acids, nearly ninety percent of which is an unsaturated fatty acid called ricinoleic acid. (Triglycerides play an important role in metabolism as energy sources.) It is thought that the high concentration of this ingredient gives the oil its remarkable healing qualities. Ricinoleic acid has been shown to be effective in preventing the growth of various species of bacteria, yeast, molds, and viruses (Novak, A.F., et al., Journal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society, 1961, No. 37, pp. 323-325). Perhaps this quality accounts for its high success rate in topical applications and antimicrobial activity.
Cayce offers another perspective in the following two extracts:
. . . Consider that which takes place from the use of the oil pack and its influence upon the body, and something of the emotion experienced may be partially understood.
Oil is that which constitutes, in a form, the nature of activity between the functionings of the organs of the system; as related to activity. Much in the same manner as upon an inanimate object it acts as a limbering agent, or allowing movement, motion, as may be had by the attempt to move a hinge, a wrench, a center, or that movement of an inanimate machinery motion. This is the same effect had upon that which is now animated by spirit. This movement, then, was the reflection of the abilities of the spiritual of animate activity as controlled through the emotions of mind, or the activity of mind between spirit and matter . . .
1523-15
(Q) Should the Castor Oil packs still be taken?
(A) When necessary for the proper eliminations to be carried on in system; nothing will be found better, for this aids the organs in their necessary overactivity in eliminating the character of drosses created by the destruction of bacilli that will be carried on, and that is being carried on in the system. Do not allow the bowels or the colon to become clogged. Keep the eliminations properly. This is better done by either the diet or by outside influences than by poisoning or overtaxing the muco-membranes of the digestive system, by creating excitement to the activity of the lymph and emunctory circulation, or by taking cathartics or purgatives.
325-43
OTHER USES FOR CASTOR OIL
The introductory paragraph to this chapter mentions that there are other uses for castor oil. In addition to packs, the readings suggest its use in enemas, for massages, and the traditional remedy of taking it orally as a laxative. Here is one example of castor oil in an enema:
. . . we would first begin with small enemas of as hot Castor Oil as the body can stand. Not that this is to be so warm or hot as to cause such a great discomfort but sufficiently warm that it may be injected with a pumping enema—about two or three tablespoonful{s}. Give these about every other day.
1375-1
For massages there are only a few references to using castor oil as a lubricant, mentioning that it might be a bit messy. Castor oil does stain sheets and clothing, so precautions may need to be taken to avoid staining. Some readings mention specific areas to be massaged; for example, “ . . . along the whole length of the cerebrospinal system . . . ” (1385-1) Other readings suggest only local applications, such as on warts, abrasions, moles, and wens.
In the following two excerpts as an eliminant or a laxative, each one mentions another substance to be taken with the oil:
(Q) Should I take the Castor Oil?
(A) As an eliminant, very good eliminant! Necessary after taking such an eliminant that there be either Syrup of Figs or Castoria taken to tone the system without making a strain from the overacidity produced in the alimentary canal.
288-39
Castor oil should be taken as an eliminant, followed by any saline that cleanses same from system—and should be at least three to five days apart in doses taken, see? taking about tablespoonful to tablespoonful and a half at a dose, followed with that of a mild saline the next morning.
The olive oil should be a teaspoonful once each day.
Now the effect of these on the system: We find the castor oil in its reaction is an acid. Hence that of the saline following same to cleanse the system, yet the system needs that of the excitement to the mucus coating of the duodenum, the activity of liver, and the reduction of the forces in the spleen’s reaction with digestive forces, as well as the cleansing of the lower intestinal tract. The olive oil is a food for the intestinal system when taken in small doses. Do that.
195-58
From a country doctor quoted by Dr. William McGarey comes this excellent summary statement of the oil’s beneficial healing effects: “Castor oil will leave the body in better condition than it found it.”
Charred Oak Keg
The charred oak keg is a rather unusual, unique remedy recommended to over eighty individuals who presented their health concerns to Cayce. From one reading to another the size of the keg varies only slightly: a container able to hold from one to five gallons, filled with a smaller proportion of pure apple brandy, described as “ . . . brandy that has been redistilled . . . ” (4018-1) or “ . . . double distilled apple brandy . . . ” (3222-1) or “ . . . pure distilled apple brandy . . . ” (5239-1)—not applejack. Laird’s is the brand recommended today. Fumes that arise from this brandy are then inhaled through a tube or opening on the top of the keg for a variety of respiratory conditions.
The wooden keg consists of oak, with its interior charred or burnt. The charcoal from this inside surface absorbs impurities from the liquor stored within it; hence, these kegs are used commercially to store aging liquors. “ . . . The char in the charred surfaces of the oak barrels is actually a form of activated charcoal which . . . {is} an absorber of impurities.” (5374-1, Report #10) This absorptive property may be the reason Cayce recommends keeping the brandy in this type of keg.
Instructions in the readings describe installing two vents or tubes—a smaller one to assist the air pressure and help prevent a vacuum, and a large hole inserted with a tube of rubber, glass, or metal in order to inhale the fumes from the brandy. Both vents remain corked when the keg is not in use. The inhalation tube rests slightly above the liquid brandy. Kegs purchased today, however, conveniently have for inhalation just one vent or hole that is kept plugged with a cork when not in use.
Directions
