should one use coffee grounds that have already been used? Cayce clarified what he meant by fresh, yet used grounds:
. . . a solution {is} made from used coffee grounds; not soured grounds, but fresh—that is, not over a day old after being first used, see? Not the fresh coffee; it is preferable to use the grounds, that have the more tannin in same. Consequently the used grounds are preferable . . . The quantity of tannic acid from this source is preferable to using tannic acid in other solutions to massage. And the massaging with this solution, with the grounds in same, will stimulate the circulation . . .
2315-1
OTHER USES FOR COFFEE GROUNDS
Massaging the scalp with old coffee grounds not only “ . . . would keep the hair colored but it would be effective to make same grow.” (2301-5) This information was given to a thirty-one-year-old man who was having his fifth reading on August 27, 1943.
An insurance agent, a thirty-seven-year-old male, on October 31, 1942, had a similar request: “How may I promote the growth of new hair on my head? . . . ” The reading advised: “ . . . Eat more shell fish; and rub same with a few coffee grounds occasionally.” (2533-6)
For a sixteen-year-old girl receiving her seventh reading from Cayce on April 14, 1934, who asked, “What is the best formula that will make my skin brown from the sun?” this reply was offered:
. . . Sun tan for some is good. But for those that have a certain amount of pigment in the skin, as indicated in this body, to make for variations as to the effect of weather or sun upon exposed portions of the body—made up of the atomic vibrations to which the circulation in various portions of the body is reactive—to get a sun tan would not be well for this body; for it would burn tissue before it would tan. That which would be more effective (if the body is insistent that it desires the tan) would be the use of vinegar and olive oil (not vinegar made from acetic acid, or synthetic vinegar, but the use of that made from the apples) combined with coffee made from resteaming or re-vaporing used coffee grounds. The tannin in each of these, and the acids combined, would become very effective. But it will wear off, of course, in a very short time even—if used.
276-7
Cold and Hot Packs
Pack is the name given generally to a variety of applications, whether the treatment uses a wet or dry towel, hot or cold cloth, blankets or sheets—wrapping either a limb or the whole body—or makes a simple application to a small area of the body. Often the word pack is used generically or interchangeably with reference to the applied treatments, much as the words automobile or tree would be used to cover various types or species.
Many types of packs are mentioned in the Cayce readings—from Atomidine to Epsom salts to grape to mullein to turpentine—as well as simple hot and cold packs. It should be noted, however, that the terminology in the Cayce readings is not always exact; for example, the universal term pack may be used, as in grape pack, when the proper designation is grape poultice. Yet the descriptive terms as stated in the readings’ excerpts are retained as written, in keeping with quoting the exact wording from the Cayce text.
WHEN TO USE COLD AND WHEN TO USE HEAT
How do you decide whether to apply heat or cold to an injury? Sprains, strains, an aching back, a bump, or a pulled muscle—any soft tissue injury—are all candidates for hot or cold packs.
In general one should apply ice or cold immediately to injuries. Cold helps reduce swelling and pain by restricting blood flow, which in turn slows the inflammatory response. Cold also slows nerve conduction, decreasing the pain caused by the injury. As a general rule, if the area feels warm or inflamed to the touch, apply cold. If it feels cool to the touch, apply heat. Not sure? Use a cold application.
A cold or ice pack is left on for a shorter period of time than a hot pack. Different suggestions for lengths of time have been recommended by different experts, yet the caution is not to overdo the icing—no longer than twenty minutes at a time. Elevate the injured area, as well, to help restrict the swelling and prevent further tissue damage. You may also apply a pressure bandage or splint over the affected area.
Once the swelling has subsided (after approximately forty-eight to seventy-two hours), you may begin the heat application, which stimulates blood flow and loosens stiff muscles. Usually two to three days after an injury and following a cold application, the blood flow has begun to return to normal, decreasing the risk of swelling and internal bleeding. The warmth increases the blood flow, opens the blood vessels, and helps the area to return to a full range of motion. The hot pack, then, is much more effective at this time than a cold treatment.
A large portion of Cayce’s references on cold packs actually relates to alternating hot and cold applications, sometimes referred to as “contrast treatments.” These treatments will be discussed in the information following “Hot Packs.”
With the appropriate applications of heat and cold, your healing process will be enhanced and your recovery time will be reduced.
COLD PACKS
INDICATIONS
Cooling neck and forehead during warm sitz, steam, or hot bath; fever; fresh injury (within 24 to 48 hours after incident); hemorrhaging; inflammation; intestinal problems; muscle spasms; old injury that has been reactivated and reinjured; painful areas
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Already chilled or debilitated, cardiac disorders, diabetes, hypersensitivity to or fear of cold, hypertension, impaired circulation, impaired sensation, Raynaud’s disease, use carefully with persons who cannot communicate (such as babies, elderly, or unconscious people)
MATERIALS NEEDED
Towel or cloth—to dip into cold water
Dry towel or piece of plastic—to cover wet towel
Source of cold water: container or bucket of ice cubes to which water has been added
Towel or plastic (optional)—to place under the treated area to protect the sheets
FREQUENCY OF APPLICATION
Apply for 15 minutes every four hours for 2 to 3 days, reapply every half hour for the first 4 to 6 hours (following initial injury), re-dip when cold sensation has diminished, replace frequently (different frequencies given by various sources)
LENGTH OF TIME OF APPLICATION
Less than 1 minute, 1 to 5 minutes, 5 to 8 minutes, 15 to 20 minutes; no more than 20 minutes at a time
LOCATION OF APPLICATION
On back of neck and forehead (while in steam cabinet, hot tub, or hot bath), over abdomen, directly on injured or painful area
SIZE OF PACK
