Article first appeared in October 2004 issue of Prediction Magazine

On numerous occasions I have been asked to explain about the use of castor oil packs. So I hope this information will be helpful to anyone seeking an alternative way of healing.

I have been familiar with Edgar Cayce’s readings for many years on a variety of mystical, psychic and spiritual subjects too numerous to mention here. Cayce was a simple man with an astonishing gift. He was able, at will, to go into a deep hypnotic trance and prescribe medical treatments for people with all types of illnesses, some of them life-threatening.

Cayce was also what is known today as a “medical intuitive.” He was most interested in helping the body return to a normal balanced state, which he said, in turn, would promote self healing. In his readings there were many instances where he recommended the use of castor oil packs to facilitate this process.

What I find most fascinating is that all parts of the castor plant are extremely poisonous to eat, but when the oil is extracted from the seed of the Ricinus communis plant, the poison remains in the seed, and it becomes “the oil that heals”, known also by the name of palma Christi, or palm of Christ, probably due to its remarkable healing powers.

Cayce described many different physiological functions that were improved through the use of topically applied castor oil packs. The packs were used on a variety of problems i.e. hernias, constipation, arthritis, gall stones, adrenals, and sluggish liver to name but a few.

One time when my mother had fractured her back due to severe osteoporosis, she was prescribed very strong painkillers, during her ten day stay in the hospital. I remembered the information I had read in Edgar Cayce and the Palma Christi, by William A. McGarey. So on her return home; I proceeded, with her permission, to very gently apply castor oil packs to her back.

After the very first application she no longer required the painkillers and after using the packs for three consecutive days per week for several weeks, we then changed to a maintenance program of once a week. This kept her spine more flexible and supple. In fact she actually looked forward to her castor oil day and found it extremely relaxing.

The Cayce readings talked a lot about Peyer’s patches. These lymphatic patches were discovered by Johann Conrad Peyer, a Swiss naturalist and anatomist in 1677. They are also known as aggregated lymphatic nodules and are found in the lining of the small intestine, which is part of the immune system. The Cayce readings view Peyer’s patches as being associated with longevity and maintenance of good health. The readings suggest putting a castor oil pack over the abdomen to rejuvenate these glands, which in turn will enhance the function of the thymus gland, revitalizing the entire body.

To have a desire to use the oil in the first place is working from, as Cayce called it, “a castor oil state of consciousness.” It does not negate the use of allopathic drugs, but enhances and speeds up the recuperative process and that “healing of any nature is a new consciousness in the cell or organ which leads towards a oneness with the Creative Forces of the Universe”. This change of perception arouses and activates the cells into a new pattern of recognition.

Brain waves resonate at different cycles per second and in its regular waking state the brain normally resonates at the level of beta, with the brain vibrating at about 20 cycles per second, which helps us to operate consciously in the world. When we become more relaxed we resonate at alpha, between 7 and 14 cps, which is a calmer more receptive state of mind. Alpha acts as a bridge between beta and theta, the conscious and the subconscious, enabling us to bring forth information from a place of deep knowing, and giving us access to the creative and wiser parts of our nature often buried deep in our psyches.

Gamma brain waves are the fastest brainwave frequency. They may be linked with feelings of love and compassion, as reported by experienced meditators, such as monks and nuns. They are also associated with peak concentration and high levels of cognitive functioning, such as being “in the zone.” The gamma wave originates in the thalamus and moves from the back to the front of the brain at about 40 cycles per second. This rapid  action makes the gamma state one of peak mental and physical performance. Brainwave frequency patterns of over 100 cps are sometimes called “Hyper-Gamma” states. More recently, researchers of ecstatic states of consciousness have reported brainwave frequencies of 200 cps, now called “Lambda” brainwave states. These Hyper-Gamma and Lambda states are associated with energy healing, shamanic, or mystical experiences.

I feel it is very important to emphasize here that certain people need assistance and sometimes professional help in deciphering material that arises from the subconscious, as meditation and altered states can often cause repressed emotions and deep seated fears to surface, so these issues need to be addressed before moving on.

A speedy means of activating alpha is to close the eyes and gently raise them upwards, completely relaxing the tongue, while taking slower and deeper breaths. The average number of breaths per minute is anything from twelve to eighteen or more. So to consciously slow down the breathing to between five and ten breaths a minute will reduce beta brainwave activity and allow alpha to be activated.

For true healing to take place there needs to be a synthesis of all brainwave activity , whether it happens spontaneously, by intention or by meditative practices.

The technique of slowing the breath is only a tool to take you to this quiet place within, where you can surrender and let all resistance fall away and align yourself with the source. With practice we can keep this channel open on a permanent basis and come from a peaceful place of fearlessness and courage, knowing we can remain open to all the wonderful possibilities in life.

One time during a very stressful period in my life, my adrenals had become quite exhausted and I was tired and underweight. Nothing the doctors gave me alleviated my tiredness or helped me gain weight. Having read about Cayce’s rejuvenation of the physical body through the use of castor oil packs I applied a pack on my stomach and began to completely relax by taking slow even breaths until gradually I felt myself shift into a peaceful altered state.

I continued with this treatment for three to four consecutive days every week, combining it with twice monthly Jin Shin Jyutsu treatments, (an ancient hands on healing technique) while taking Chinese herbs to nourish the kidneys.

I noticed I was becoming far more relaxed for longer and longer periods. I knew my adrenals were becoming stronger because I began to have a feeling of well being throughout the day.

My dramatic energy losses ceased and my weight stabilized. Over a period of several months I was back in balance. Based on this experience I now treat myself to a castor oil pack every month or so.

As Cayce so aptly put it, “Know that all strength, all healing of every nature is the changing of the vibrations within, the attuning of the divine within the living tissue of a body to creative energies. This alone is healing.”

Cautionary Note: Any person suffering from depression, epilepsy or any mental disorder must consult with their doctor or therapist before attempting any of these breathing exercises.

Instructions for Castor Oil Pack:

• 4 Pieces of Wool Flannel
• Plastic Sheet
• Electrical Heating Pad
• Towel

Soak the wool flannel in castor oil, until thoroughly saturated, but not dripping with oil. Apply the four layers of wool flannel to the area of the body that needs treatment. Cover the flannel with a plastic sheet, or large plastic bag. Then place the heating pad on top of the plastic sheet and keep the heat on low at first, gradually turning it up to medium. Do not have the heat so high that it will burn the skin. Finally wrap a bath towel over the treated area to keep the heat in.

The pack can stay in place from 45 minutes to an hour and a half, and the skin can be cleansed with a solution of baking soda and water. The amount used is two teaspoons to a quart of warm water. The flannel pack can be used up to 50 times. Each person should have their own pack. Keep in a plastic container in the fridge. The pack should be warmed up before application. So, relax and enjoy.

Note: Please check with your medical doctor before trying any of the remedies recommended in this article.

The Official Worldwide Supplier of Edgar Cayce’s Healthcare products is: www.baar.com

Toll Free: 1-800-269-2502   For Customer Support: 610-873-4591

The Baar complete Castor Oil Pack Kit includes: Castor Oil, Wool Flannel, Electrical Heating Pad, Castor Wash

RECOMMENDED READING:

For Health Through Drugless Therapy by Harold J. Reilly and Ruth Hagy Brod, A.R.E. Press, Virginia Beach, VA

The Oil That Heals: A Physican’s Success with Castor Oil Treatments by William A. McGarey, M.D., A.R.E. Press, Virginia Beach, VA