MEDICATION

     The Edgar Cayce readings strongly emphasize the need to establish and maintain proper body chemistry.  To this end, various medicinal compounds were recommended. Some were commercially prepared (e.g., Atomidine), others were to be mixed especially for each individual (e.g., the various valerian compounds).  The readings' profound respect for the body's biochemistry may be linked to the conviction that glands are spiritual centers involved in the continual recreation of the physical body through their hormonal secretions.  Therefore, the readings tend to rely on the digestive, assimilative and glandular systems as a natural pharmacy for meeting the body's biochemical needs.  Only when these systems were drastically impaired did the readings recommend "outside forces," such as drugs.
     Generally speaking, medication prescribed in the readings was intended to restore the body's ability to heal itself, rather than to treat the illness directly.  In this way the body could maintain a state of health with few, if any, harmful side effects.  Typically , the suggested medications were directed to the cause rather than the symptoms of the illness.  However, when symptoms were troublesome or life-threatening, he would draw upon the full range of medicinal aids, including some of the strongest drugs available.