Children Handbook

For the Love of Children
A Handbook
Concepts & Tools for Guiding Children
Based on the Edgar Cayce Readings

Compiled by the A.R.E. Youth and Family Staff

Chapter 7

All of the Edgar Cayce physical readings, with few exceptions, were given for individuals with different needs. This probably explains why there is often slight variation in formula, dosage, manner of application, etc., even between readings on the same subject. Certain products, herbs, oils and formulas, however, were recommended so repeatedly and emphatically that they have become almost specifics for certain types of disorders.

The Edgar Cayce readings, however, should not be viewed as a do-it-yourself doctoring manual. Any of these suggestions in treatment of disease should be used under the supervision of a professional.

A Few Basic Procedures

Two procedures that were frequently recommended in the Cayce readings are castor oil packs and massage. If used in conjunction with other suggested attitudes and methods, they can aid children spiritually as well as physically.

Castor Oil Pack

The use of castor oil packs was advised in over 500 of the Cayce readings. They were recommended for poor eliminations, incoordination between nervous systems, epilepsy, various intestinal disorders, incoordination between assimilations and eliminations, certain gall bladder and liver conditions, headaches, neuritis, arthritis, and toxemia. Individuals using the packs with children have reported that the packs aided intestinal absorption of foods, helped balance energies, positively affected behavior, and improved general physical health. Castor oil packs apparently stimulate circulation in the lymphatic system for better elimination of drosses.

Following are suggestions for preparing and using a castor oil pack:

Materials Needed:

Flannel Cloth
Plastic Sheet
Baking Soda
Electric Heating Pad
Safety Pins
6 Ounces Castor Oil
Bath Towel

Instructions for Use:

1. Prepare a soft flannel cloth that is 2 to 4 thicknesses when folded and which measures about 10 inches in width and 12 to 14 inches in length after it is folded. This is the size needed for abdominal applications. Other areas may need a different size pack. Wool flannel is preferred, but cotton flannel is all right if wool is not available.

2. Pour some castor oil onto the cloth. This can be done without soiling if the plastic sheet is underneath the cloth. Make sure the cloth is wet but not drippy with the oil.

3. Apply the cloth to the area which needs the treatment.

4. Next, apply a plastic covering over the flannel cloth.

5. Place a heating pad on next, and turn it up to medium heat to begin with. Increase the heat to high as the body can tolerate it.

6. The pack should remain in place between 1 and 1 1/2 hours.

7. Cleanse the skin afterwards by using water prepared as follows: to 1 quart of water, add 2 teaspoons of baking soda. Use this to cleanse the abdomen.

8. Keep the flannel pack in a plastic container for future use.

Frequency:

Five times per week for a total of 20 out of 28 days. It does not matter which 2 days are skipped per week.

The Cayce readings recommend that parents pray during the time the child is being ministered to. The readings suggest that parents use their own words with the essence being:

The Father of light and mercy and truth, create in this body that as will bring the perfect coordination of the members of the body itself, that the soul may manifest in a perfect body. 1314-2

Some parents combine the castor oil packs and story period before bed. In many readings, it is recommended that stories be used as an effective method of teaching concepts to children. Presleep suggestions (Chapter 3) can also be given if the child tends to fall asleep during the castor oil pack.

Spinal Massage

The Cayce readings highly recommended massage, particularly along the spine, for optimum physical development in babies and young children, as well as for certain types of emotional difficulties, perceptual problems, brain damage, and anemia. Given by someone attuned through appropriate desire and love to the spiritual aspects of the healing or development, massage was suggested to strengthen the entire body, aid the coordination of nerve impulses, stimulate the blood circulation and muscular system, and enable elimination of disturbing elements. Persons who have used this method with children have reported that it has brought greater energy, aided general health, improved behavior, and enhanced child-parent closeness and love. (See Chapter 1 for suggested self-preparation by parents.)

The massage should be done each day with an oil that is made up of equal parts olive oil and peanut oil. With this procedure we wish to have the body absorb the oil through the skin, so the child should either have a shower, a tub bath, or a sponge bath along the spine with warm water just before the massage in order to open the pores of the skin. The massage should not be hurried. Spend from 20 to 30 minutes daily or longer if it seems particularly helpful to the child.

The suggested way to do the massage is in three parts.

1. Apply the oil to the back and begin to rub it into the entire surface of the back. Begin with just a small amount, then more can be added if you need it. One suggested stroke for this part is a push-pull motion. To do this, you work on one side of the body and finish that before working on the other. The hands are placed on the back, perpendicular to the spine, with the heel of both hands on the child’s spine. Start the movement by pushing one hand forward across the back; then, as you pull that hand back towards you, start the other hand pushing forward. Keep this up with both hands always moving, and doing so in opposite directions. Do this up and down one side of the spine, then move to the other side.

2. Then, work just along the sides of the spine. This is not done on the spine itself, but along the sides of it. The recommended stroke for this part is a circular motion, using either the thumb or tips of the fingers. On the right side of the spine use a clockwise motion, on the left side a counter-clockwise motion. You can either work on one side exclusively before moving to the other side, or use both hands and do the two sides simultaneously. Work from the top of the spine down to the base. (See the illustration for this.)

3. The finishing stroke is done from a position at the head of the body. Place both hands, with fingers spread, at the top of the back onto the shoulder area. Slide the hands down along the back to the top of the hips. This should be done with some pressure, almost as if you were trying to move or squeeze things out of the back and down toward the hips. As much of the back areas as possible should be covered with each stroke, with the thumbs running along the sides of the spine.

The Cayce readings recommended that parents pray during the time the child is being attended to such as when the child is getting a massage. The readings suggest that the parents use their own words, with the essence being:

We thank Thee for the opportunity, O Lord, that we may in some measure meet those things Thou hast given for Thy children in the material world. Let the power of the Christ Spirit, through those promises given, be made manifest in my life as I minister now, and in the life of this body, (name of child), be done that, O God, as Thou seest is best at this time. 552-1

(Note: See also the prayer suggested in the preceding section on castor oil packs.)

Other Cayce Remedies

(Note: Many of these products are available from Baar Products, the official supplier of the Edgar Cayce remedies.)

Two principles of health and healing dominated the Edgar Cayce readings. One was that the health of the body, mind and soul are so closely interrelated that it is rarely of value to treat any one of these aspects without also giving some attention to the state of the other two. The second premise was that, for every human ill, remedies can be found in nature in the abundance of herbs, fruit, seeds and creatures with which the earth has been endowed.

The following Cayce remedies are offered for use with particular areas of the body. Be sure you also pray and meditate on what mental and spiritual attitudes or changes will best work with the physical applications to help the body best heal or develop within itself. You may also find certain of the related Cayce readings or A.R.E. Circulating Files helpful in applying the remedies.

EYES

Head and Neck Exercises

Head and neck exercises, especially if done while walking in the open, were recommended for strengthening the eyes so as to eliminate the need for glasses.

...put the head forward just as far as it will come on the chest, then raise again at the top, bend the head to the right as far as it will go down. When rising again, bend the head to the left. Then, standing erect, hands on hips, circle the head, roll around to the right two or three times, then straighten self. Again, hands off the hip, down again, then circle to the opposite side. We will find we will change all of these disturbances through the mouth, head eyes, and the activities of the whole body will be improved... 470-37

Potato Poultices

The use of grated raw potatoes as an eye pack was recommended by the readings for strained eyes, eye pressure, “scratchy” eyelids, and bloodshot eyes. Using raw white Irish potatoes (fresh, not sprouted), grate the entire potato, peel and all. Spoon up a mound of the gratings and place them over the closed eye(s), then cover each poultice with a piece of gauze and leave it for an hour or two.

TEETH AND GUMS

Salt and Soda

For care of the teeth, the readings recommended using a mixture of equal parts salt and soda to massage both the gums and the teeth with a finger.

Ipsab

Ipsab was recommended by the readings as a massage and tooth cleanser twice a day, to take tartar off the teeth and prevent pyorrhea or bleeding gums. (The cleanser is sometimes available as “Peri-Dent.”)

Apply a small quantity; or dip the finger into the solution, after it is shaken together, and massage the gums; or apply a small quantity to a tuft of cotton and massage inside and outside the gums; upper and lower. Where specific conditions in the teeth disturb, apply a small quantity on the end of a tooth-pick (with a tuft of cotton around same, to be sure) and rub along the edge of the gums. This will be found to be most effective. 274-5

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM AND EARS

Mutton Tallow and Camphor Rubs

Nearly 300 readings suggested variations of the same liniment, to break up congestion and aid circulation and kidney function. For congestion and poor circulation, the readings recommended that equal parts of mutton tallow (also called mutton suet), spirits of camphor, and spirits of turpentine (and sometimes an equal amount of tincture of benzoin) be warmed. The child’s feet should be warmed by “toasting” them before a fire or soaking them in hot water. The mixture is then rubbed on the soles of the feet (and sometimes on the lower limbs), and the feet are then wrapped in a warm towel. Sometimes the readings suggested that the liniment be rubbed on the chest and/or throat area, the area being kept warm after application.

Common Cold Prevention and Relief

An entire reading (902-1) was taken on the common cold, and a number of reasons for susceptibility and possibilities for prevention and relief were given. Some elements that affect susceptibility are excess acidity or alkalinity in the body system, too hot or too cold an environment, psychological factors such as a “cold consciousness” of others around with colds, physical factors such as tiredness or exhaustion, damp feet or clothes (especially in a draft), and lack of stored vitamins. If your child does contract a cold, the procedure is to ensure rest, find the weakness that allowed susceptibility, and take measures to relieve and help those weak part(s) of the body to be put back in balance.

Eucalyptus Oil Inhalant

For constricted blood flow through the nasal passages and/or bronchi (many asthmatic conditions and coughs), the readings often recommended a variant of a bronchial inhalant. Add to 4 ounces of pure grain alcohol (190 proof) 20 minims of Eucalyptol or Eucalyptus Oil, 10 minims of Benzosol, 5 minims of Oil of Turpentine (or Rectified Oil of Turpentine), 40 minims of Tolu in solution, and 5 minims of Tincture of Benzoin. The readings suggested that the mixture be kept in an 8-ounce bottle with a glass cork. To use the inhalant, the bottle should be shaken and the vapors breathed deeply into the bronchi twice or three times daily.

Eustachian Tubes and Hearing

The readings indicated that many cases of poor hearing and ear infections had come from lack of drainage. Sometimes this was due to lack of attention to diet; some readings indicated a lack of attention to preventing colds and congestion. (See above regarding colds.) Other these were complicated by misaligned spinal areas and/or other blockages. Head and neck exercises (See under “EYES”), osteopathic manipulations, castor oil packs (See previous section in this chapter), use of an inhalant (above), strict attention to diet (many more raw vegetables and no red meats or fats until the body was re-balanced), cleansing of the ear, and/or greater attunement with the Divine were recommended.

SKIN

Skin Conditioner

The readings suggested mixing 1/2 pint of olive oil with 1 ounce of rosewater, a few drops of glycerine and 1 ounce of a 10% solution of alcohol. This mixture should be shaken well and used in massage as a tonic, to invigorate the skin.

Scar Massage

The Cayce readings suggested that often physical scars are symbolic of spiritual scars, and that first the scars must be removed from the spiritual and mental self by attuning to the Source and emphasizing kindness and love in one’s living. The readings also suggested gradual removal of one young child’s scar by massaging it with 2 ounces of camphorated oil (i.e., olive oil to which raw camphor has been added), into which 1/2 tsp. of lanolin (dissolved) and 1 ounce of peanut oil have been mixed. This mixture should be massaged daily in small portions over the scar area, using only the amount that is totally absorbed by the skin. It may be continued until the scar is gone.

Warts Compound

An ointment made from the new leaves of the ordinary Plantain weed was suggested by the Cayce readings for drying up infected warts or moles. Preparation is as follows:

...at this particular season of the year [July]...Gather the tender leaves, about the quantity that may be crammed, not too tightly, into a pint [measuring] cup. Then put this into a quart enamel container (with an enamel or glass top) and add one pint of sweet cream, poured off the top of milk. Cook this until it is rather thick. Do not allow to burn. Then use it as an ointment over the areas where these protuberances gather at times--for they do vary. They become as warts or moles that become infected and sore and run. this ointment will tend to dry same. 3121-1

JOINTS AND MUSCLES

Epsom Salt Packs and Soaks

Epsom Salt packs can be made from a saturated solution of Epsom Salt (about a pound of Salts dissolved in a pan of water). Soak a bath towel in the solution and apply it over the affected area. Repeat the packs as needed for warmth for 2-3 hours. Epsom Salt packs were recommended for neuritis, flu, injuries, colitis, infections, digestive problems, eliminations, foot problems, and sinusitis, to name a few.

Epsom Salt baths or soaks were also recommended, especially for arthritis but also for better circulation, certain glandular disturbances, incoordination, injuries, impaired locomotion, neuritis, paralysis, and various other ailments. Dr. Harold Reilly found that these baths were particularly good for relaxing stiff joints, increasing metabolism, and relieving pain in muscles. The baths are usually given daily, followed by a massage. The minimum formula is a pound of Epsom Salts to 10-20 gallons of water. (An ordinary bathtub holds about 20 gallons when it is full.) Run 6-8 inches of tepid water into the tub, add the salts and stir them in completely, then add warmer water to a depth in which your child can soak comfortably, and add a little hot water every now and then for the entire 10 or 20 minute soak to keep the bath warm. Start with 10 minutes and gradually build up the soak time. Don’t make the water hot enough to burn your child!

Vinegar and Salt Pack and Rubs

For stiff joints, sprains, and tendonitis, the readings often recommended packs or rubs of vinegar and salt. ...use about twice each week this combination: moisten table salt (preferably iodized salt) with pure apple vinegar, not having [it] too liquid, but that is may be gently massaged into the [area]...While this will hurt a few times at first, if this is kept up each day for quite awhile we will get better results here. 3336-1

Muscle and Bruise Liniment

A massage formula from one reading (326-5) has come into wide use in treatment of backaches, sprains, strained muscles and ligaments, and bruises and related problems. To one ounce of olive oil, add 2 ounces of Russian White Oil, 1/2 ounce of Witch Hazel, 1/2 ounce of Tincture of Benzoin, 20 minims of Oil of Sassafras, and 6 ounces of Coal Oil (kerosene). Shake the formula together and massage a small amount over the spine or into the affected area once or twice daily.

LEGS AND FEET

Coffee Grounds

The following foot bath was recommended for aching feet:

...each evening, or at least three to four evenings a week, soak the feet and limbs to the knees in a fluid made from boiling old coffee grounds. It is the tannic acid in [the grounds] that is helpful, which can be better obtained from boiling the old grounds (but not soured). Too much of the new coffee grounds is not well, but [use] sufficient that the water is colored well from the hardboiled coffee grounds. Following such a foot bath, massage Peanut Oil thoroughly into the knee and under the knee, through the area from the knee to the foot, and especially the bursa of the feet...if this is done consistently, we will relieve these tensions. 243-33

Myrrh and Olive Oil

When circulation to the feet has been slowed by sitting too long or lack of activity, the readings recommended massage with equal parts tincture of myrrh and olive oil, adding the myrrh to heated olive oil. The massage is given along the lower back area to re-stimulate circulation to the lower extremities.

Callouses, Corns, Bunions

The readings indicated that callouses, corns, and bunions were often caused by the body’s building up of “calculous places” to protect itself from pinching shoes or other irritation. For this the readings suggested:

...Bathe the limb from knee down with warm olive oil. Then apply the saturated solution of spirits of camphor, with bicarbonate of soda. Even spread it on, as a very thin layer, see? bandaging this with a thin cloth (not so that the air is excluded entirely–thin cloth) about the limb and foot...Let this remain over the evening, or night...Then bathe off in tepid water, and rubbing with this olive oil again the next morning, see? Then in the evening, bathe in tepid water, massage the olive oil in and apply again the solution of camphor and...bicarbonate of soda...do not confine the feet...in any shoes...that hurt or pinch the feet... 3776-13

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