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True Health August 2003 Physical-Mental-Spiritual Written by David McMillin

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a particularly distressing form of bowel dis- In addition to being a tasty and nutritious ease that afflicts an estimated 250,000 Americans. As the name food, can provide wonderful therapeutic implies, ulcerative colitis manifests as an inflammation of the colon benefits. Grapes are rich in phosphorous, potas- (colitis) in which ulcers (tiny open sores) develop, causing pus, sium, and vitamin A. Grapes contain polyphe- mucus, and bleeding. The inflammation makes the colon empty nol, a heart-protective chemical. frequently, causing abdominal pain and diarrhea. As I said, it is a Grape seed extract, a currently popular herbal distressing illness! treatment thought to improve vision by increas- Ulcerative colitis patients also may suffer from fever, nausea, ing blood flow in the eye’s capillaries, is touted by fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, and loss of body fluids and practitioners as a treatment nutrients. Severe bleeding can lead to anemia. Sometimes patients for macular degeneration and cataracts. also have skin lesions, joint pain, inflammation of the eyes, or liver disorders. The risk of colon increases in patients with se- Cayce’s Grape Therapy vere ulcerative colitis, especially if the colitis exists for many Concord grape juice was suggested by Cayce as a dietary years. supplement to aid in reducing weight in cases of obesity. Grape Medical science provides little understanding of how bowel monodieting was also sometimes recommended for internal disease can produce problems elsewhere in the body. The Cayce cleansing. readings explain these systemic manifestations as a form of auto- Edgar Cayce sometimes prescribed grape therapy for abdomi- intoxication – toxins from the bowel nal discomfort associated with bowel disease (see companion ar- are absorbed into the system. The ticle). In such cases, Cayce often recommended that Concord va- resulting internal pollution causes riety grapes be eaten, drunk as juice, and used in abdominal poul- pathology to numerous organ tices. Although he never prescribed grape seed extract, he in- systems. With regard to cancer, sisted that the grapes contain the seed. He said the action of the the readings cite chronic irritation in the seed is desirable. as an important contributing fac- The regimen for grape therapy in colitis varies depending tor. upon the condition of the individual. Including quantities of grapes and grape juice in the diet is encouraged. The grape poul- Diagnosis tice should be used at least once each week. For acute condi- Categorized as inflammatory bowel tions, the poultice may be used almost continuously until relief is disease (IBD), ulcerative colitis is distin- achieved. Here are some tips for making the grape poultice: guished from the other major form of IBD (Crohn’s disease) by * Use Concord variety grapes with seeds. the location of the pathology. In ulcerative colitis the inflamma- * Crush the grapes and use the hull and pulp. tion tends to be restricted to the surface layers of the colon. In * Place about 1 to 1 1/2 inches of grape hull and pulp be- Crohn’s disease the pathology affects deeper layers of the bowel, tween layers of gauze. including the small intestine, which is rarely involved in ulcerative * Use the poultice over the whole abdomen from the stomach colitis. to the caecum. Colitis continued on page 2 * Leave the poultice on until it is dry and warm. 2 True Health . August 2003 turbed due to the toxic build up in the co- RE: pH of processed fruit juices - My understand- lon. Thus the various systemic problems ing is that processed fruit juices (including frozen) are associated with ulcerative colitis (which acid-forming as a result of pasteurization, and this is baffle medical science) were traced to the not the case with processed vegetable juices. Does toxins picked up and circulated throughout pasteurization or other processing turn naturally alka- the body by the lymphatic system. line-forming fruits into acid-forming juices? Here is an excerpt from the readings I have heard differing opinions on this issue, so I have done some experimenting that describes the aftereffects of infection on myself. By measuring my own urine pH I have found that for me it doesn’t seem on the colon and lymphatic system: “In to make much difference whether the juice is freshly squeezed or pasteurized in so this body we find there has been the after far as pH is concerned. I haven’t tried frozen juices. Citrus juices in particular have effect from a condition existent some time a strong alkalizing effect on my urine. For breakfast I like to drink a large glass of or- back, when there was an attack of what is ange juice with some lemon squeezed in for a little extra zing! Edgar Cayce recom- commonly called flu. This at the time mended this combination as a preventive for colds. settled or produced greater inflammation Beyond the pH issue, it is important to keep in mind that fresh food is almost al- through the alimentary canal, and the in- ways better for you than processed. From a general nutritional standpoint, I would flammation has caused the areas, through suggest eating fresh foods as much as possible. Also keep in mind that fruits (espe- which lymph flows for the colon activity to cially fruit juices) are rich in sugar, which can be a problem for some individuals. have a form of colitis.” (5091-1) Since Edgar Cayce encouraged people to test urine and saliva pH to monitor Another common pattern described by acid/alkaline balance, I would encourage you to do a little personal research by test- Edgar Cayce traces the cause of colitis to ing the pH question on your own body. The way your individual body handles problems further up in the digestive sys- foods may make a significant difference in whether a particular food is acid-forming tem. For example, improper functioning of or alkaline-forming for you. This will also give you a little reality check on all the ex- the stomach, small intestines, or liver can perts who can never seem to agree on such issues. D.M. produce a toxic load on the lower intes- tines. “Overacidity” was common in such instances. Colitis cont’d from page 1 Medical Treatment In other readings on colitis, the cause Treatment for ulcerative colitis de- was linked to pressures on spinal nerves Ulcerative colitis is distinguished from pends on the seriousness of the disease. that govern the digestive system. Im- irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) because IBS Anti-inflammatory medications are the proper digestion and assimilation in the does not involve inflammation or bleeding. most common treatment. In severe cases, upper digestive system led to inflammation In making a diagnosis, the doctor may do a surgery may be required to remove the in the colon. Spinal adjustment (manual colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, which in- diseased colon. therapy) was usually included in the treat- volves the insertion of a long, flexible, When dietary triggers can be identi- ment plan in such instances. lighted tube (endoscope) into the anus to fied, elimination of these foods from the Whether a virus or other factors pro- see the inside of the colon and rectum. diet can help control the condition. duced the colitis, Cayce’s treatment recom- This procedure allows the doctor to see Highly seasoned foods, raw fruits and mendations were consistent in emphasiz- any inflammation, bleeding, or ulcers on vegetables, and milk sugar (lactose) are ing the need to address the whole diges- the colon wall. common dietary triggers for ulcerative tive system as well as the colon itself. Causes of Ulcerative Colitis colitis. Each person will experience the Specific for symptomatic relief Although a specific cause of ulcerative condition differently; so individualized were also usually included. Here is a typi- colitis has eluded medical science, many treatment planning is desirable. Since cal treatment plan: researchers believe that a primary factor stress can trigger episodes of ulcerative * Diet: Cayce focused on keeping a may be some type of virus or bacteria. Nu- colitis, emotional and psychological sup- proper alkaline/acid balance while avoiding merous studies have linked ulcerative coli- port is important. foods that produce toxicity and drain the tis to common infectious agents including Some alternative practitioners have system. The diet needs to be tailored to measles and Epstein-Barr virus (associated claimed good results with dietary restric- each person, especially if certain foods with chronic fatigue syndrome). tions, nutritional supplements, and herbal One of the most interesting viral agents remedies. However, the National Institute Colitis continued on page 4 is the cytomegalovirus (CMV), a member of of and Digestive and Kidney the herpes virus family that has the ability Diseases (a division of the NIH) recog- Association for Research & Enlightenment (A.R.E.) to remain alive, but dormant, in the body nizes diet as a potential triggering factor 215 67th St, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 for long periods of time. CMV is a common for ulcerative colitis flare-ups but not as a www.edgarcayce.org virus that infects more than half of the primary cause. 1-800-333-4499 Copyright 2003 by the A.R.E., Inc. population. It rarely causes major illness in Cayce on Colitis This newsletter is one of the monthly benefits to A.R.E. mem- adults with healthy immune systems, but Edgar Cayce gave numerous readings bers. Membership is $48 per year. To join, see the contact can be a problem for people with weakened information above, to send a letter to the editor, write c/o the in which inflammation and ulceration of editor at the above address or e-mail: immune systems. Studies have shown that the colon was noted. Although the [email protected] CMV infection may be an important factor causes and treatment varied somewhat for in ulcerative colitis patients who do not re- Disclaimer: The information contained in each individual, one of the common this letter is intended for personal growth spond to steroid therapy. Interestingly, themes was that many cases of ulcerative Edgar Cayce attributed many cases of ul- and development and should not be consid- colitis could be traced back to a viral infec- ered as a guide to self-diagnosis or self- cerative colitis to the after effects of “intes- tion (“intestinal flu”) that “settled” in the treatment. Please see your physician for tinal flu,” a description that fits well with colon. The lymphatic system became dis- any medical problems. CMV infection. August 2003 . True Health 3 actions to strychnine. Other cardiovascular stimulants (such Toxic Medicine as Digital, a commercial product derived from foxglove) were also sometimes recom- I used to have a simplistic attitude drew Weil, M.D., has pointed mended in the same readings with strych- toward medicine and toxicity – allo- out “the only difference be- nine. These powerful toxic medicines were pathic medicine is toxic and dan- tween a drug and a poison is always recommended in small amounts, gerous while natural medicines dose. All drugs becomes poi- under the direction of a physician. The (like herbs and nutritional sons in high enough doses, and Cayce Herbal documents many natural supplements) are totally safe many poisons become useful toxic medicines prescribed by Cayce in- and nontoxic. Based on some drugs in low enough doses.” cluding opium, belladonna, and lobelia. of the “letters to the editor” I This concept applies to many me- Cayce Colitis Tonic get from the readership of this dicinal substances. Even drinking too The Cayce colitis tonic, which is based newsletter, I am sure that some of much water can produce toxicity (hy- on reading 2085-1, exemplifies some key you are familiar with this line of thinking. ponatremia – water intoxication). issues associated with toxic medicines. As After years of intensive study and applica- The ingredients of the herb foxglove was noted in the lead article of this news- tion of the Cayce health information and provide one of Weil’s favorite examples of letter, this tonic has been linked to some related alternative medicine approaches, I beneficial natural toxins that are dosage dramatic healings in cases of ulcerative have come to realize that this issue is not related. Although the whole leaf of the colitis. In researching the ingredients of as simple as I had assumed. foxglove plant was originally used by phy- this compound as part of the institutional For example, I have recently noticed an sicians to correct irregular heartbeats and review board (IRB) process for a research increasing number of articles and reports strengthen heart contractions, since the project at Meridian Institute, we became that question the safety and efficacy of 1920s pharmacists have “improved” this aware of a serious problem with one of the many popular herbs and nutritional medicine by extracting the pure active in- components – wild ginger. supplements (e.g., kava kava, ephedra, gredients – digitoxin and digoxin. Digi- Although wild ginger (Asarum cana- etc.). Clearly some of this is an exagger- toxin and digoxin are toxic and can be fatal dense or Canadian snakeroot) has an ated defensiveness from allopathically ori- if taken in excessive dosages. Yet they can aroma similar to culinary ginger (Zingiber ented practitioners and researchers who also be helpful when used properly. officinale), it comes from an entirely differ- are tired of being bashed by the alternative Interestingly, by removing the “nonac- ent family of plants. North American Indi- medicine crowd. But even if we allow for tive” impure components from the natural ans used wild ginger to season food and the politics of these assertions, it seems to plant, pharmacists also lost some of the disguise spoiled meat. The root was used me that there is enough solid evidence to natural safeguards in the whole foxglove for digestive problems and colic. make a reasonable person question that leaf. The whole foxglove leaf contains Wild ginger contains aristolochic acid alternative medicines are inherently safe substances that irritate the stomach. This (AA), a chemical that has recently and nontoxic. minor digestive upset tends to naturally achieved notoriety due to some serious Strangely, I have come to appreciate limit dosage and the potentially fatal con- health problems (primarily kidney damage) that a certain degree of toxicity may be sequences of overdosage from foxglove. that resulted from inappropriate use of helpful or even essential. Mainstream che- Thus the natural plant contains at least some Chinese herbs in a Belgian diet clinic. motherapy is an obvious extreme in this two types of beneficial natural toxins – the Consequently, the FDA issued a concern direction. Some common natural remedies “active ingredient” toxins that treat heart about any herb in the genus asarum (in- may function in a similar but much less disease and the so-called “inactive ingredi- cluding wild ginger) that might contain toxic manner. ent” toxins that prevent overdosage. The AA. If you take medicine of any kind, you wisdom of nature, indeed! Meridian Institute obtained samples of will find it worthwhile to give some The Cayce Herbal wild ginger and sent them to a lab to be thought to the medicine/toxicity issue. I While helping to compile The Cayce tested using the FDA protocol for deter- will provide some pointers at the end of mining levels of AA. The assays for both this piece to help get you focused on how Herbal, an online compendium of the herbs prescribed in the readings, I noticed samples indicated the presence of AA. you can get the most from any medicine Major drug companies face this type of that you take. that many herbs fit the pattern described by Weil. For instance, mandrake is a dras- dilemma all the time – what to do about a Poisons That Heal tic purgative used mostly for bowel and promising medicine with potential negative To be sure, many, if not most, allopathic liver complaints. Due to its toxic action, side effects. The standard solution is to medicines are associated with toxic effects. Cayce prescribed it in small doses and in spend enormous amounts of money to Just pay close attention to any of the mul- combination with other herbs. document the level of toxicity and poten- titude of drug advertisements on TV or in Strychnine, in its various forms, was tial efficacy. This usually involves a series the print media and you will invariably no- prescribed in at least fifty-one readings as of closely monitored trials with animals tice the list of noxious side effects of virtu- a stimulant to the circulatory system. A and eventually humans. Even a relatively ally every product. It is almost enough to few readings suggest that strychnine may high level of toxicity does not necessarily make one question, “Why in the heck also have medicinal effects to the digestive rule out a drug if the potential therapeutic would I want to take that stuff?” Yet, system. Strychnine was often recom- benefit outweighs the risk to the patient. people do purchase allopathic remedies in mended in conjunction with other thera- Probably the most extreme examples of this sufficient quantities to rack up enormous pies to maximize therapeutic efficacy while process are some of the chemotherapy profits (and power) for drug companies. minimizing negative side effects. Osteo- drugs used to treat cancer. The word pharmacology is derived pathic manipulations and laxatives were Unfortunately, it is extremely unlikely from an ancient Greek term for poison. An- advised in several readings to minimize re- Medicine continued on page 4 4 True Health . August 2003 while improving therapeutic effectiveness (the “law of infinitesimals”). Edgar Cayce endorsed the homeopathic theory of dosage in reading 276-5 when he advised, “Give the stimuli to secrete the Massage for Low-Back Pain necessary elements … Hence, more often it will be found that the activity from what is A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine known as the homopathic [homeopathic] (June 3, 2003) supports massage as an effective treatment for low- doses is the better; even of alopathic [allo- back pain. The indepth review of evidence from dozens of studies indicates that pathic] medicine!” In this instance Cayce massage can be effective for symptomatic relief and increasing function among was suggesting that cod liver oil tablets be individuals with chronic back pain. Massage may also reduce the cost of care. taken in small doses in cycles. This ap- People with diagnosable conditions, such as herniated discs, spinal tumors, infec- proach encourages the body to secrete tions, and fractures, were excluded from the study. The primary massage tech- what it needs rather than supplying it di- nique was Swedish. rectly as a medicine. Cyclical treatment lim- Considering that more than half of all Americans experience back pain each its dosage while preventing the body from year, costing over $25 billion in medical treatment and $50 billion in lost productiv- becoming dependent on the treatment. ity and disability payments, this report has important implications for patient care and the future of the massage therapy industry. The study was funded by a $4.4 Application million dollar grant from the National Institute of Health’s National Center for Here are some practical tips for dealing Complementary and Alternative Medicine. with toxic medicine issues: * Minimal Dosage – Less is often more. This is true for all medicines (allo- Colitis cont’d from page 2 Medicine cont’d from page 3 pathic, “natural,” or whatever). Don’t be so impatient to get a result that you in- trigger episodes of the illness. Essentially, that a drug company is going to invest re- crease dosage excessively. If a large dos- the diet consists mainly of fruits and veg- sources to test and develop natural prod- age is required, it is often best to start out etables while avoiding fried foods and re- ucts such as the Cayce colitis tonic that with a small dose and increase it gradually. fined (“junk food”). use an herb like wild ginger. The potential * Cycles of Treatment – This therapeu- * Manual Therapy: Osteopathic or profit would not justify the investment. tic technique allows the body to produce treatment is recommended to Meridian Institute is continuing to pur- what it needs naturally with minimal toxic- relieve any pressures that may be hinder- sue chemical analysis of wild ginger and ity. The Cayce readings provide numerous ing assimilation and elimination. If osteo- the 208 tonic formula in cooperation with examples of how to work with cycles of pathic or chiropractic treatment is not the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia and treatment for almost any remedy. available, the use of an electric vibrator its Aristolochic Acid Evaluation Program. * Synergy – By following the Cayce along the spine may be helpful. The program is intended to develop vali- treatment recommendations, you will typi- * Medicine: A special herbal formula- dated multiple methods of identification of cally use a variety of therapies that pro- tion combining ginseng, wild ginger, lac- AA which will be presented to herbal duce a synergistic effect resulting in im- tated pepsin, and stillingia was almost a products manufacturers and regulatory proved eliminations and decreased toxicity. specific treatment in cases of colitis, espe- agencies worldwide, thereby taking the and manual therapy were cially when the cause was listed as the af- self-regulatory steps needed to protect two of the most important modalities for tereffects of intestinal flu. See the “Toxic public health. promoting such synergistic effects. Medicine” article in this issue for more on A commercial solution to the toxicity * Education – Like pharmaceuticals, this important Cayce remedy. For diarrhea, issue for products like the Cayce colitis every herb or nutritional supplement has a another herbal remedy based on alum root tonic is to substitute nontoxic ingredients range of chemical activity and can poten- was suggested. Beef juice taken as a for the problematic substances. The chal- tially cause side effects. Whatever type of medicine was recommended for persons lenge is to be sure that the substitute pro- medicine you take, educate yourself about experiencing general fatigue and debilita- vides the therapeutic effect of the original possible toxic side effects rather than as- tion as a result of colitis. ingredient. suming that natural substances are totally * Grape Therapy: The use of grapes (typically Concord variety) in the diet and safe and nontoxic. applied externally as abdominal packs Homeopathy provides an interesting * Communication – Talk with your were recommended for symptomatic relief model for dealing with medicinal toxins. In physician or health practitioner about toxic of abdominal distress. fact, from its inception homeopathy has side effects of medicines, particularly inter- * Attitudes and Emotions: It is essen- focused on toxicity and dosage issues. actions between allopathic drugs and natu- tial to maintain an attitude of desiring and Samuel Hahneman, the founder of ho- ral medicines such as herbs and supple- expecting to be healed. A positive mental meopathy, discovered that it could be ments. Discuss minimal dosage and and emotional attitude can be created and helpful to give the patient a substance cyclical treatment options. maintained by focusing on a high purpose that will elicit the same symptoms as the (ideal) for being healed. Attune to the di- disease (the “law of similars”). In essence, vine within for guidance and strength on this amounts to giving the patient a poi- Visit the True Health Web site: the healing journey. son or toxic substance to elicit the healing www.edgarcayce.org/th response. To minimize the toxic side ef- For those wishing to apply the Cayce for more information on ulcerative approach to ulcerative colitis, a treatment fects of his medicines, Hahneman found protocol is available from the A.R.E. that dilution of the drugs (even to infini- colitis and medicinal herbs. (757-496-6411). tesimal levels) tended to decrease toxicity