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The Cayce Herbal 
 A Comprehensive Guide to the  
Botanical Medicine of Edgar Cayce
 
Turpentine
 
Botanical Name: Pinus  palustris and several other species and varieties of Pinus are the chief herbal sources of turpentine.
 
Common Names and Synonyms: Turp, oil of turpentine, turpentine, gum turpentine, gum thus, turpentine oil, turpentine balsam

Background: This aromatic oil comes from pine trees that are tapped for resin.  The crude resin is collected and distilled to obtain oil of turpentine.  The oil is useful as a topical antiseptic for rheumatic and neuralgic ailments.  Internally, it is used as an expectorant for excessive mucus.

Oil of Turpentine in the Cayce Readings

  • Turpentine and related substances are mentioned in over 700 readings for a variety of conditions.
    • The intended action of oil of turpentine in a tonic was to assist the organs of digestion and increase eliminations from the hepatic circulation.
    • As an ingredient in an inhalant, oil of turpentine was usually combined with eucalyptol and benzoin as an antiseptic for the respiratory system.
    • Oil of turpentine was combined with camphor and mutton tallow as a warm compress placed over the kidney area.  Its  intended action was to ease kidney pain and  to increase eliminations from the kidneys.  The stupes or compresses, though most often applied to the kidney area, were also applied over the pubic area if there was bladder pain.
    • A piece of pine resin, about the size of a small pea, held in the mouth, was recommended to ease bladder stricture and speed up eliminations.
Cayce Quotes on Turpentine and Related Substances

1208-10
(Q)  As we were unable to get the Oil of Turp, may anything be substituted?
(A)  The Oil of Turpentine will be all right; though it is not so good as the Turp.

5618-4
      Rectified Oil of Turp, active principle to the excretory system, especially in liver and in kidneys, that MUST give the proper elimination, would the body be bettered.

379-2
    When there is the heaviness across the lower portion of the back, or just below the kidney area and over the organs of the pelvis area, we would apply the saturated solution of Epsom Salts.
    We would add to each half pound (of salts, see, before it is dissolved) about ten to fifteen drops of turpentine.  Then heat this, to be sure, so that it makes for the relaxing of  the area and produces - with the addition of the turp - an active force in the adrenal and the bladder, and the kidneys themselves.

983-1
    To 1 teaspoonful of simple syrup, add:

                  Tincture of Benzoin................1 minim,
                  Rectified Oil of Turp..............1 minim,
                  Canadian Balsam...................1/2 minim,
                  Oil of Eucalyptus....................1/2 minim.

    Put these in the simple syrup in the order given, for their combination makes for a difference in the reaction.
    This taken internally will aid as an antiseptic, as an expectorant, as an active force on the organs of the digestion; especially through the liver, duodenum and pancreas, making also the tendency to increase eliminations through the activity of the kidneys.

243-30
    The inhalant we would use in these proportions, and in this manner; and have so prepared as to have a vent into the solution as it is inhaled, see?  but both openings to be kept corked when not in use, and very tightly:
    To 4 ounces of Pure Grain Alcohol, in an eight ounce container, add in the order  named:

                  Oil of Eucalyptus............................20 minims,
                  Compound Tincture of Benzoin.......15 minims,
                  Rectified Creosote..........................5 minims,
                  Oil of Turpentine.............................5 minims.

    Keep this where it may be used several times each day, especially when there is any irritation or soreness or feeling of irritation through activity or the like.

2335-1
    Keep the intestinal tract active; not SO active as to be diarrheic in its nature, but keep rather an equal balance between the liver and the kidneys.  There will be the natural tendency, with as MUCH of the turp as is to be inhaled, of an activity of the kidneys, but this will act as a diuretic for the membranes of the system in cleansing same, so that there  will be the tendency of keeping the system more alkalin in its activity.

5147-1
    First, we would have prepared an inhalant.  Take at least a six to eight ounce container, preferably a large mouth bottle.  Prepare this so there are two vents in the cork of the bottle, which may themselves be corked, so that neither of these vents extends into the solution.  For only the fumes or gases, which are formed by the combination of that which will be placed in same, are to be inhaled into the nostril; and the effect is then through this gas from same to the anteroom, throat and the soft tissue of the face and head. Put, then, into the container first, four ounces of pure  grain alcohol.
    Then add, in the order named:

                  Oil of Eucalyptus...........................30 minims,
                  Rectified Oil of Turpentine.............10 minims,
                  Compound Tincture of Benzoin......20 minims,
                  Oil of Pine Needles........................5 minims,
                  Tolu in Solution..............................15 minims.

    These will be suspended in the alcohol.  Shaking together and then removing both of the small corks, inhale deeply into the nostril.  This will also go into the trachea and bronchi, and it will relieve those tensions, acting as not only an antiseptic, but as an allaying of the inflammation which tends to affect also the soft tissue, and those tendencies towards the conditions indicated.

4854-1
    As an inhalant - for the condition in nostril and throat and bronchials (this used only as a cleanser and to prevent infection through cold or congestion that may arise in the system):  To four (4) ounces of alcohol, add:

                  Eucalyptol............................................20 minims,
                  Oil of Turp...........................................5 minims,
                  Canadian Balsam.................................10 minims,
                  Benzosol.............................................20 minims, or
                      if Creosote is used instead, only.........5 minims,
                  Tincture of Tolu in solution...................30 minims.

    Keep in container at least twice the size of solution - a container with glass cork or stopper.  Shake solution to-gether before inhalations are taken, and breath through the nostril and through the mouth.  This taken as a cleanser for this portion of the body, AIDING in the action of foods or properties taken into the system that may be more easily digested.

4347-1
    Then, to assist the body at the present condition and to overcome this present taxation, we would (through these, see?) first use as an inhalant this:
    To 4 ounces of pure grain alcohol, add:

                  Eucalyptol...............20 minims,
                  Canadian Balsam...........4 minims,
                  Rectified Oil of Turp.....2 minims,
                  Creosote..................2 minims,
                  Elixia Solution Tolu.....20 minims.

    Shake solution well to-gether and inhale through the mouth. This is for the respiratory system and for the relaxing and action on same through the nerve and blood supply to the system.

265-012
   In the present condition, as we find, it would be better to use a preparation in capsule - preferably, or it may be added in a carrier such as simple syrup - preferably in capsule, as this:

                  Oil of Eucalyptol.................1 minim,
                  Rectified Oil of Turp...........1/2 minim,
                  Rectified Creosote..............1/4 minim,
                  Codeine..............................1/60 grain.

    Or, prepared in the syrup, it would be in this manner:

                  To 2 ounces of simple syrup, add:
                  Oil of Eucalyptol.........................10 minims,
                  Rectified Oil of Turp....................5 minims,
                  Rectified Creosote.......................4 minims,
                  Codeine (dissolved or crushed)....2 grains.

    This would be shaken together very thoroughly each time before the dose would be taken.  The dose would be half a teaspoonful.  It may be taken two or three times each day.
    As we find, this will relax the bronchi; for both the turp and the creosote are active forces for lung and bronchi, while the turp and codeine will be active with the circulation such as not to hinder yet to allow the activity of the heart's forces, the liver and the kidneys.  This, however, is not only a palliative but would be beneficent to the general conditions.

4802-1
    First, then, we would apply at the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th cervical centers an application of a mullein stupe that will cause the centralization and drawing away of pressures from the brain centers; and for the quieting and easing of the body we would prepare as this - these to be taken only once each day and not more than three taken any one period - this as a dose - prepare same PREFERABLY in capsule formation:

                  Oil of Eucalyptol......................1 minim,
                  Rectified Oil of Turp................1/2 minim,
                  Benzosol in solution.................1/2 minim,
                  Codeine.............................1/60 grain - see?

. The properties given to relieve same, the active forces of same internally of the eucalyptol is to produce a drainage especially through the RESPIRATORY system, affecting the bronchi, the nasal cavities, and those portions where the SYMPATHETIC system (nerve system) and mucus portions of the body are more active, setting up drainage....The rectified oil of turp is an active force with the general respiratory system, and especially internally to that of the hepatics and to the hypogastric, which CENTERS then in a region near the 1st and 2nd cervical; while the forces that act with the benzosol (don't use a substitute!) will be effective to the nerve CENTERS, WITH the codeine - that is a narcotic, but turned, with that of the benzosol, to a  HYPNOTIC, in that proportion.
(Q)  Please explain just what was meant taking just three capsules at a period?
(A)  Not taking them for the straight duration of longer than three days before skipping one or two days.  This is a  hypnotic, NOT a narcotic, and will NOT DEADEN but will make the SYSTEM'S reaction a nearer NORMAL for drainages through the MANIPULATIVE measures, as well as those of the circulation, and ESPECIALLY from the solar plexus center.
(Q)  What was the original cause of her present condition?
(A)  Those of strains to the nervous system, that caused that breaking of a cellular unit, that makes for pressure in the 1st cervical area.  It settled there, rather than on brain proper - or we would have paralysis on the brain.

919-1
 . massage across the kidneys, across the lower portion of the groin (from the frontal side), with equal portions of Mutton Tallow (melted),  OIL of Turpentine and Spirits of Camphor (full strength), and Compound Tincture of Benzoin - equal portions of each, about a tablespoonful of the liquid of the Mutton Tallow and of each of the others.  Massage this gently, not rubbing, so that there is used only what the body will absorb.

137-80
(Q)  What should be used as the hot applications?  To the throat and chest?
(A)  Equal parts of coal oil and turpentine, with the portions greased with either mutton tallow or some sort of a lubricant that prevents this from blistering, see?  This applied to very hot flannels, until the portions are relieved, see?

307-6
(Q)  What will soften and cure the callous on the bottom of right foot?
(A)  Massage it with a preparation made in this manner:
    To 1/2 ounce of melted Mutton Tallow (1/2 ounce in weight), while it is warm and in solution, add:

                  Oil of Turpentine.............20 minims,
                  Spirits of Camphor..........40 minims.

    Use this to massage the bottom of the feet each evening.
 
2299-14
  . stupes of Turpentine applied over the kidney area would soon release the activity for the kidneys and then just keep the body quiet and give nourishment.  These would offer the best that may be given the body.
(Q)  Should the Turpentine be diluted to use with stupes?
(A)  Stupes are just a small quantity poured in hot water and rags wrung out of this; about a quart of water.  Put about fifteen to twenty drops of Turpentine in the water.

1112-7
    We would apply Turpentine Stupes over the kidney area.  Use a teaspoonful of Turpentine to a quart of boiling water.  Wring out heavy toweling in this and apply; afterward massaging the area thoroughly.
    Also place hot, heavy flannel, saturated with an equal combination of Turpentine, Mutton Tallow and Spirits of Camphor, over the area lower down in the frontal portion - or that as will aid in draining from the bladder.

5137-1
    As we find, from those subluxations that exist between the 7th and 8th dorsal, there has been a hindrance in the amount of nerve energies going to activities between the liver and kidneys.  There are those disorders in the gall duct area, the reactions cause heavier flow of activity to be performed by the kidneys in eliminating poisons; that is, lacking in the necessary flow produced accumulations.
    These should be tested by x-ray, but if these applications are made we will find we can eliminate this disorder.
    About twice each week, Tuesdays and Fridays, when the body is ready to retire, put about 5 drops of Spirits of Turpentine in one quart of warm, little better than lukewarm water, wring a rag or cloth out in same, and place this over the kidney area and let this remain on the back for at least one hour, then remove.  Do this for about three times.  Then begin (not before) with osteopathic adjustments with special reference to the dorsal, from the 9th dorsal up to the 1st cervical.  And while these are being made, during at least twelve to fourteen of such adjustments, do keep having twice a week the stupes of Turpentine over the area.  If it causes anxiety in the bladder, do put the same type of Turpentine stupes over the lower portion of the abdomen, to the pubic center, across this whole area, but especially right in the center to the pubic center.  These can be kept on or off in regular periods, or irregular periods, depending upon the pain.
    With the corrections, do have at least one scientifically given colonic irrigation.

5618-4
    Then, to bring the better conditions, and to give the best resistance in the system, taking all conditions in the body at present, we would give much of that as we have given here before, yet changed in proportions, and adding to this those stimulus as would be found in this, and in this proportion:
    To 4 ounces of Peptotol, add:

                  Eucalyptol....................4 minims,
                  Rectified Oil of Turp.........1 minim,
                  Benzosol......................1 minim,
                  Elixia Hydrastis............1/4 ounce,
                  Heroin (dissolved first)...1/60 grain.

    The dose of this would be 1/2 teaspoonful 3 times each day. This we find will give throughout the whole system the alleviation of distresses, of desires, of the system, in functioning organs, to draw on either the sensory system or the sympathetic system to supply that necessary.  Hence the body, through its own will forces, will be better able to meet the resistance in the system.  These properties we find give these conditions to the system:
    The Peptotol the carrier, and that forcing, or giving the system, in the digestive portion of stomach proper, the ability for the gastric juices to assimilate the properties carried in same.
    Eucalyptol, the active principle to the respiratory system, opening all channels of elimination through the respiratory system, giving the better clarified condition for the lungs and the blood supply, and giving the incentive in blood, thus clarified, to rebuild in system.
    Rectified Oil of Turp, active principle to the excretory system, especially in liver and in kidneys, that MUST give the proper elimination, would the body be bettered.
    In that of the Benzosol, again an active principle with the action of respiratory system in stomach proper, giving a clarified effect to the juices as secreted and excreted in pancreas, and clarifying the action of nerve forces through the hypogastric and pneumogastric nerve plexuses of the central portion of system.
    The Hydrastis, acting again as the sedatory forces for the action of blood cell force destroyed in spleen, as to give the eliminations in the correct channel.
    The Heroin, that again of a clarifier, in this quantity, to overcome that condition as is produced in the system by the action of the mental forces in its action with the physical, or the action of the mental with the sympathetic and cerebro-spinal centers.
    Take these quantities only as given, only decreasing or increasing as the condition arises in the system.  Should we have over quantity of grease of any character in the system, this will produce nausea.  Should we have over quantity of stimulus, as of caffeines of any variety, this will produce over stimulation to the kidneys.

5433-1
   .the Eucalyptol active with the respiratory system and a reducer in the blood or heart's pressure; the Turp as an active force with the digestive system, and especially active with the kidneys, as to produce eliminations nearer normal in this direction; and those of the Benzosol as a stimuli to the gastric forces of the assimilating system; Codeine as a sedative in a nature that will act through the PNEUMOGASTRIC, as well as HYPOGASTRIC nerve centers, hence EASING the body in a more normal manner.

5433-1
    This as a dose, under the supervision of physician - in capsule:

                  Eucalyptol, Oil of.......................................................1 minim,
                  Rectified Oil of Turp..................................................1/2 minim,
                  Rectified Creosote, or PREFERABLY Benzosol........1/2 minim,
                  Codeine.....................................................................1/60 grain

. the Eucalyptol active with the respiratory system and a reducer in the blood or heart's pressure; the Turp as an active force with the digestive system, and especially active with the kidneys, as to produce eliminations nearer normal in this direction; and those of the Benzosol as a stimuli to the gastric forces of the assimilating system; Codeine as a sedative in a nature that will act through the PNEUMOGASTRIC, as well as HYPOGASTRIC nerve centers, hence EASING the body in a more normal manner.
 
2504-9
.there is the tendency of the stricture in the neck of the bladder.  WE would apply as this, added to those packs that have aided the kidneys but not relieved same:  Take into the mouth a piece of resin, about the size of a pea.  Let this dissolve, or  chew same and swallow that as is created with the salivary reactions by the keeping or holding of same in the mouth. Also prepare about a tablespoonful of pure hog lard, with a level teaspoonful of spirits of turpentine, and make into a poultice, or cloth, and keep HEATED across the body, above the neck of the bladder.  This will RELIEVE the pressure at the present.  Do that immediately.

3021-1
    If there is the disturbance again with the kidneys, hold in the mouth (not swallow) a small piece of resin.
    Do apply Glyco-Thymoline Packs over the kidney area of evenings, for at least an hour.  Use three to four thicknesses of cotton cloth saturated with the Glyco-Thymoline.
    Do keep gentle massages of the limbs for the circulation slowing through same, especially in the feet, hands, ankles.
    Do give a relaxing, not stimulating, of those centers that aid in the secondary cardiac center, - in the 5th and 6th dorsal centers.  Gently relax this area once or twice each day.

 

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