The Edgar Cayce health information is a rich source of research hypotheses with regard to anatomy, physiology, pathology, and therapy. This section contains a variety of research hypotheses waiting to be pursued. If you have expertise or interest in any of these areas and would like to participate in our research programs, please contact us.
JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE SUPPLEMENTATION FOR DIABETES HYPOTHESIS: Dietary supplementation with Jerusalem artichoke (JA) significantly decreases blood glucose levels in non-insulin dependent diabetes (NIDD). BACKGROUND: JA, a member of the sunflower family, produces edible tubers resembling potatoes. JA is a particularly good source of inulin, a naturally occurring fructan also found in common foods such as asparagus, onions, chicory, and salsify. Roberfroid and Delzenne (1998) suggest that inulin-type fructans may be helpful for NIDD. Yamachita et al. (1984) observed a noticeable reduction of cholesterolmia in diabetic subjects receiving a diet supplemented in fructooligosaccharides. Levrat et al. (1991) demonstrated that even low levels of inulin are effective in decreasing plasma cholesterol in rats. DESIGN: A prospective, within-subjects, repeated measures design counterbalanced to prevent order effects will be used. Small quantities of JA (two per week) are provided to persons (n = 35) with NIDD for two weeks at a time alternating with two week periods without the JA. Thus the eight-week period of the study will include 2 two-week periods with JA and 2 periods without JA. Blood sugar levels are closely monitored and recorded in a daily log. Statistical analysis will focus on possible correlation of artichoke consumption and decreased blood sugar levels. SETTING: Homes of participants. PARTICIPANTS: 35 volunteers with NIDD will be recruited by advertising on television and radio. INTERVENTIONS: All participants will receive education on dietary supplemention with Jerusalem artichoke and monitoring of blood glucose levels. Two Jerusalem artichokes will be consumed by each participant per week for the two week periods of JA consumption. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
HYPOTHESIS: In vivo pH (nasal, urine and saliva) will be measured in volunteers infected with rhinovirus. The hypothesis is that pH will be negatively correlated with rhinovirus symptom severity and physiological indices of infection. BACKGROUND: Rhinovirus (RV) infection is a frequent causal factor in the etiology of the common cold. In vitro studies have established that RV requires a mildly acidic environment for optimal infectivity (Madshus et al., 1984). In vivo studies on the role of pH in the etiology of the common cold have not been done. DESIGN: This prospective study will be a randomized controlled trial. Volunteers experimentally infected with RV will follow an alkalizing diet (experimental group) or normal American diet (control group) which tends toward excessive acidity. Physiology and symptoms will be measured over a 7 day period. Data assessment will be performed by blinded technicians. SETTING: Local hotel or retreat setting. PARTICIPANTS: 20 healthy volunteers who are susceptible to the challenge virus will be recruited by advertising in magazines and newsletters. INTERVENTIONS: All participants will receive education on acid/alkaline diet theory and practice. Ten participants will follow alkaline diet and ten will follow normal American diet. All participants will receive two inoculations with RV on consecutive days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
HYPOTHESIS: Primary liver disease comorbidity with multiple sclerosis (MS) exists and may be an etiological (rather than iatrogenic) factor. BACKGROUND: The liver is responsible for multiple metabolic processes, including macromolecular synthesis, energy generation and storage, and disposal of toxic substances and waste products. Primary liver disease has been associated with MS. In three reported cases, primary biliary cirrhosis has been linked to MS (Taub et al.., 1989; Noseworthy and Ebers, 1989; Pontcorvo and Levinson JD, 1992). Blind liver biopsies in eight etiologically different neurological disorders in which there was no clinically obvious reason to expect liver disease yielded unexpectedly high levels of liver pathology in MS and other central nervous system diseases (Neu, 1981). Hepatitis A and skin test antigens resulted in exacerbation of MS symptoms in a 29 year-old male (Owen et al., 1980). Further research is required to determine the extent to which (if any) primary liver disease is associated with MS. DESIGN: The design is a retrospective analysis of case records of patients with MS to measure the rate of comorbidity with primary liver disease as compared to the general population. SETTING: Local hospital or insurance company with computer database of patient/client records. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with MS who received services from the specified hospital or insurance company. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
CASTOR OIL PACKS FOR UTERINE FIBROIDS HYPOTHESIS: Hot castor oil packs are effective in decreasing the size of uterine fibroids. BACKGROUND: Thirty percent of American women over the age of 30 will develop uterine fibroid tumors, which are benign masses developed from an overgrowth of uterine muscle tissue. Tumors may occur on the inside of the uterine cavity, within the uterine muscle wall, or on the outside of the uterus. The number of tumors present may vary from one to several, and may vary from the size of a pea to larger than a melon. Most fibroids do not cause any symptoms and do not require treatment other than regular observation by a physician. Some women who have uterine fibroids may experience symptoms such as excessive or painful bleeding during menstruation, bleeding between periods, a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen, frequent urination resulting from a fibroid that compresses the bladder, pain during sexual intercourse, or low back pain. Standard medical treatment normally calls for surgical removal. If surgery is elected, some skilled surgeons are adept at removing only the myoma, leaving the uterus in tact, however, in most cases a hysterectomy is performed. McGarey reported success in the use of hot castor oil packs in decreasing or eliminating uterine fibroids (1973; 1984). DESIGN: This prospective study will be a randomized controlled trial. We will recruit women with uterine fibroids and randomly assign to experimental (n = 30) and control groups (n = 30). We will assess the size and number of fibroids. Symptoms and quality of life will be assessed. We will train subjects in the experimental group in the use of castor oil packs to be used 3 times per week for six weeks. The control group will receive no treatment. We will do a followup assessment after six weeks for all participants. SETTING: Home of participants (intervention) and local hospital (assessment). PARTICIPANTS: 60 women with uterine fibroid tumors will be recruited by advertising on television and radio. INTERVENTIONS: Hot castor oil packs applied superficially over uterus 3x weekly (experimental group only). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
COLON ABNORMALITIES IN MIGRAINE HYPOTHESIS: Migraine sufferers with significant abdominal symptoms exhibit distinguishable colon abnormalities as compared to healthy controls without abdominal symptoms. BACKGROUND: Abdominal migraine has been identified in children and adults (Symon and Russell, 1986; Santoro et al., 1990). The enteric nervous system (ENS) provides a plausible explanation for abdominal features in abdominal migraine. Irritation to the ENS may cause neurovasucular imbalances resulting in migraine. Dietary migraine and food sensitivities have been cited in the pathogenesis of migraine (Monro et al., 1984; Mansfield, 1987). Upper GI-tract problems may be reflected in colon abnormalities that can be detected by abdominal x-ray. DESIGN: This pilot study will compare the abdominal x-rays of 30 migraneurs and 30 normal volunteers without bowel disease or migraine. SETTING: Physician's office with radiology equipment. PARTICIPANTS: 30 patients diagnosed with migraine and 30 normal persons without bowel pathology. INTERVENTIONS: Abdominal x-ray of migraineurs and normal participants and psychometric assessment of constipation symptoms. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
ASSOCIATION OF COLON HEALTH AND GENERAL WELLNESS HYPOTHESIS: A significant, positive correlation exists between colon health (as measured by a standard colon hydrotherapy questionnaire and general wellness (as measured by the SF-36). BACKGROUND: The Edgar Cayce readings and advocates of colon hydrotherapy insist that a healthy colon is essential for optimal health and wellness. Conversely, colon abnormalities such as mucous, fecal cakes and bowel obstructions are said to be associated with systemic conditions, such as migraine and hypertension. DESIGN: This pilot study will compare scores on from colon hydrotherapy assessment with a standard measure of general wellness (SF-36). Participants will complete an informed consent process before being administered the SF-36 and receiving colon hydrotherapy. During the colon hydrotherapy session, the therapist will document the presence of abnormal features in the waste water using a questionnaire intended to measure such indices as mucous and undigested food. Therapists will not discuss the health status of the participant until after the colon hydrotherapy questionnaire has been completed so as avoid bias in evaluation. Scores from the colon hydrotherapy questionnaire and SF-36 will be analyzed to determine whether a correlation exists between colon health and general wellness. SETTING: A.R.E. Health Services department. PARTICIPANTS: Clients who utilized A.R.E. Health Services colon hydrotherapy and are willing to participate in research involving this modalty. INTERVENTIONS: Colon hydrotherapy and psychometric assessment using the SF-36 and colon hydrotherapy questionnaire. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
THERAPEUTIC USES OF GOLD CHLORIDE PURPOSE: Investigate therapeutic uses of gold chloride in rheumatoid arthritis. More broadly, to understand role of gold as an essential trace element. BACKGROUND: Gold has been used therapeutically for decades for rheumatoid arthritis. Although the effectiveness of gold therapy is controversial, it is clear that treatment with organic gold compounds sometimes result in severe side-effects. A few studies suggest that gold may have a more extensive application, serving as an essential element associated with nervous system functioning. Edgar Cayce often recommended gold (usually gold chloride) both orally and vibratorally (via electrotherapy). In a number of cases, oral gold was suggested for rheumatoid arthritis. Over the years, oral gold chloride has been taken by numerous individuals as per Cayce's recommendations with few or no reported side-effects. OBJECTIVES:
BOWEL PERMEABILITY IN PSORIASIS HYPOTHESIS:Psoriasis patients have increased bowel permeability compared to healthy controls. BACKGROUND: Edgar Cayce often described a "thinning of the walls of the small intestine" ("leaky gut syndrome") in cases of psoriasis as a primary etiological factor. Toxins leaking from the bowel were eliminated through the skin, resulting in the characteristic lesions of psoriasis. Herbal teas and dietary changes were recommended to decrease toxicity and heal the gut. The medical literature contains numerous studies investigating the role of bowel permeability and dietary factors in psoriasis. OBJECTIVES:
GINSENG TONIC FOR ULCERATIVE COLITIS HYPOTHESIS: Ulcerative colitis patients will experience significant remission of symptoms when given a ginseng tonic recommended by Edgar Cayce for this condition. BACKGROUND: Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disorder affecting the inner lining of the large intestine. The inflammation causes the colon to empty frequently, resulting in diarrhea. As cells on the surface of the lining of the colon die and slough off, ulcers (tiny open sores) form, causing pus, mucus, and bleeding. From a medical perspective, the cause of ulcerative colitis is not known and currently there is no cure apart from surgical removal of the diseased colon. About half of patients have only mild symptoms. Only in rare cases, when complications occur, is the disease fatal. There may be remissions - periods when the symptoms go away - that last for months or even years. However, most patients' symptoms eventually return. Standard medical treatment for patients with ulcerative colitis usually involves medication or surgery. Edgar Cayce often noted that ulcerative colitis (and colitis in general) is produced as an after-effect of virus (usually flu) which has settled in the system. One of Cayce's primary treatments for ulcerative colitis is a remedy consisting of wild ginseng root, wild ginger root, and lactated pepsin. This formulation has proven effective in several cases of ulcerative colitis. OBJECTIVE:
LARGE BOWEL INVOLVEMENT IN ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION HYPOTHESIS:A series of colonic irrigations will significantly decrease blood pressure. BACKGROUND: Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a noncontagious cardiovascular illness that afflicts over 37 million people in the United States. It is highly variable in its symptoms and severity. The cause of hypertension is unknown, although in about 10 percent of cases, hypertension is linked to specific illnesses such as kidney disease and adrenal gland tumors. From a medical perspective, hypertension cannot be cured. Therefore, standard medical treatment of hypertension is directed at control of the illness with drugs and lifestyle changes. Edgar Cayce often cited congestion in the large bowel as a primary etiological factor in cases of essential hypertension. Colonic irrigation was one of the most frequently recommended therapies in such cases. OBJECTIVES:
ABDOMINAL PATHOLOGY IN IDIOPATHIC EPILEPSY HYPOTHESIS: Patients with idiopathic epilepsy exhibit significantly greater abdominal features (abdominal temperature variations, abdominal symptoms, and history of abdominal injury, etc.) than healthy controls. BACKGROUND: Epilepsy is a group of serious neurological diseases including various forms of seizure disorder. Some forms of epilepsy (symptomatic) are linked to specific causes such as a blow to the head. However, the cause(s) of most epilepsy is unknown (idiopathic). One subgroup of idiopathic epilepsy is "abdominal epilepsy," known to exist in both children and adults. Edgar Cayce consistently maintained that most cases of "true" (idiopathic) epilepsy originated from the abdomen, specifically in the lacteal ducts associated with the lymphatic nodes on the right side of the abdomen. Decreased circulation, abdominal symptoms, and aberrant nerve reflexes resulting in seizures were the result of adhesions in the lacteal ducts. Hot castor oil packs and abdominal massage were typical therapeutic modalities recommended in such cases. Furthermore, the decreased circulation was said to produce a "cold spot" on the right side of the abdomen (between the liver and caecum) in all cases of idiopathic epilepsy. Thermographic measurements in several cases of epilepsy with abdominal features has documented temperature anomalies in several patients in preliminary studies. OBJECTIVES:
REDISCOVERY OF THE LEYDIG GLAND HYPOTHESIS:Rediscovery and research of the Leydig gland will provide insights into psychological processes, especially psychopathology. BACKGROUND:
Franz Von Leydig was a famous and well-respected biologist who discovered
the cells of leydig in 1850 and the leydig gland in 1892. The cells
of leydig are interstitial cells located primarily in the reproductive
glands and are best known for the production of testosterone.
OBJECTIVES:
IODINE THERAPY FOR LEUKEMIA PURPOSE:To investigate the therapeutic potential of intravenous iodine in the treatment of leukemia. BACKGROUND: Leukemia is a form of blood cancer of unknown causation. Leukemia is the most common form of malignant disease in children, but is more common in adults. There are several types of leukemia, some more responsive to treatment than others. Medical intervention usually involves anti-cancer medications and frequent transfusions of red blood cells and component solutions. In reading 2208-1, Edgar Cayce made the remarkable statement that with the use of iodine transfusions in cases of leukemia, "there will be the ability to reduce the percentage of such cases more than fifty percent." He noted that the effects would have to be closely monitored and adjusted. He suggested that the initial research be done on laboratory animals to determine therapeutics dosages. OBJECTIVES:
SOMATIC DYSFUNCTION IN ASTHMA HYPOTHESIS: Asthmatics exhibit greater levels of somatic dysfunction of the upper spine compared to health controls. BACKGROUND: Edgar Cayce often cited somatic dysfunction (i.e., "osteopathic lesion" or "chiropractic subluxation") as a common etiological factor in asthma. The upper thoracic and lower cervical spine were particularly noted in these cases. Similarly, the osteopathic literature has focused on somatic dysfunction in this region of the spine in asthma. OBJECTIVES:
HYPOTHESIS: Ingestion of 1 1/2 gallons of orange juice within 30 minutes will produce increased alkalinity of urine compared to baseline. BACKGROUND: Edgar
Cayce suggested that alkalizing the system with citrus (especially
orange juice would be a preventative for colds and other systemic conditions
that result from hyperacidity. Cayce stated that systemic pH could
be monitored via urine pH. Aberegg studied Cayce's recommendations
with several individuals who were told to "take 11/2 to 2 quarts of orange
juice,
OBJECTIVES:
APPLE BRANDY FUMES IN CHARRED OAK KEG FOR PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS HYPOTHESIS: Apply brandy fumes from an charred oak keg will provide significant therapeutic efficacy for treatment-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis. BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB), a chronic bacterial infection, causes more deaths worldwide than any other infectious disease - killing more adults each year than AIDS and malaria combined. TB is spread through the air and usually infects the lungs (pulmonary TB), although other organs are sometimes involved. Some 1.7 billion people - one-third of the world's population - are infected with the predominant TB organism, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This includes between 10 and 15 million people in the United States. Each year, 8 million people worldwide develop active TB and 3 million die. For pulmonary TB, Edgar Cayce typically recommended therapy with apple brandy fumes from a charred oak keg. Several successful outcomes were reported in the during Cayce's lifetime, including his wife who was given up for dead, but made a remarkable recovery using this therapy. OBJECTIVES:
PLANTAIN THERAPY FOR CANCER HYPOTHESIS: Plantain therapy will provide significant symptomatic relief from pain produced by cancer. BACKGROUND: Edgar Cayce stated that the juice of the plantain (a common plant), could be used relieve the symptoms of cancer. The plantain may be used externally as a poultice or internally as a tea. OBJECTIVES:
CALCIDIN (CALCIUM IODATE) FOR ACUTE ASTHMA HYPOTHESIS: Calcidin (calcium iodate) is an effective treatment for symptomatic relief from acute asthma. BACKGROUND: Calcidin was an over-the-counter medication available during Edgar Cayce's lifetime. Cayce often recommended Calcidin for respiratory conditions such as asthma. Most often it was to be taken only for symptomatic relief at the first sign of distress or during the asthmatic attack. Cayce said that Calcidin produced less side-effects on the system than other medications available at that time. OBJECTIVES:
BAKING SODA AND SPIRITS OF CAMPHOR FOR INGROWN TOENAILS HYPOTHESIS: Baking soda/camphor compound is an effective treatment for ingrown toenails. BACKGROUND: Edgar Cayce often recommended a mixture of baking soda and spirits of camphor for ingrown toenails. OBJECTIVES:
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