Immunity

A Few Old Gems To Keep You In Good Health

A Few Old Gems to Keep you in good health

Many of you from the Grown up generation may remember having to take castor oil and cod liver oil when you were kids. You may also remember how awful they tasted. Believe it or not these two remedies helped to keep your childhood free from illness; maybe it is time to revisit old ways. 

Castor oil, Cod liver oil, and regular de-worming were amongst the common practices of earlier generations to keep illness at bay. And it worked. As there is no money to be made from these products however research to date is minimal, but we have a collation of experiences based over several decades that purport the effectiveness of these remedies. 

Castor oil can be taken internally or in the form of external packs. Over the last 70 years, physicians from various professions as well as members of the public have been applying castor oil packs for a myriad of illnesses with fantastic results. Whilst it is still unclear exactly how castor oil works, studies have shown that it enhances the immune system and has an affinity with the lymphatic system. 70% of the immune system lies within the gastro intestinal tract and these studies have demonstrated that castor oil packs applied over the abdomen increases the production of lymphocytes, clears blockages within the lymphatic system, and improves thymus function. 

Did you know that castor oil is antimicrobial, antiviral, antiseptic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory? (Alternatives.v6 n1, July 1995). Castor oil has anti-tumor abilities too. A study discovered that a lectin purified from wild castor plants can kill cancer cells at concentrations at which normal cells are not affected (William McGarey, M.D The A.R.E Journal, September, 1973, Volume 8, No.5, page 221). 

Doctors, osteopaths, chiropractors, natural heath practitioners, massage therapists, nurses, physiotherapists and members of the public have applied castor oil packs over the last few decades for simple and serious diseases such as; hay fever, allergies, cancer, tumors, cysts, skin ailments, bruises, sprains and strains, back pain, pmt, constipation, period pain, insomnia, arthritis, acne, warts, skin inflammation, ear infections, eye problems, pterygiums, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, hepatitis, liver spots, joint pain, gallstones, hyperactivity (kids), swollen lymph nodes, abscess, whiplash, local infections, epilepsy, skin cancer, tinnitus, snoring and more. Perhaps it is time to introduce castor oil to the younger generations. 

Castor oil can act as a purgative against intestinal parasites (worms) and it was common for the whole family to take worm tablets once or twice a year or be given doses of castor oil. This practice seems to have died out and indeed many people are surprised to hear that they may have worms. 

Various parasites have collectively infected an estimated 3 billion worldwide and they are responsible for the deaths of millions of people. Whilst such infections are particularly prevalent in developing countries, increased travel to and immigration from countries prone to such infections, has resulted in an increase in reported cases within developed countries. Worms can grow up to six feet inside the human intestines consuming vital nutrients and affecting the digestive system of their host. 

The most common symptoms are various gastrointestinal diseases such as; diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, poor absorption of nutrients that may lead on to depression, fatigue, irritability, loss of appetite, poor immunity, allergies and skin disorders. Chronic infection from parasites such as worms and flukes produce symptoms such as infertility, chronic fatigue, intestinal and organ obstruction, aseptic meningitis, hepatitis, cardiac failure, seizures and psychiatric illnesses and neurological disorders (mental health patients have a higher rate of infection). The Research for Infectious Mental Illness discovered psychiatric illnesses such as depression in over 65% of neurocysticercosis cases (a disease of the central nervous system). Pork tapeworm is the most common parasite implicated in neurological disorders such as epilepsy, depression and psychosis. 

Cod liver oil is a source of vitamins A & D. Cod liver oil is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and maintains a healthy mucous lining throughout the body. Healthy mucous membranes are more resistant to infections by bacteria, viruses and parasites. Cod liver oil enhances calcium absorption which is important to maintain strong bones, and keep arthritis at bay. This inexpensive supplement also maintains healthy eyesight. The Vitamin D content has anti tumour functions and modulates immune function. The oil you so fondly remember taking as a child reduces cancer risk and enhances immunity. Ironically vitamin D levels seem to be decreasing amongst the population despite our dairy intake. So thank your parents for giving you castor oil, cod liver oil, and de worming pills because they potentially saved you from a lifetime of illness.