Natural Hygiene: The Pristine Way of Life

by Herbert M. Shelton

paperback alternative health book

648 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1968

About the author

Herbert M. Shelton was an American naturopath, alternative medicine advocate, and prolific author best known for promoting natural hygiene, fasting, and raw veganism. Born in Texas in 1895, Shelton was deeply influenced by observing animal behavior during illness and early pioneers like Isaac Jennings and Sylvester Graham. He studied at several institutions devoted to chiropractic and naturopathy, eventually graduating from the American School of Naturopathy. Shelton believed that cooked food was harmful and that the human body could heal itself without medical intervention, primarily through fasting and a raw, plant-based diet.
In 1922, he self-published Fundamentals of Nature Cure, later retitled An Introduction to Natural Hygiene. He went on to write the influential seven-volume The Hygienic System and published The Hygienic Review for forty years. In 1948, he founded the American Natural Hygiene Society, which became the National Health Association. Despite facing frequent legal challenges for practicing medicine without a license, Shelton maintained a loyal following and left a lasting legacy on the raw food and fasting movements.
A pacifist, Shelton was jailed during World War I for opposing the draft. His career was marred by controversy, including patient deaths and lawsuits, one of which led to his financial ruin and the closure of his health school. Afflicted by a degenerative disease in later life, he remained active in his work until his death in 1985. His legacy remains polarizing, viewed by some as visionary and by others as dangerously unscientific.

Reviews

[Kirstin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting concepts. Poorly written.

[Martha Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have the second edition from 1994. I would have titled the book, The History of Natural Hygiene: Peals of Wisdom. Dr. Shelton was responsible for reviving many natural health principles from several of the best American authors of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Dr. Sheldon's 638 page history book is filled with knowledge and precious truths that have been lost with time to the general public. I am very glad that I found this book. I recommend this book to anyone who wishes to maintain optimal health. In this book, Dr. Sheldon enumerates several principles used by physicians to restore health. Without a doubt, the guidance of a practicing natural hygiene physician is necessary for anyone who wishes to utilize the methods mentioned in the book. (I also recommend reading Fasting and Eating for Health: A medical Doctor's Program for Conquering Disease by Joel Fuhrman, M.D.).



I found a doctor in the USA who still practices this art form of medicine. Doctor Paul Goldberg practices the art of Natural Hygiene today. The Goldberg Clinic enjoys an excellent reputation of helping restore people with chronic diseases back to good health when other doctors and methods have failed to do so, and has been doing so for over 30 years.


The Goldberg Clinic
1350 Wooten Lake Road
Suite 103
Kennesaw, Georgia 30144
Phone:(770) 974-7470