Publications

Shelton was an exceptionally dedicated writer, producing over 40 books and booklets that have left a lasting impact. His work unequivocally highlights him as one of the most influential voices in modern health and medical reform. Furthermore, his contributions as a distinguished historian and relentless seeker of truth in health are unmatched, solidifying his legacy as a pioneer in this vital field.

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Quote:

“What the sick need is teachers not treaters, health schools not hospitals, instruction not treatment, education in right living not training the sick habit. Both they and their advisors must get rid of the curing idea and the practices built up thereon.”― Herbert M. Shelton, Getting Well

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Shelton, Herbert M. (1920). The Fundamentals of Nature Cure.
https://pdfcoffee.com/fundamentals-of-nature-cure-herbert-m-shelton-pdf-free.html

• This publication promotes natural hygiene, which focuses on living harmoniously with nature. Shelton’s book includes the following ideas:  Natural healing – The body can heal itself without medical intervention. Shelton believed disease is an opportunity to reconnect with the body’s natural healing forces.  Fasting – Shelton believed fasting can cure many diseases, including epilepsy, typhoid fever, cataracts, and obesity. He conducted 25,000 fasts over 30 years and claimed to have observed rapid healing in patients.  Plant-based diet – Shelton emphasized the importance of eating nutritious food, ideally raw. He also believed that cooking food denatures it.  Avoiding drugs and surgery – Shelton believed that drugs are “poison” and that the body does the healing, not the drugs.  Listening to the body – Shelton believed people should become attuned to the body’s natural processes and needs.  Preventive care – Shelton was concerned with preventive care and believed that disease often develops gradually and insidiously. 
• Chapters include: what is Health, how nature cures, immediate occasion, for disease, the remote occasions for disease, methods of treatment, treatment of acute disease, treatment of chronic disease, food, and feeding, fasting, hydrotherapy, exercise, the sun, and air bath, and mind and health and disease.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1922). An Introduction to Natural Hygiene. Health Research: Pomeroy, WI.
https://books.google.com/books?id=EUcUw4gTajgC&pg=PA18&source=gbs_toc_r&cad=2#v=onepage&q&f=false

• Dr. Shelton shares that all disease is one entity and is caused by wrong living – The breaking of the laws of health. The hygienic system is not a system of medicine – it does not pretend to cure, but it permits nature to cure. Chapters include: what is Health, how nature cures, immediate occasion, for disease, the remote occasions for disease, methods of treatment, treatment of acute disease, treatment of chronic disease, food, and feeding, fasting, hydrotherapy, exercise, the sun, and air bath, and mind and health and disease.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1926). Food and Feeding. How to Live. Pub. Co: Hugo, Oklahoma.

https://archive.org/details/foodfeeding0000herb/page/n1/mode/2up

• Dr. Shelton sums up this publication on three points: 1) feed such foods as will supply the body with all the necessary food elements in an assimilable form. 2) feed its combinations and, under such conditions, ensure perfect digestion and avoid gastrointestinal fermentation and putrefaction. 3) make all corrections in the manner of living that are necessary to ensure the normal function of all body organs so that nutrition and drainage may be normal. Chapters include: 1) diet as a factor in health, 2) natures food refinery, 3) uses of food, 4) effects of denatured foods, 5) the failure of the calorie fallacy, 6) condiments, 7) fruitarianism – vegetarianism, 8) how to eat, 9) feeding of infants and children, 10) feeding an adult life, 11) feeding and disease, 12) feeding, 13) gaining and losing weight, and 14) Man shall not diet with food alone.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1926). Living Life to Live It Longer. How to Live for Health and Strength: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
https://books.google.com/books?id=Ro2XwymfxU8C&pg=PA9-IA2&source=gbs_selected_pages&cad=1#v=onepage&q&f=false

• This book covers a comprehensive study of Orthobionomics, Orthopathy, and Healthful Living principles and offers a detailed examination of the human body and its natural functions, including the role of nutrition, exercise, and rest in maintaining optimal health. Shelton also explores the impact of environmental factors on our well-being, such as air quality, water purity, and exposure to toxins. The author provides practical advice on how to implement these principles into daily life, including tips on meal planning, exercise routines, and stress management techniques. Shelton explores various methods for extending man’s life span. Chapters include: Man is Made for a Long Life; Findings of Biologists; The Body’s Own Provisions for Nutrition and Drainage; How the Body’s Efficiency is Impaired; Habits that Kill; Nature’s Provisions for Living; Temperance and Wholesomeness; The Reign of Health Law; Machine Made Long Life; Follies of Science; and Medicine Shortens Life.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1927). The Vaccine and Serum Menace. Dr. Shelton’s Health School: San Antonio, Texas. Republished in 1966 by Health Research, Pomeroy, WA.

https://books.apple.com/us/book/vaccine-and-serum-evils/id937963730

• Do people really know what they are being immunized for? Are vaccinations safe? Herbert Shelton brings to light how vaccinations and serums came about, uncovering the truth and how people were enticed to believe it was for the better. Shelton brings this vast information from many articles in The Journal of The American Medical Association, Public Health Reports, and many years of testimonials and newspaper articles. Chapters include Vaccinia, Serum Poisoning, and Commercial Medicine.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1928). Human Life: Its Philosophy And Laws. How to Live Pub. CO.
https://archive.org/details/human-life-its-philosophy-and-laws-herbert-m-shelton/page/n1/mode/2up

• It was the first book to give detailed historical and practical credit to many brilliant pioneers who established the foundations for orthopathy. “Orthopathy,” also called “Natural Hygiene,” is an alternative medical philosophy derived from naturopathy. It advocates a vegetarian, raw food diet with periods of intermittent fasting. 
• Chapters include: Health and Its Conditions and Requirements; The Laws of Life; Living Matter Cures Itself; Is Disease Friend or Foe; Early Orthopathic Ideas of Disease; Acute Disease a Curative Process; Self-Limited Disease; The Rational of Inflammation and Fever; Physiological Compensation; Acute Disease not a Radical Cure; Unity of Disease and Symptoms; Causes of Disease; Germs; Perversions; Feeding; Fasting; Sunshine and Sun-Baths; Physical Exercise; Hygiene of Health; Care of Wounds; Place of Art; Passing of the Plagues; Suppression of Disease and its Results.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1928). Serum Poisoning: A Medical Crime. 

Shelton, Herbert M. (1928). The Natural Cure for Syphilis.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1930). Health for All.  Kessinger Legacy Reprints.
https://www.amazon.com/Health-All-Herbert-M-Shelton/dp/116256833X

• A comprehensive guide to achieving optimal health and well-being, written by renowned health expert Herbert M. Shelton. The book covers a wide range of topics, including nutrition, exercise, hygiene, and mental health, and provides practical advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Shelton emphasizes the importance of natural, whole foods and a balanced diet and guides people in choosing the right foods for optimal health. He also covers the benefits of regular exercise and the importance of maintaining good hygiene habits. In addition to physical health, Shelton also addresses the importance of mental health and provides strategies for managing stress and anxiety. He also discusses the benefits of spiritual practices such as meditation and mindfulness.
• Chapters include: Orthopathy, diseases, vital processes, and organic unity. It’s relation to cure, toxemia, infection, health first, allergy, fallacy of a diagnosis, rational care of the sick, reform versus cure, avoiding and remedying colds, tonsillitis troubles, bronchitis, sinusitis, bronchial asthma, hayfever, Ductless glands, goiter, colitis, peptic ulcer, diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, acne, neuralgia, neuritis, infantile, paralysis, fasting for children, fasting in heart, disease, hunger, pains, gluttony, fasting, and the teeth, objections to fasting, exercise, and the heart, mixing acids with proteins, and tumors.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1930). The Natural Cure of Tonsillar and Adenoid Affections.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1930). Orthotrophy: The Natural Diet of Man. Dr. Shelton’s Health School: San Antonio, Texas.
https://soilandhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/02/0201hyglibcat/020126shelton.orthotrophy/020126.toc.html

• This book emphasizes the importance of a plant-based diet, exercise, rest, and hygiene to improve health and well-being. Diet: Shelton believed in eating nutritious food, ideally raw, and avoiding processed and refined foods. He also claimed that cooking food denatures it. Exercise: Shelton stressed the importance of regular exercise. Rest: Shelton believed in getting adequate rest and sleep. Hygiene: Shelton believed in the importance of hygiene. Natural healing: Shelton believed in the body’s natural healing properties and the ability to restore itself from illness without medical intervention. Avoiding drugs and surgery: Shelton believed in avoiding drugs and surgery. Listening to the body: Shelton believed in becoming attuned to the body’s natural processes and listening to its needs. Chapters include:  Philosophy of Nutrition, Food Elements, The Minerals of Life, Vitamins, Calories, Law of the Minimum, Organic Foods, Organic Acids, Fruits, Nuts, Vegetables, Cereals, Animal Foods, Drink, Condiments and Dressings, Salt Eating, Fruitarianism and Vegetarianism, Nature’s Food Refinery, The Digestibility of Foods, Mental Influences in Nutrition, Enjoying our Food, Absorption of Food, Uses of Food, How Much Shall We Eat, How to Eat, Correct Food Combining, Effects of Cooking, Uncooked Foods, Salads, Conservative Cooking, Effects of Denatured Foods, Under Nutrition, Hypo-Alkalinity, Diet Reform Vs. Supplemental Feeding, Beginning the Reform Diet, Feeding Mothers, Building the Teeth, The Elimination Diet, Feeding in Disease, The Three Year Nursing Period, Cow’s Milk, Pasteurization, Mother’s Milk, Should Baby Be Weaned, No Starch For Infants, Three Feedings A Day, Feeding of Infants, Feeding Children From Two to Six Years, Man Shall Not Diet With Food Alone, and Our Denatured Soil.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1931). The Hygienic Care of Children.  Dr. Shelton’s Health School: San Antonio, Texas.
https://www.healthscience.org/product/hygienic-care-children/

• Dr. Shelton teaches the 20th-century parent about the dangerous practices and social customs that harm, cripple, and sometimes result fatally for their offspring. Parents learned that breast-feeding is a necessity, not just for six months, but for two years, at least; they learned about the dangers of vaccination and inoculation; about the fact that circumcision of male babies is a very harmful practice; that infants should never be fed starches because of their inability to digest them before they have teeth and that this type of feeding set the pattern for digestive problems later in life; that baby should be born in the spring; that children’s diseases are really parents mistakes by the way they raise them. Additionally, it offers practical guidance on maintaining hygiene and preventing common diseases in infants and children, empowering parents to make informed choices for their family’s health and future. Shelton was at his most aggressive and vigorous in defending innocent children.  Says Herbert Shelton, “An intelligent man may be wrong sometimes, but a fool is always right. Like the fool, the medical profession is hardly ever wrong, so it never changes, except superficially, which is why he wrote this book. There are many books on the care and feeding of infants, but most consist largely of repetitions of ancient mistakes. There is little in them that can be recommended to the parent who desires to care for his or her child in the best manner possible. They are full of statements known to be false for many years.” Chapters include: disease, prenatal care, babies should be bored in the spring, babies growth, the child’s teeth, teething, fat babies, weaning, nursing, cows, milk, pasteurization, three feedings a day, no starch for infants, feeding issues, feeding of infants, babies, general care, feeding children, a healthy child, undernutrition, infectious diseases, skin disorders, disorders of infants and children, child, education, corporal, punishment, and vaccinia. 

Shelton, Herbert M. (1932). Exploitation of Suffering.  San Antonio, Tex: International School of Orthopathy
https://catalogosiidca.csuca.org/Record/UCR.000378365/Description#holdings

• Herbert M. Shelton’s Exploitation of Suffering is a book that explores the exploitation of suffering in various contexts, including:  Medicine: Shelton was arrested and jailed multiple times for practicing medicine without a license. In 1942, he was charged with negligent homicide for starving a patient to death, but the charges were dropped, and the case was never tried. Natural hygiene: Shelton was a proponent of natural hygiene, a philosophy that advocates for “natural living” and opposes most medical treatments. Natural hygienists support fasting, raw food diets, and food combining.  World War I: Shelton was jailed in 1917 for making an anti-draft statement in public. 

Shelton, Herbert M. (1934). The Hygienic System, Vol. I: Orthobionomics.  National Health Association. Youngstown, Ohio.
https://www.healthscience.org/product/science-and-fine-art-natural-hygiene-0/

• Dr. Shelton illuminates the essential principles of physiology and the importance of caring for our bodies to promote lasting health. In this compelling volume, readers discover the vital concepts of mental and physical hygiene and learn the foundations of healthy living for all ages—from infants to adults. This guide not only emphasizes how to nurture various parts of the body but also empowers readers to take proactive steps toward maintaining optimal well-being.
• The Science and Fine Art of Natural Hygiene is an exact reprint of the text of the rare second edition (1953) of Volume I of the Hygienic System: Orthobionomics. The Science and Fine Art of Natural Hygiene provides the reader with the basic principles of Natural Hygiene, focusing on basic physiology as viewed through Hygienic eyes. Nowhere else will the reader find such an in-depth examination of the basic principles of Natural Hygiene. Chapters include: Cells and Their Environment, The Mystery of Life, Internal Symbiosis, Basic Needs of Living, The Laws of Life, Physiological Compensation, The Stimulant Delusion, Safeguards of Life, Health and Its Conditions, Health Standards, The Hygiene of Health, Rest and Relaxation, Sleep — Repose, Air, and Light in the Home, Care of the Skin, Bathing, Clothing and Dress, Care of the Hair, Care of the Eyes, Care of the Glands, Emotional Control, Care of the Orifices of the Body, Care of the Teeth, Care of the Colon, Care of the Feet, Poison Habits, Living Life to Live It Longer, General Care of Babies and Children, The Symbiotic Society, The Genesis and Development of Hygiene.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1934). The Hygienic System, Vol. III: Fasting and Sun Bathing for Healing Disease. Chicago, Illinois: Natural Hygiene Press. 
https://web.archive.org/web/20110222200902/http://www.soilandhealth.org/02/0201hyglibcat/020127shelton.III/020127.toc.htm

• This publication delves into the significant chemical and organic transformations that occur in the body during fasting. By illuminating the benefits of fasting, it establishes this practice as an essential first step toward achieving optimal health and well-being. An exact reprint of the text contained within Volume III (Orthotrophy) of The Hygienic System: Fasting and Sunbathing, published by Dr. Shelton’s Health School.
• https://www.healthscience.org/product/science-and-fine-art-fasting/
• Chapters include: the definition of fasting, Fasting among the lower animals, Fasting in man, Bill-of-fare for the sick, Autolysis, Fasting is not starving, Chemical and organic changes during fasting, Repair of organs and tissues during fasting, The influence of fasting on growth and regeneration, Changes in the fundamental functions while fasting, The mind and special senses during a fast, Secretions and excretions, Bowel action during fasting, Fasting and sex, Rejuvenescence through fasting, Gain and loss of strength while fasting, Gain and loss of weight during fasting, Fasting does not induce deficiency “disease,” Death in the fast, Objections of the fast, Does fasting cure disease?, The rationale of fasting, The length of the fast, Hunger and appetite, Contra-indications of fasting, Fasting in special periods and conditions of life, Symptomatology of the fast, Progress of the fast, Hygiene of the fast, Breaking the fast, Gaining weight after the fast, Living after the fast, Fasting in health, Fasting in acute disease, Fasting in chronic disease, Fasting in drug addiction, and Fasting versus eliminating diets.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1935). The Hygienic System, Vol. II: Orthotrophy. San Antonio, Texas: Dr. Shelton’s Health School.
https://web.archive.org/web/20110222200902/http://www.soilandhealth.org/02/0201hyglibcat/020127shelton.III/020127.toc.htm

• An exact reprint of the text contained within Volume II (Orthotrophy).
• This book highlights the crucial role of nutrition and the science of proper food combining. The author challenges common misconceptions about proteins, amino acids, vitamins, and cooked foods, providing compelling research to support his claims. Furthermore, he raises alarming concerns about the dangers of salt and the urgent decline in soil fertility, making a strong case for a shift in our dietary practices.
• https://www.healthscience.org/product/science-fine-art-and-nutrition/
• Chapters include: Philosophy of nutrition, food, elements, minerals of life, vitamins, calories, the law of the minimum, organic foods, organic acids, fruits, nuts, vegetables, cereals, animal foods, drinks, condiments, salt, fruitarianism and vegetarianism, natures, food, refinery, digestibility of foods, mental influences in nutrition, enjoying our food, absorption of food, uses of food, how much shall we eat, how to eat, correct food, combining, effects of cooking, uncooked foods, salads, conservative cooking, effects of denatured foods, undernutrition, hypo alkalinity, diet reform versus supplemental, beginning the reform diet, feeding mothers, building the teeth, the eliminating diet, feeding in disease, three-year nursing period, cows, milk, pasteurization, mothers, milk, should baby be weaned, no starch for infants, three feedings a day, feeding of infants, feeding children, man shall not die with food, alone, and our denatured soil.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1935). Hygienic System, Vol. IV: Orthokinesiology.

• This volume is a compelling exploration of the essential role of exercise in our lives. Dr. Shelton passionately advocates for including exercise as a vital component of our daily routines. He presents effective methods to address various health issues and significantly improve our well-being. This thorough, insightful guide offers not only corrective strategies through exercise but also powerful strategies for maintaining optimal health.  Chapters include: The Greek Ideal, Physical Education in Schools, Gymnastics for Children, Play in Physical Education, Physical Education for Women, Athletics in Physical Education, Objections to Exercise, Physiology of Exercise, Philosophy of Exercise, Classification of Movements, Exercise Versus Work, Exercise and The Heart, Important Rules of Exercise, Developing The Body, Endurance, Strengthening Specific Regions of the Spinal Column,  Weight Training, Training for Proper Posture, The Application of Gymnastics for The Sick, The Principles of Corrective Exercise, Deformities of the Neck & Shoulders, Deformities of the Chest, Deformities of the Spine, Correction of Hernia, Remedying Visceroptosis, Uterine Displacements, Varicose Veins, Bow Legs & Knock Knees, Rotations of the Feet, Flat Feet, Club Foot, Toe Deformities, Infantile Paralysis, The Athlete’s Living, Weight Control, Remedying Social Evils through a Dedicated Exercise Program, Natural Living and Rational Asceticism.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1937). Hygienic System, Vol. V: Orthogenetics.

• This book focuses on relationships, love, birth, children, parenthood, sex, and sexual function.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1937). Syphilis: The Werewolf of Medicine. Health Research: Mokelumne Hill, California.
https://books.google.com/books?id=OICgVwndHxgC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_atb#v=onepage&q&f=false

• Shelton, at his scathing best, explains that there is not now and never has been a disease called “syphilis” but that by diagnosing many minor and usually transient symptoms as “syphilis,” the medical profession has obtained a herd of terrified people who pay hefty fees to take their poisonous remedies. The remedies must go on for years, and the toxicity of the very remedies themselves causes the dreaded symptoms of so-called tertiary syphilis. Dr. Shelton traces the evolution of the myth surrounding syphilis, which he believed forms one of the most amazing stories in all medical history.  Chapters include: the beginning of a myth, the myth becomes a lie, pathological Mockingbird, the myth becomes a nightmare, the nightmare becomes a mania, test that does not test, what causes syphilis?, Diagnosing a protean monster, the beginning of quackery, new evil, for old, the artificial fever cure, what is syphilis, regular abuse of the syphilitic, and the hygiene care of the syphilitic.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1938). Syphilis. 

Shelton, Herbert M. (1939). The Hygienic System: Vol VI: Orthopathy. San Antonio, Texas: Dr. Shelton’s Health School.
https://soilandhealth.org/book/the-hygienic-system-vol-vi-orthopathy/

• Dr. Shelton’s goal was to empower his readers with knowledge, enabling them to take control of their well-being without depending on remedies that overlook the vital role of a healthy environment. It covers the topic of orthopathy, a philosophy of natural living that originated in the early 1800s. It is the philosophy of “natural living,” a branch of naturopathy. Natural hygienists generally oppose drugs, medical treatments, fluoridation, and immunization. They often support raw food or vegetarian diets, food combining, and fasting. Chapters include: Living Matter Cures Itself, The Rationale of “Disease”, The Rationale of Fever, The Rationale of Inflammation, The Rationale of Crises, Self-Limited Diseases, Biogony Not a Radical Cure, The Course of Biogony, Prognosis, Unity of Diseases and Symptoms, The Evolution of Pathology, The Causes of Pathology, The Causes of Enervation, The Conditions of Recovery, and Results of Suppression of Biogony.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1939). The Exploitation of Human Suffering: A Masterly Exposé of the Criminal Racket of Organized Medicine. International School of Orthopathy: New York, N. Y

In 1939, the magazine Dr. Shelton’s Hygienic Review made its debut. Dr. Shelton would continue the review for the next 41 years. The magazine devoted itself to the principles of natural hygiene, the evolution of pathology, the truths and fallacies of health and disease, the laws governing the physiology of the body, and the conditions best suited to keep the organism in a vigorous state of health.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1941). Hygienic System, Vol. VII: Orthopathy. Dr. Shelton’s Health School: San Antonio, Texas. 

• Orthopathy, or “Natural Hygiene,” is an alternative medical philosophy that promotes a raw food diet, vegetarianism, and intermittent fasting. Shelton’s book is considered a significant work in the history of natural hygiene because it was the first to give credit to the pioneers who established the foundations of orthopathy. Shelton’s ideas about food included:  Food combining, eating “incompatible” foods in one meal can lead to illness, while eating “compatible” foods can maintain health. Shelton defined seven groups of food based on their function, such as supplying energy, building the body, and regulating bodily processes. 

Shelton, Herbert M. (1946). Getting Well. Kessinger Legacy Reprint
https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Well-Herbert-M-Shelton/dp/116358262X

• Getting Well is a comprehensive guide to natural healing and holistic health. The book provides a detailed overview of natural hygiene principles and practices, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy lifestyle to prevent and heal illness. Shelton’s approach to health and wellness is based on the belief that the body can heal itself when given the proper conditions, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate rest. He provides practical advice on achieving optimal health through simple lifestyle changes, including fasting, detoxification, and other natural therapies. The book covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, including the importance of proper nutrition, the benefits of exercise, the role of sleep in health, and the dangers of environmental toxins. Shelton also provides detailed guidance on addressing specific health conditions, including digestive disorders, respiratory problems, skin conditions, and more. It offers practical advice and valuable insights into the principles of natural hygiene and provides a roadmap for achieving optimal health and wellness through simple lifestyle changes. Chapters include: What is Health; The Rationale of Disease; Compensation in Disease; Law Governs Disease; Physiology vs. Voodooism; The Story of Useless Organs; The Fun of Being Sick; How to Get Well; Doing Something; Why Drugs; Toleration; Quick Relief; Killing Our Children; Curing Arthritis; Endocarditis, truly, a pain in the neck; Peptic Ulcers; Ulcerative Colitis; What are Tumors; Curing Gallstones; Diabetes; Varicose Veins; Asthma; Warts; Influenza; Who’s on A Diet; Rat-Pen Dietics; Always Eating Always Hungry; Food cures; Vitamin Failures; When to Eat; Are There Mucus Forming Foods; Tables of Analysis; When to Eat; Fasting Vindicated; Growing Old; Diseases of Middle Life; Living to Live; Born an Original; and Fasting vs Dieting.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1949). Basic Principles of Natural Hygiene. Kessinger Legacy Reprint
Available on Amazon

• The book shares a powerful message: medicines are inert substances that the body typically rejects or eliminates. Shelton argues that the body is proactive in its response, actively working against drugs rather than being passively influenced by them. This principle challenges the conventional view, emphasizing the importance of understanding our body’s natural processes over-relying on pharmaceuticals. A comprehensive guide to achieving optimal health through natural means. The book covers a wide range of topics related to natural health, including nutrition, fasting, exercise, sleep, stress management, and more. Shelton emphasizes the importance of a natural, whole foods-based diet and explores the benefits of fasting and detoxification for improving overall health and vitality. He also discusses the role of exercise in maintaining a healthy body and provides practical tips for developing a regular exercise routine. Additionally, the book covers the importance of rest and relaxation and provides strategies for managing stress and promoting mental and emotional well-being. Throughout the book, Shelton emphasizes the importance of natural hygiene principles for achieving optimal health and well-being and provides practical guidance for incorporating these principles into daily life. 

Shelton, Herbert M. (1951). Food Combining Made Easy. Martin Fine Books: Eastford, CT.
https://archive.org/details/020195.shelton.combining

• This is Shelton’s guide that explains the principles of combining food for optimal digestion and health. Drawing from over forty years of research and clinical practice, Shelton explains how different foods interact in the digestive system and why certain combinations can enhance or hinder digestion. Readers will learn why combinations of acids, fats, starches, sugars, and proteins disrupt the normal digestion processes.  This book provides practical advice on which food combinations to avoid and which to embrace, offering clear explanations and simple guidelines that anyone can follow.  Shelton was known as the father of food combining and was among the first to advocate fasting and raw foods as healing therapies. Chapters include: foodstuffs classified, digestion of foods, right and wrong combinations, normal digestion, how to take your proteins, how to take your starch, eating fruits, eating schedule for a week, remedying indigestion, and the hygienic institution.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1951). Superior Nutrition.
https://www.amazon.com/-/he/Herbert-M-Shelton/dp/0960694811

• This book explores various aspects of food within the broader context of Shelton’s Hygienic program. It covers topics such as digestion, food combining, fasting, vitamins, food additives, superfoods, and the oxidation and fragmentation of foods. Additionally, it addresses issues related to sulfured foods, amino acids, proteins, and numerous other nutritional concerns. One key focus is the important distinction between organic and inorganic minerals in the diet.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1952, July). Commemorating by Dedicating Ourselves. ANHS Program 1952, pp. 8- 10.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CONVENTION-1952-New-York.pdf

• Natural Hygiene, though rooted in ancient principles, was formally developed in the 19th century by pioneers like Rev. Dr. Sylvester Graham, Dr. Russell T. Trall, Dr. Issac Jennings, Dr. William A. Alcott, Dr. George H. Taylor, and Dr. James C. Jackson, Mary Gove Nichols, Dr. Thomas L. Nichols, Dr. Susanna Dodds and Dr. Harriet Austin, and others who laid the foundation for a science-based, holistic approach to health. Unlike basic personal hygiene, Natural Hygiene is a comprehensive system grounded in biological and physiological laws, focusing on the proper care of both body and mind. Since its inception, it has evolved significantly, with modern practitioners expanding on early knowledge, particularly in areas like fasting, nutrition, and disease causation. While the core truths of Natural Hygiene remain unchanged, its methods have been refined and perfected over time. Today, the movement is gaining global momentum, recognized for its effectiveness in restoring and maintaining health. More educated individuals, including some within the medical professions, are embracing its principles. Organizations like the American Natural Hygiene Society, along with influential figures such as Dr. Herbert Shelton, are key to spreading this knowledge. With a growing international presence and increasing public interest, Natural Hygiene is positioned not just as an alternative approach but as the definitive path to health, joy, and a renewed connection with nature.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1953). Recovery. Dr. Shelton’s Health School: San Antonio, TX. Kessinger Legacy Reprint. – 2010.
https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Well-Herbert-M-Shelton/dp/1162568305

• A comprehensive guide to natural healing that covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, including diet, fasting, exercise, and natural remedies. Shelton presents a holistic approach to healing that emphasizes the body’s innate ability to heal when given the proper support. He provides practical advice on achieving optimal health through a combination of lifestyle changes and natural therapies. The book is written in a clear and accessible style, making it an excellent resource for anyone interested in improving their health and well-being. Whether dealing with a specific health issue or simply looking to improve your overall health, Getting Well offers valuable insights and guidance to help you achieve your goals. Chapter include: What is Health; The Rationale of Disease; Compensation in Disease; Law Governs Disease; Physiology vs. Voodooism; The Story of Useless Organs; The Fun of Being Sick; How to get Well; Why Drugs; Quick Relief; Killing our Children; Curing Arthritis; Peptic Ulcers; What are Tumors; Curing Gallstones; Diabetes; Varicose Veins; Asthma; Warts; Influenza; Who’s on a Diet; Food cures; Vitamin Failures; When to Eat; Growing Old; Diseases of Middle Life; plus more.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1953, May). The Evolution of Disease. ANHS Program 1953, pp. 3- 4.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CONVENTION-1953.-Miami-Beach-FL.pdf

• This article argues that all human disease fundamentally originates from a violation of natural law, leading to the build-up of toxins in the body (toxemia), which over time results in chronic and acute illnesses. Disease begins with subtle, often unnoticed changes caused by overexertion, poor habits, and an excess of waste in the body. As toxemia accumulates and persists, it sets off a chain of pathological developments that may eventually lead to serious conditions such as diabetes, cancer, or paralysis. The text emphasizes that disease evolves gradually, with occasional acute illnesses (like colds or fevers) acting as the body’s attempts to eliminate toxins. However, if the root causes—unhealthy habits, nerve exhaustion, and dietary excesses—aren’t corrected, chronic disease develops. Individual predispositions (diathesis), lifestyle, and environment influence how a disease manifests in each person. Although toxemia is considered the basic cause, it is not the only factor, as disease results from a complex interaction of influences. The only real path to healing lies in removing toxemia, restoring nerve energy, and radically improving living habits—aiming not to suppress symptoms, but to restore normal, healthy function.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1953, May). Toxemia. ANHS Program 1953, pp. 11-12.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CONVENTION-1953.-Miami-Beach-FL.pdf

• This article explains that the human body, like cultured tissue, requires a clean fluid environment to stay healthy. However, unlike cultured tissue, which needs vast amounts of liquid to remain unpoisoned by its own waste, the body relies on its organs—heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, bowels, and blood vessels—to constantly cleanse and circulate a small volume of fluid. When these systems function properly, waste is efficiently eliminated, keeping the body’s internal environment clean. If excretion is impaired due to low nerve energy, waste accumulates, resulting in toxemia, or self-poisoning from within. This toxemia is seen as the basic cause of all disease. As nerve energy declines, elimination falters, toxemia increases, and the body enters a vicious cycle of toxicity and further energy loss. Periodic “disease crises” are the body’s attempts to purge this toxicity, but people often return to harmful habits afterward, restarting the cycle. Early health reformers recognized both internal (endogenous) and external (exogenous) sources of poisoning, including poor digestion, overeating, and dietary toxins. Dr. Tilden helped clarify these ideas by defining toxemia as poisoning from internal waste, while reserving “poisoning” for external sources like spoiled food or harmful substances. When external poisons (like decomposed protein or starch) combine with internal toxemia, they intensify diseases, especially chronic and catarrhal conditions. The key message is that food itself is not harmful—only when it decomposes does it become toxic.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1953, May). Exercise. ANHS Program 1953, pp. 17-18.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CONVENTION-1953.-Miami-Beach-FL.pdf

• This article stresses that physical exercise is more than just a way to build muscle—it is a comprehensive tool that benefits every tissue and function in the body, including the brain, nerves, glands, and organs. Exercise can be used to maintain, improve, or restore health, increase strength, improve posture, correct physical issues, boost mental efficiency, and even support moral development. The key to effective exercise is progression—gradually increasing the intensity or complexity to ensure continuous improvement. Without this principle, exercise produces little to no results. Whether the goal is strength, endurance, grace, or healing physical conditions like hernias or organ displacement, success depends on a consistent and intelligently progressive approach. Simple tools like barbells or resistance bands can deliver great results, and even complex skills like dancing start with basic movements and progress step by step. While activities like walking are valuable, they are not enough for all fitness goals. The passage also encourages women to pursue strength training without fear of becoming overly muscular, emphasizing that strength and beauty can coexist. Ultimately, smart, goal-focused, and progressive exercise is vital for building a strong, healthy, and graceful body.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1954, July). Doctors of Natural Hygiene. 1954 ANHS Convention Program, pp. 3- 4.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CONVENTION-1954.-Chicago-Illinois.pdf

• There is currently no academic institution that grants the title “Doctor of Natural Hygiene,” and most Hygienic practitioners today have come to this path after becoming disillusioned with conventional or alternative medical systems they were originally trained in. The pioneers of Natural Hygiene—such as Dr. Isaac Jennings, Dr. Russell Trall, and others—were originally trained in orthodox medicine but abandoned drug-based treatments after witnessing their ineffectiveness and harm. While some established Hygienic colleges in the past, they still issued conventional medical degrees, failing to distinguish Hygienists clearly from practitioners of other medical schools. Most living Hygienic practitioners today have similar backgrounds, having studied osteopathy, naturopathy, or chiropractic before embracing strict Hygienic practice. However, practitioners fall into two categories: those who practice Hygiene exclusively and those who blend it with therapies from their original training, the latter of whom are not endorsed by the American Natural Hygiene Society. The Society insists that true Hygienic practitioners must be well-educated in the basic sciences, experienced, and committed to practicing pure Hygiene. It also warns against unqualified laypeople who misrepresent the philosophy, as well as opportunists who exploit the rising popularity of Natural Hygiene without truly embodying its principles. The movement’s integrity, the passage stresses, depends on maintaining its purity and refusing to compromise with the therapeutic systems it fundamentally rejects. Any such compromise, it warns, would be the downfall of Natural Hygiene.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1954, July). The Health Lecturer. 1954 ANHS Convention Program, pp. 10-11.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CONVENTION-1954.-Chicago-Illinois.pdf

• Hygienists were pioneers in public health education, beginning with Rev. Dr. Sylvester Graham, who gave the first known health lectures in New York City in 1832 and continued throughout the North and East. Inspired by his message, many, including Wm. A. Alcott, Mary Gove Nichols, and others, followed in his footsteps, spreading the principles of “health by healthful living” across the nation. Dr. R. T. Trall significantly expanded this movement through lectures and by training disciples who carried the message nationwide. Other key figures like Dr. James C. Jackson, Dr. Thomas Low Nichols, and Dr. Robert Walter continued this educational mission in institutions that combined patient care with public lectures on health and healing. This focus on education—not sales—was central to the Hygienic ideal, which sharply contrasted with modern “health lecturers” who prioritize profit over truth. Unlike today’s commercial promoters selling questionable products and miracle cures, early Hygienic educators were committed to truth and scientific integrity, never pushing gimmicks or unsubstantiated claims. Hygienists are urged to reject today’s untrained, exploitative salespeople posing as experts and remain committed to genuine education and ethical practice.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1954, September). Hygiene and Medicine — A Contrast. Journal of Natural Hygiene, 1(N1), 4-5.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Volume-1-N1-Natural-Hygiene.pdf

• In his article, Dr. Herbert M. Shelton contrasts the fields of hygiene and medicine, highlighting the fundamental differences in their approaches to health and disease. Dr. Shelton argues that while medicine often focuses on treating diseases after they occur, hygiene emphasizes prevention and the promotion of health before illness arises. He contends that medicine tends to focus on symptom treatment and intervention, using drugs, surgery, and other forms of medical intervention. In contrast, hygiene seeks to maintain health through natural practices, such as proper diet, exercise, rest, and hygiene, without relying on artificial treatments.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1954, October). The Vital Spendthrift. Journal of Natural Hygiene, 1(N2), 2, 3, 21, 22.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Volume-1-N2-Natural-Hygiene.pdf

• Dr. Shelton critiques modern society’s indulgent, wasteful lifestyle and its detrimental effects on health. The piece argues that many people live without understanding their physical limitations, indulging in excessive pleasures and toxic habits that drain their vital energy and contribute to disease. While the body is naturally designed to function optimally, people’s self-destructive habits—such as overeating, excessive sexual indulgence, emotional chaos, and disregard for self-care—lead to a depletion of energy, resulting in both functional impairments and serious diseases.
• The article stresses that true health is maintained through self-control and conservation of life energy. It contends that the pursuit of fleeting pleasures, driven by societal norms and the medical industry’s focus on treatment rather than prevention, leads to long-term suffering and early death. The author rejects the notion that living healthfully is a sacrifice, pointing out that those who follow a natural hygienic lifestyle enjoy better health, longevity, and a more fulfilling life than those who squander their energy on indulgence.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1954, November). The Place of Vegetarianism in Natural Hygiene. Journal of Natural Hygiene, 1(N3), 3, 16, 17, 18.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Volume-1-N3-Natural-Hygiene.pdf

• Vegetarianism, while a modern term, refers to the doctrine that humans should live on plant-based foods for optimal mental and physical development. Though the practice of vegetarianism has ancient roots, the term and its formal adoption as a health practice became prominent in the 19th century, particularly in the U.S., through the work of individuals like Rev. Dr. Sylvester Graham and other pioneers of the Natural Hygiene movement. Some people embraced vegetarianism for moral, sentimental, or religious reasons, but Natural Hygienists, while acknowledging these reasons, regarded vegetarianism as only one component of a broader, more comprehensive lifestyle based on the principles of Hygiene.
• Natural Hygiene, as a system, is a complete way of life, encompassing not only diet but all aspects of living, including mental, moral, and spiritual health. It emphasizes balance and the application of natural laws in all facets of life, including emotional well-being, exercise, rest, and sexual health. Unlike vegetarianism, which focuses primarily on diet, Natural Hygiene integrates multiple factors necessary for overall well-being.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1954, December). Fertilization of the Soil. Journal of Natural Hygiene, 1(N4). 2, 16, 17.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Volume-1-N4-Natural-Hygiene.pdf

• In 1950, the author visited the Savage Experimental Gardens in Nicholasville, Kentucky, where the gardens survived two heavy frosts while others in the area were destroyed. The key reason for this resilience was that the soil was rich in minerals, which gave the plants greater resistance to cold. Mr. Savage believed that by mineralizing the soil, he could grow crops, even in colder climates like Michigan, although some crops, like oranges, may not thrive due to the short growing season.
• Savage’s method of mineralizing soil naturally led to healthy, fertile conditions that supported abundant plant growth without the need for imported earthworms or excess organic material. He found that when minerals were adequately present in the soil, earthworms thrived on their own. Proper remineralization promotes hardier, healthier plants with better nutritional value. While a small amount of organic material is helpful for soil, it is the minerals that make the soil truly fertile.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1954, December). My Iconoclasm. Journal of Natural Hygiene, V1(N4), 8, 26, 27, 28.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Volume-1-N4-Natural-Hygiene.pdf

• Dr. Shelton passionately argues that the fight against medical fraud and deception requires bold criticism, not just mild suggestions or intellectual moderation. Often revered as an untouchable institution, medicine is filled with fraud and scams that must be exposed. Critics of medicine who challenge its fallacies are often silenced or attacked, but the author believes such criticisms are necessary to bring about progress.
• The central point is that exposing the individuals behind medical frauds is crucial, as frauds are not abstract concepts but are personified by the dishonest individuals who perpetuate them. The author denounces the “tolerant” approach that avoids criticizing the people behind the fraud, arguing that it is a cowardly stance. Actual progress requires confronting the harmful forces, not passively tolerating them.
• Dr. Shelton’s approach is unapologetically aggressive, emphasizing the need for “energetic rejection and criticism” of harmful views. Using historical examples, he contrasts the outcomes of gentle, persuasive approaches versus vigorous, direct attacks on the medical establishment. He draws attention to individuals like Dr. Trail and Dr. Tilden, who made a significant impact by being bold and uncompromising in their critiques, and criticizes the soft, non-confrontational methods of others.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1954, December). The Joys of Getting Well. Kessinger Legacy Reprint.
https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Well-Herbert-M-Shelton/dp/116358262X

• A comprehensive guide to natural healing and holistic health provides a detailed overview of the principles and practices of natural hygiene, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy lifestyle to prevent and heal illness. Shelton’s approach to health and wellness is based on the belief that the body has an innate ability to heal itself when given the proper conditions, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate rest. He provides practical advice on achieving optimal health through simple lifestyle changes, including fasting, detoxification, and other natural therapies. The book covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, including the importance of proper nutrition, the benefits of exercise, the role of sleep in health, and the dangers of environmental toxins. Shelton also provides detailed guidance on addressing specific health conditions, including digestive disorders, respiratory problems, skin conditions, and more.  It offers practical advice and valuable insights into the principles of natural hygiene and provides a roadmap for achieving optimal health and wellness through simple lifestyle changes. Chapters include: What is Health; The Rationale of Disease; Compensation in Disease; Law Governs Disease; Physiology vs. Voodooism; The Story of Useless Organs; The Fun of Being Sick; How to get Well; Why Drugs; Quick Relief; Killing our Children; Curing Arthritis; Peptic Ulcers; What are Tumors; Curing Gallstones; Diabetes; Varicose Veins; Asthma; Warts; Influenza; Who’s on A Diet; Food cures; Vitamin Failures; When to Eat; Growing Old; and Diseases of Middle Life.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1955, January). Whole Foods Versus Supplements. Journal of Natural Hygiene, V1(N5), 1-5.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Volume-1-N5-Natural-Hygiene.pdf

• Dr. Shelton argues that many modern therapeutic and dietary practices, such as relying on specific diets, supplements, and synthetic vitamins, are misguided. He emphasizes that people often blame food for discomfort caused by overeating or poor eating habits, without addressing the root cause of the problem: the abuse of food itself.
• He criticizes the mechanistic, laboratory-driven approach to dietetics, which ignores individual health needs and treats food like a set of isolated nutrients (calories, vitamins, minerals, etc.) rather than as a whole. It points out that synthetic foods and processed products are often used as substitutes for natural, unrefined foods, but they don’t provide adequate nourishment.
• He further stresses that adding synthetic vitamins or supplements to a poor diet does not correct underlying issues. For example, insufficient vitamins can make a diet of refined foods (like white bread) adequate. Natural foods, containing both nutritious and non-nutritious (bulk) elements, are essential for health, and the body is already equipped to handle these foods without artificial supplementation.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1955, Feb/Mar). The Evolution of Disease. Journal of Natural Hygiene, V1(N6-7), 17, 18, 28.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Volume-1-N6-7-Natural-Hygiene.pdf

• In The Evolution of Disease, Dr. Herbert M. Shelton explores the development of disease as a gradual process that originates from violations of natural law and results in toxic buildup (toxemia) in the body. He emphasizes that pathological changes begin subtly and accumulate over time, eventually manifesting as serious conditions like cancer, diabetes, or paralysis. These diseases evolve from small, imperceptible beginnings and worsen as toxemia persists. The development of disease, much like the growth of a tree from a seed, is a slow, progressive process.
• Shelton explains that while toxemia is the universal factor in disease, it is not the sole cause; other factors, such as genetic predispositions (diathesis), environmental stressors, and lifestyle choices, contribute to the specific form of disease an individual may develop. The course of disease may vary in different individuals due to these factors, but it always follows a pattern of increasing toxicity and decreasing health. Acute diseases (like colds or fevers) act as temporary eliminative crises that help expel toxins, while chronic diseases reflect the ongoing, persistent effects of toxemia on the body. He asserts that diseases do not appear suddenly but are part of a continuous process where the body fluctuates between crises (acute diseases) and periods of chronic conditions.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1955, Feb/Mar). Breast Tumor – A Case History. Journal of Natural Hygiene, V1(N6-7), pg25-28.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Volume-1-N6-7-Natural-Hygiene.pdf

• In this case history, Dr. Herbert M. Shelton describes the treatment of a 34-year-old woman who came to his Health School for care after being diagnosed with a painful breast tumor. The woman had been experiencing soreness and sensitivity in her breasts for most of her life, particularly around her menstrual periods. Over time, this soreness became chronic, and a lump developed in her right breast. She was advised by doctors at the Northwestern Medical College cancer clinic to undergo surgery, which could result in the removal of her breast if the tumor was found to be malignant.
• The woman, however, chose to seek alternative care at the Health School. After 24 days of treatment, she showed significant improvement, and by the time she left the Health School, her condition was much better. Dr. Shelton suggests that with continued commitment to a natural and hygienic way of life, the woman will fully recover, and the tumor will not return. In summary, Dr. Shelton advocates for the prevention and treatment of tumors through lifestyle changes, proper diet, and holistic care rather than relying on surgical procedures or other conventional treatments that do not address the root causes of illness.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1955, Apr/May). The Evolution of Toxemia. Journal of Natural Hygiene, V1(N8-9), pg15-18.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Volume-1-N8-9-Natural-Hygiene.pdf

• Shelton’s theory of disease highlights the importance of maintaining proper nerve energy and efficient elimination processes to prevent the buildup of toxemia and the onset of disease. Proper living habits are essential for maintaining a healthy balance and avoiding the toxic accumulation that leads to chronic illness.
• Shelton explains that the body is a “poison factory,” constantly producing waste through cellular processes. This waste must be eliminated by the body’s excretory organs to maintain health. When these organs function optimally, the body remains free of toxins. However, when nerve energy is depleted (enervation), the body’s elimination processes become sluggish, allowing waste to accumulate, leading to toxemia.
• He describes enervation as a condition where excessive use of nerve energy results in a lower ability to perform bodily functions. Enervation does not directly cause disease but impairs bodily functions, including the elimination of waste, which eventually results in toxemia. Inadequate elimination leads to the buildup of metabolic waste in the blood and lymph, poisoning the body. As toxemia worsens, it further depletes nerve energy, creating a vicious cycle of worsening health.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1955, Jun/Jul). Menopause. Journal of Natural Hygiene, V1(N10-11), pg13-16.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Volume-1-N10-11-Natural-Hygiene.pdf

• Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive life, but not the end of her sexual life. While the change may bring some physical changes, such as breast regression, it does not necessarily result in deteriorated health or appearance.
• Menopause is presented as a normal, often uneventful phase of life, with many women experiencing it without significant symptoms. For those who do face symptoms like irritability or hot flashes, Shelton attributes these to underlying health issues rather than the menopause itself. He criticizes hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as a short-term solution that neglects addressing the root causes of symptoms. Shelton recommends improving overall health through better nutrition, exercise, sleep, and adopting a healthy lifestyle to manage symptoms effectively. By addressing the root causes of hormonal imbalance, women can restore their endocrine system to normal function and enjoy a healthier transition through menopause.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1955, Aug). Fasting vs Dieting. Journal of Natural Hygiene, V1 N12, p. 6- 8.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Volume-1-N12-Natural-Hygiene.pdf

• Dr. Herbert M. Shelton critiques the widespread belief in curing diseases through specific diets or food-based “cures,” such as grape, lemon, or juice diets. He argues that these dietary approaches, while potentially offering short-term relief, are based on misconceptions and are ultimately ineffective in addressing the root causes of disease. Many diet-based treatments are built on two false ideas: that the body is full of acids needing neutralization and that disease is caused by nutrient deficiencies. Shelton asserts that the real causes of disease are constitutional impairment, enervation, and toxemia, not simply a lack of vitamins or minerals.
• Shelton explains that the value of restrictive diets—like fruit or vegetable-based ones—comes from their ability to reduce food intake, not from any supposed healing properties. In contrast, fasting, he argues, is far more effective in promoting health because it allows the body to focus on eliminating toxins rather than ingesting more food. The body, particularly when sick, is often overloaded with toxins, and fasting provides the opportunity for detoxification and healing. He concludes that the search for cures through food is misguided. True healing comes from understanding and adhering to the natural laws of health, which emphasize detoxification, rest, and proper nourishment rather than reliance on specific diets or foods to “cure” disease.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1956, July). What Is Natural Hygiene? 1956 ANHS Convention Program, pp. 6-8. 

https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CONVENTION-1956.-Los-Angeles-CA.pdf

• Natural Hygiene is a philosophy and lifestyle focused on preserving and restoring health through the use of natural elements essential to life, such as fresh air, clean water, wholesome food, sunlight, rest, exercise, warmth, cleanliness, and emotional balance. It rejects all forms of drug-based treatments, viewing them as harmful and unnatural, and asserts that health cannot be regained through substances that harm the healthy. Instead of treating disease with cures or medicines, Natural Hygiene supports the body’s inherent ability to heal itself when the causes of illness are removed, and the fundamental needs of life are met in accordance with the body’s current condition. Illness is not a special state requiring poisons or foreign interventions, but a result of disrupted biological processes that can be reversed through proper hygiene and living. Health is maintained and restored by the same natural means, applied intelligently based on the body’s needs at any given time. This approach emphasizes that no real healing can occur until the causes of disease are removed, making Natural Hygiene both a method of prevention and a true path to recovery by aligning with the laws of nature and life itself.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1956, July). The Basic Error. 1956 ANHS Convention Program, pp. 13-15.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CONVENTION-1956.-Los-Angeles-CA.pdf

• The central argument of this article is that the fundamental flaw in all conventional systems of healing lies not in the specific methods they use, but in their basic goal of trying to cure disease at all. Traditional medicine treats disease as an external, destructive enemy that must be suppressed, eradicated, or controlled, often misunderstanding symptoms like fever, inflammation, or vomiting as disorders to be subdued. In contrast, Natural Hygienists view disease not as a harmful intrusion but as the body’s own lawful, vital response to abnormal conditions—a process of self-correction and healing. This concept, termed orthopathy, sees all bodily responses in disease as purposeful and constructive, working in harmony with the body’s inherent laws of self-preservation. Symptoms are not the problem; they are evidence of the body’s attempt to restore balance. Health and disease, then, are not opposites, but different expressions of the same life forces—normal and abnormal reactions to respective normal and abnormal conditions. Therefore, to attempt to “cure” disease through suppression is to fight against the body’s own survival mechanisms, ultimately causing more harm. Instead, the proper approach is to care for the body by removing harmful influences and supplying the essential elements of health—such as adequate nutrition, rest, and clean air—thereby supporting the body’s natural healing processes. This philosophy, developed and practiced by Hygienists for over 130 years, emphasizes working with the body, not against it, and has consistently proven to be a superior and more humane approach to healing.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1956, July). Physiological Rest. 1956 ANHS Convention Program, pp. 28-31.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CONVENTION-1956.-Los-Angeles-CA.pdf

• This article emphasizes that while we may not fully understand what life is, we know it functions according to natural laws that govern all bodily processes—whether in health or disease. Health is simply the normal, effortless performance of life’s processes such as eating, breathing, and eliminating waste. Disease, in contrast, is not a foreign enemy but a set of internal, vital processes through which the body defends, eliminates toxins, and repairs itself. These functions, though painful or abnormal in form, are actually protective and restorative, not pathological in the sense commonly understood. In disease, the body redirects energy from nonessential functions (like digestion or physical movement) toward healing, a phenomenon also seen in healthy life during moments of exertion or stress. Therefore, symptoms like vomiting, lack of appetite, or fatigue are not to be suppressed but respected. The Hygienic approach advocates aligning with these natural healing efforts through fasting and rest, rather than force-feeding or drugging the patient, which interferes with the body’s own processes. In both acute and chronic illness, fasting or dietary reduction allows the body to focus its energy on detoxification and healing. True physiological rest—mental, physical, and sensory—is the most powerful form of care. Stimulating a sick body with drugs or food is harmful, whereas providing rest honors the body’s wisdom and accelerates recovery. Hygienists argue that once we accept that disease is a vital process—not an enemy—we must stop trying to fight it and instead support the body in its self-directed healing.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1956, Nov). The Prevention and Removal of Disease. Journal of Natural Hygiene, V2(N2), Pg5-8.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Volume-2-N2-journal-of-Natural-Hygiene-November-1956.pdf

• Dr. Herbert M. Shelton argues that many so-called “incurable diseases” are the result of ongoing unhealthy habits and treatments that worsen the condition. He criticizes physicians who, despite their training, often overlook the harmful impact of common indulgences like caffeine, tobacco, and overeating. These habits, when perpetuated, lower an individual’s physiological standard and contribute to poor health, leading to what Shelton calls “enervation”—a depletion of nerve energy.
• Shelton emphasizes that enervation, caused by excessive indulgence in physical or mental activities, leads to a breakdown in the body’s natural processes of secretion and excretion. This results in a buildup of toxins (toxemia) within the body, which he identifies as the root cause of disease. The practice of continuous indulgence, combined with poor treatment, creates a vicious cycle that leads to chronic illness and early death, often between the ages of 30 and 45.
• He explains that so-called “infectious diseases” are often not caused by external agents but by internal toxicity, particularly from gastrointestinal putrefaction. Shelton argues that the modern approach to treatment—relying on drugs, stimulants, and temporary fixes—fails to address the fundamental issue of poor habits. True healing, according to Shelton, requires rest, the elimination of enervating habits, and a holistic approach to lifestyle change, not just the treatment of isolated symptoms.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1956, Winter). The Prevention and Removal of Disease. Journal of Natural Hygiene, V2(N1), pg 5-7.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Volume-2-N1-journal-of-Natural-Hygiene-Winter-issue-1956.pdf

• Dr. Herbert M. Shelton argues that modern medicine primarily focuses on symptom treatment rather than addressing the root causes of disease. He criticizes medical practices for perpetuating illness and invalidism through drugs and surgeries that only provide temporary relief without correcting the underlying lifestyle issues that lead to disease. Shelton explains that diseases do not appear suddenly; they evolve from early, subtle signs of dysfunction to more severe conditions over time. However, traditional medicine treats only the symptoms at later stages, ignoring the long-term process of disease development. He stresses that the real solution to disease prevention lies in teaching people how to live healthily rather than relying on symptomatic treatments or “miracle cures.”
• He criticizes the medical profession for focusing on palliative care, such as administering drugs to mask symptoms, rather than promoting lifestyle changes that could prevent illness. According to Shelton, this approach leads to a cycle of dependence on medical interventions, which only worsens the state of health. Ultimately, he advocates for a natural, holistic approach to healing that respects the body’s ability to self-heal, arguing that medical treatments often obstruct rather than support this process.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1957). The Virgin Birth: The Famous Debate Between Herbert M. Shelton and George R. Clements. Health Research. Health Research: Pomeroy, WA. 
https://books.google.com/books/about/Virgin_Birth.html?id=Tpg9c4noJigC

• These two widely known doctors cover the following subjects: the virgin mother, floating lead and sinking cork, degeneration, devolution, infinite parthenogenesis, disastrous science or sensationalism, has man descended from the moon, born freaks of creative thought, sex, a symbiotic necessity. Birth and degeneracy.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1957, Feb). Is Man Constitutionally Omnivorous? Reprinted with the author’s consent from Dr. Shelton’s Hygienic Review, May 1947. Natural Hygiene, 2, Pg24-30.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/NH-Feb.-1957.pdf

• In this article, H. M. Shelton argues against the idea that humans are naturally omnivores or carnivores, a claim often made based on anatomical and physiological comparisons with other animals. Shelton critiques these claims by highlighting the inconsistencies and biases of proponents who rely on pseudo-scientific reasoning, such as the questionable assertions of experts like Professor Henry Fairfield Osborn and David P. Willoughby.
• Shelton asserts that human anatomical structures—such as our teeth, digestive tract, and stomach—are more aligned with frugivores (fruit-eating animals) than with omnivores or carnivores. He points out that humans possess teeth and a digestive system that is more similar to those of anthropoid apes, which are primarily frugivorous, not to the meat-eating omnivores or carnivores.
• He further discusses the adaptability of humans, acknowledging that humans can survive on a wide range of diets, but emphasizes that this doesn’t imply we are constitutionally suited to diets that aren’t natural for us. He argues that the dietary habits humans have adopted—such as eating meat, scavenging, or even consuming decayed food—are not a reflection of our inherent nature, but rather a result of cultural adaptation, scarcity, or even perversion.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1957, July). The Future of Natural Hygiene. 1957 ANHS Convention Program, pp. 4- 9.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CONVENTION-1957.-New-York-City.pdf

• This article passionately advocates for Natural Hygiene as the true path to human health and well-being, asserting that it alone holds the power to create a healthier world. The author emphasizes that the movement must stay true to its foundational principles and resist being diluted by flashy trends, compromises, or so-called liberal reforms. Unlike conventional schools of medicine that rely on state backing, media support, and institutional training, Natural Hygiene has grown steadily through its intrinsic merit and the power of education alone. While others chase superficial cures and legal recognition, Natural Hygiene champions self-education, truth, and natural living. The movement faces challenges both from within—through impatient members and liberal-minded reformers—and from without, through opposition from entrenched medical interests. However, the author is optimistic that society is nearing a tipping point, where disillusionment with mainstream medicine will lead people to seek genuine alternatives. For this turning point to be successful, there is an urgent need to train dedicated, knowledgeable Hygienists who can educate others without being swayed by external influences. The true task lies in reaching the layperson, who is more open to truth than professionals with vested interests. Ultimately, the future of Natural Hygiene depends on unwavering commitment, disciplined education, and the establishment of institutions that can preserve and spread its teachings with integrity.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1957, Oct). How Do You Eat? Natural Hygiene, 3(No. 4), Pg 8-11.

https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/NH-Oct.-1957.pdf

• Dr. Herbert M. Shelton criticizes most physicians’ limited and outdated approach regarding diet and nutrition in patient care. He describes an incident where a woman with ulcerative colitis was fed the typical hospital diet—processed foods like meat, white bread, and canned vegetables—despite requesting fresh, healthier alternatives. The hospital staff, adhering to conventional dietary norms, dismissed her request for better food, which Shelton suggests highlights the failure of modern medicine to integrate newer nutritional knowledge.
• Shelton critiques the widespread practice of “belt-line feeding,” where some suggest separating protein and starches during meals. Shelton argues that this method is flawed, as the human digestive system cannot separate foods once they enter the digestive tract.
• The author also discusses food combining, where some people believe specific foods should be eaten alone or in certain combinations to avoid discomfort.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1957, Winter). Forward Natural Hygiene. Journal of Natural Hygiene, V2(N3-4), Pg2-7.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Volume-2-N3-4-Natural-Hygiene.pdf

• Dr. Herbert Shelton begins by highlighting a paradox in modern society: while we claim to be the healthiest people in history, we also boast of the unprecedented number of doctors, hospitals, and medical professionals. Despite this, the incidence of chronic, degenerative diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and mental illnesses continues to rise. This contradiction reveals a deeper issue—the growing need for a new approach to health, one that challenges the current medical system, which Shelton views as inadequate for addressing the real causes of disease.
• Shelton critiques the general public’s ignorance and apathy towards health, which he attributes to misinformation perpetuated by various societal institutions, including schools, media, and even religious and medical systems. This misinformation is deeply ingrained and prevents people from understanding the true nature of health, disease, and healing. He argues that modern society, in its ignorance, continues to make choices that undermine health, leading to widespread physical and mental decline.
• Shelton concludes by emphasizing that for true health reform to take place, the public must be educated through direct demonstration, not just theory. Only when more people live by these principles and show visible success will the wider population begin to trust and adopt the Natural Hygiene approach.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1958). Colds (Acute Coryza) and Related Subjects. Health Research: Pomeroy, WA.
https://books.google.co.ck/books?id=MFAO2RGOyK4C&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

• This book explores the concept that acute diseases, such as colds, are a natural part of the body’s healing process. Shelton’s book, Why Acute Disease Is A Curative Process, also explores this idea.  Chapters include colds, coughs, whooping cough, influenza, observations of over 8500 cases, and more.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1958). Human Beauty: Its Culture and Hygiene. San Antonio, Texas: Dr. Shelton’s Health School.
https://www.amazon.com/Human-Beauty-Its-Culture-Hygiene/dp/B0007ERR64

• Vivian Vetrano served as the driving force behind this book, passionately advocating for the hygienic cause. He urged readers to cultivate authentic beauty that resonated from within. This book is essential for women, offering valuable insights into understanding their true physical and emotional needs as well as their well-being and self-awareness. This book explores how perceptions of beauty vary significantly across different cultures, heavily influenced by social norms, traditions, and even geographic factors, while also highlighting the role of personal hygiene practices in maintaining and enhancing one’s appearance, with variations in grooming habits depending on cultural expectations and individual preferences. 

Shelton, Herbert M. (1958). The Road to Health Via Natural Hygiene was published. San Antonio, Texas: Dr. Shelton’s Health School.
https://www.amazon.com/road-health-via-natural-hygiene/dp/B0007EJVTA

• This publication offered a revolutionary perspective on wellness. In this insightful work, Dr. Shelton presented the hygienic healthcare system as a holistic approach that seamlessly integrates both mind and body, empowering individuals to achieve and sustain optimal health. Natural hygiene is an alternative medicine that originated from the Nature Cure movement. Natural hygiene is based on the idea that the body can heal itself and that fasting, diet, and lifestyle choices can help prevent disease.  It is presented in a series of 12 lectures on natural hygiene, along with questions and answers.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1958, Feb). Hygiene on the March – Living to Live. Magazine – Natural Hygiene, 3(No 8), Pg 1-2.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/NH-Feb.-1958.pdf

• Health and disease are not random; they are the direct result of how one lives, either following the laws of nature or violating them.
• The laws of nature are inherent in our being and our relationships with food, water, air, other people, and life itself. Violating these natural relationships results in self-destruction. While we have the autonomy to make choices (such as lifestyle habits, diet, or exercise), we are not free from the consequences of those choices. Our actions, thoughts, and behaviors directly affect our well-being.
• Life is about relationships, not simply following commands or rules. If one aligns with the correct principles, health naturally follows; disease results from disloyalty to life’s legitimate laws. The illusion of invulnerability arises from the lack of immediate consequences for harmful actions, but this deception leads to gradual inner decay and deterioration. Many people live in ignorance of their self-destruction, believing they can violate natural laws without immediate repercussions.
• To truly live, one must stop searching for shortcuts or magic solutions and instead learn and follow the simple laws of nature, aligning life with these principles for proper health and well-being.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1958, Jun). Hygienic Care of the Sick. Magazine – Natural Hygiene, 3(No 11), Pg 2-6
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/NH-June-1958.pdf

• Dr. Herbert M. Shelton emphasizes that health results from the body’s natural processes, which rely on vital conditions such as proper food, clean water, fresh air, rest, exercise, and a balanced environment. These conditions are the foundation for both maintaining and restoring health. In sickness, the body’s needs are not fundamentally different from its needs in health; thus, healing should not rely on artificial substances, drugs, or “remedies,” which often worsen the situation. Instead, recovery depends on returning the body to the optimal conditions for life to heal itself.
• Shelton critiques traditional methods that introduce foreign, often harmful substances to combat illness, arguing that these approaches fail because they conflict with the body’s natural processes. True healing comes from nurturing the body with the same elements that sustain it in health: appropriate food, rest, exercise, and a peaceful state of mind.
• He emphasizes that moderation is key in both health and illness. Whether it’s food, exercise, or rest, the principle is to provide just what the body needs without excess. The Hygienic approach to caring for the sick involves adjusting life’s elements to meet the specific needs of the weakened organism. This approach recognizes that the body’s inherent ability to heal—self-healing—is the true power behind recovery, and it works best when given the right support under the proper conditions.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1958, Jul). Scientific Fasting – Summary of a lecture presented before the 1958 Convention of the American Natural Hygiene Society in St. Louis, Mo. Magazine – Natural Hygiene, 3(No 12), Pg14-16.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/NH-July-1958.pdf

• Dr. Herbert M. Shelton discussed the benefits of fasting, particularly its role in healing and detoxification. He emphasized that fasting, combined with physical rest and abstinence from food (except water and oxygen), provides a physiological break that allows the body to rid itself of toxins and surplus food. In cases of acute illness, fasting can help the body recover more quickly, as food intake tends to worsen symptoms by increasing discomfort and complications.
• Dr. Shelton argued against the common belief that food is necessary to “build strength” and “resistance,” pointing out that many well-fed individuals still become ill. Instead, fasting strengthens the body, helps it regain health, and can speed recovery from chronic diseases such as heart disease, arthritis, asthma, tumors, and ulcers. He shared personal experience from over 40 years of practice, having overseen thousands of fasts, many of which led to full recoveries from conditions previously thought incurable.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1959, January). Weight Reduction. Magazine – Natural Hygiene, V4(No 5), pg6-7, 14.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/NH-Jan.-1959.pdf

• From his latest book, “Human Beauty, Its Culture and Hygiene.”
• Dr. Herbert M. Shelton describes the impact of excess weight on beauty and health by recounting an encounter with a once-beautiful woman who has succumbed to obesity. He emphasizes that weight gain is not solely due to glands, heredity, or age, but rather excess food intake. Shelton outlines three safe methods for weight reduction: fasting, dietary control, and physical exercise, stressing that they can improve health alongside weight loss. He warns against drugs for weight loss due to health risks and notes that while fasting can lead to rapid weight loss without skin sagging in the young, it should be supervised. Additionally, he highlights the importance of choosing nutritious foods and maintaining determination in the weight loss journey, as initial weight reduction may plateau before further loss occurs.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1959, May). Food Addiction. Magazine – Natural Hygiene, V4(No 9), pg1-2, 14.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/NH-May-1959.pdf

• Food addiction, as discussed by H. M. Shelton, describes how habitual eating habits can lead to a form of neurosis, resulting in individuals becoming slaves to their cravings. These habits develop slowly, with overeating causing gastric issues such as gluttony and bulimia, where individuals feel an insatiable hunger despite consuming excessive amounts of food. This compulsive behavior can lead to a distorted perception of hunger, where individuals insist they need food even when it’s detrimental to their health. As they continue to indulge, their reliance on food intensifies, leading to a cycle of suffering and further consumption, ultimately requiring external intervention to help them regain control over their appetites.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1959, June). Health for the Millions. Magazine – Natural Hygiene, V4(No 9), pg4-7, 24.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/NH-June-1959.pdf

• The article emphasizes the importance of understanding and adopting the principles of Hygiene to achieve optimal health for the masses. It highlights that many people lack awareness about the true nature of health, diseases, and the necessary conditions for recovery. Hygienists aim to work in harmony with natural laws to maintain health by focusing on nutrition and purification processes in the body, rather than relying on substances that can induce disease. It advocates for a holistic view of health that considers the interconnectedness of body functions and emphasizes a comprehensive approach to living healthfully, acknowledging that multiple factors contribute to overall well-being rather than a singular focus on diet or exercise.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1961). Rubies in the Sand. San Antonio, Texas: Dr. Shelton’s Health School.
Available on Amazon

• This publication powerfully traces the evolution of medicine from its roots over 2000 years ago to today’s practices. Dr. Shelton compellingly underscores the unparalleled effectiveness and enduring significance of the hygienic system. This publication critiques the medical establishment and offers alternative ideas about health and healing through: Medical history – Shelton discusses the work of ancient medical doctors, such as Hippocrates, Galen, and Paracelsus. Healing – Shelton criticizes superstition, sorcery, astrology, and the idea that disease is caused by evil spirits or angry gods. He also challenges the Darwinian myth, which states that only the fittest survive to evolve. Natural hygiene – Shelton advocates for a return to the body’s natural ability to heal itself and for hygiene. He believes that healing comes from within, not from external forces. Primal instincts – Shelton calls for people to reject the conditioned reflexes of domestication and return to their primal instincts. 

Shelton, Herbert M. (1961, July). The Hygienic Life, Not a Gloomy One. 1961 ANHS Convention Program, pp. 4- 5. 

https://www.healthscience.org/magazine/conference-program-chicago-1961/

• Many people wrongly view the Hygienic System as restrictive, joyless, and extreme—demanding a life of deprivation and bland food. In truth, the system was revolutionary and liberating. It challenged outdated and harmful norms: fear of sunshine, fresh air, bathing, exercise, fruits and vegetables, and reliance on drugs and poisons in medicine. It encouraged people to embrace clean living, natural food, fresh air, sunlight, physical activity, and drug-free healing, resulting in better health, reduced disease, and longer lives.
• Hygiene didn’t take joy from life—it multiplied it, freeing people from the suffering caused by ignorance, poor health practices, and harmful social trends. The passage contrasts the vibrant, life-affirming Hygienic lifestyle with the unhealthy behaviors of mainstream society—smoking, drinking, processed food, lack of sleep, and medical dependence.
• Ultimately, the text argues that choosing Hygiene is not martyrdom but wisdom, a return to the natural principles of life. It is a courageous, intelligent choice to live fully and healthfully, even if it means standing apart from the unhealthy norms of society. The real “odd balls” are those who reject Hygiene and cling to destructive habits.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1962, July ). Hygiene Must Meet the Coming Challenge. 1962 ANHS Convention Program, pp 7-8. 

https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CONVENTION-1962.-Miami-Beach-FL.pdf

• This passage critiques modern medicine, highlighting a growing public disillusionment with its promises of cures, especially as many new drugs end up causing harm or even death. A medical journal article is cited, acknowledging that patients are losing faith in pharmaceutical solutions and turning instead to natural methods like rest and fasting, which are proving more effective than drugs and vitamins. The article surprisingly endorses fasting as both prevention and cure, signaling a shift in thinking even within the medical establishment.
• There is a notable trend away from conventional medicine, driven by mounting distrust over dangerous side effects and repeated disappointments. This shift echoes a similar historical backlash in the 19th century, when the public abandoned traditional doctors in favor of alternative approaches like Hygiene and hydropathy.
• Today, most alternative systems have collapsed or merged with mainstream medicine—except Natural Hygiene, which remains a comprehensive lifestyle system, not just a method of fasting. The author argues that Hygiene alone offers a rational, hopeful, and life-affirming path to health, grounded in nature and daily healthy living.
• However, the passage warns that this growing rebellion against medicine needs direction and organization. Without strong leadership, education, and coordination, the revolt could end in confusion or failure. The call to action urges Hygienists to unite, prepare, and lead—not just for individual gain, but to guide society through an imminent revolution in healthcare. The time for complacency is over; the moment for bold, informed leadership is now.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1963, July). Hygiene Triumphant. 1963 ANHS Convention Program, pp. 2, 51. 

https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CONVENTION-1963.-San-Diego-CA.pdf

• This passage presents a strong critique of modern drug-based medicine, arguing that many pharmaceutical treatments are dangerous, poorly understood, and contribute to growing public health problems. Citing respected medical experts, it highlights that even common drugs like aspirin have serious side effects, and the increasing number of synthetic drugs only adds to the risk of adverse reactions. The author argues that the medical profession is overwhelmed by these challenges, with a system that is unsustainable and morally questionable.
• In contrast, the text advocates for a “Hygienic” approach to health—a natural, drug-free system that emphasizes prevention and healthy living without the risks associated with pharmaceuticals. It calls for a militant, organized movement to promote Hygiene, resist the influence of the medical establishment, and take advantage of growing public awareness and dissatisfaction with drug-based medicine. The ultimate goal is to replace the current system with one based on safe, natural health practices that are fully understood and carry no risk.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1963, July). Hygiene’s Year of Triumph. 1963 ANHS Convention Program, pp 12-13.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CONVENTION-1963.-San-Diego-CA.pdf

• This passage argues that the modern medical system—built over 2,500 years—is collapsing under the weight of its own failures, particularly the dangerous side effects of “wonder drugs.” Events like the thalidomide tragedy have exposed the harmful consequences of widespread drug use and triggered growing public fear, physician panic, and media criticism. However, instead of meaningful change, political and medical leaders offer superficial reforms and false reassurances to maintain control and preserve the drug-based system.
• From the perspective of Natural Hygienists, this crisis presents a critical opportunity: a turning point for a complete revolution in healthcare, not just reform. The public’s disillusionment with medicine creates a rare chance for Natural Hygiene, a system grounded in the laws of nature and healthful living, to emerge as a valid alternative. But this shift will only happen if Hygienists act decisively, reject compromises with the existing system, and boldly spread their message.
• The call is for unity, urgency, and commitment to pure, uncompromised Hygiene. Any attempt to “fix” or adapt the drug system is seen as surrender. The goal is not better regulation, but total abolition of drug-based healing. With the world afraid and confused, Hygienists must raise the banner of truth, offer clear guidance, and light the way to a healthier future—before fear leads people into even worse alternatives. Now is the moment for bold action and unwavering dedication.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1964). Fasting Can Save Your Life. Chicago, Illinois: Natural Hygiene Press.

https://www.healthscience.org/product/fasting-can-save-your-life/

• The popular mistaken concept is that we cannot gain strength and build resistance without eating. So long as this illusion persists, thousands will go to premature graves. Food and nutrition are not synonymous. You are not nourished by the food you eat but in proportion to the amount you digest and assimilate. Through the ages, men and women have fasted and regained health, peace of mind, and a new way of life. The preservation of life depends on a system of living the right way. Fasting is only one phase of this system. When it is appropriately used and supervised by a qualified person, fasting can save your life.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1964). The History of Natural Hygiene and Principles of Natural Hygiene.  Kessinger’s Legacy Reprints (2010).
https://www.amazon.com/History-Natural-Hygiene-Principles/dp/1162566558

• This book delves into the history and principles of natural hygiene, which is divided into two parts, with the first part focusing on the history of natural hygiene and the second part focusing on the principles of natural hygiene. In the first part, Shelton traces the roots of natural hygiene back to ancient civilizations and discusses the contributions of various individuals to the development of the natural hygiene movement. He also covers the evolution of natural hygiene in the United States and its influence on other health movements. The second part of the book explains the principles of natural hygiene, which include proper nutrition, exercise, rest, and hygiene. Shelton emphasizes the importance of a natural, plant-based diet and avoiding processed and refined foods. He also stresses the importance of regular exercise and adequate rest and sleep. Throughout the book, Shelton draws on his extensive experience as a natural hygiene practitioner and provides practical advice for those looking to improve their health and well-being.  Chapters include: the basic health teachings of Dr. Isaac Jennings, Rev. Dr. Sylvester Graham, Dr. Russell Thacker Trall, and Dr. John H Tilden, the principles of natural hygiene, Dr. Isaac Jennings on vitality and disease, Rev. Dr. Sylvester Graham‘s lectures on the science of human life, impaired elimination, sunlight, cause of disease, hygiene science, natural hygiene, toxemia, the unity and simplicity of disease and letters from famous health reformers.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1964, July). A New Day Dawning. 1964 ANHS Convention Program, pp. 18-20.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CONVENTION-1964.-New-York-City.pdf

• This article passionately argues that the era of conventional, drug-based medicine—deemed unnatural and misguided—is nearing its end, and that Natural Hygiene must lead the upcoming health revolution. It criticizes “Modern Scientific Medicine” as ineffective, harmful, and deceptive, asserting that reforms within the current medical system have failed and that only a total rejection of it will bring true health. The author calls for unwavering commitment to the principles of Natural Hygiene, insisting that compromising with other health ideologies would dilute and ultimately destroy the movement. The piece emphasizes the need for integrity, clarity, and unity in purpose, warning that trying to appeal to diverse, conflicting interests will fracture and weaken the cause. True success lies not in amassing large numbers, but in rallying people who fully understand and are committed to Hygienic principles. Only through steadfast, uncompromised advocacy for Natural Hygiene—free of medical influence—can lasting, constructive change in public health be achieved.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1964, Feb/Mar). Natural Hygiene Doesn’t Fail…People do – Symon Gould’s Death. Magazine – Natural Hygiene, V3(No 4), pg. 1.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V3-N4-Natural-Hygienenews-February-March-1964.pdf

• The article discusses the death of Symon Gould, a prominent figure in vegetarian and Hygienic circles, who succumbed to cancer at the age of seventy. His passing has sparked questions about whether a Hygienist could die from cancer, leading to criticism of his lifestyle choices, particularly as he was expected to live longer and avoid such diseases. Although he held a significant role in promoting hygiene, Gould adopted this lifestyle later in life and did not fully embrace its principles, having lived in New York City, which limited his ability to follow a Hygienic way of life. His diet, while ethical as a vegetarian, was deemed unsatisfactory by some due to his consumption of unhealthy foods. When he fell ill, he sought conventional medical advice rather than consulting Hygienic practitioners, suggesting a lack of genuine commitment to his principles. The author emphasizes that Gould’s death should prompt Hygienists to reflect on their practices and adherence to Hygienic principles rather than question the validity of those principles themselves.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1965, July). Needed: Hygienic Teachers. 1965 ANHS Convention Program, pp. 11-12.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CONVENTION-1965.-Cleveland-OH.pdf

• The core purpose of the Hygienic Movement is to educate humanity on the natural laws that govern life and health, emphasizing that disease results from violating these laws, while health is maintained through their observance. Rather than attempting to “cure” illness through drugs or artificial means, Hygiene promotes creating the right conditions—using air, water, food, and rest—under which the body can heal itself. It is not a modern invention but a return to nature’s original way of life, long obscured by false medical systems and ignorance. Hygiene opposes the widespread use of drugs, which are seen as incompatible with the body and contributing to the worsening of disease rather than its elimination. The movement calls for a widespread awakening: that people must understand the physiology of their bodies and learn to care for themselves through simple, natural means. The world’s greatest need, it argues, is knowledge—not more drugs or doctors who treat symptoms, but teachers who can spread the truths of natural living. Ultimately, the movement advocates for the establishment of schools to train such educators, believing that only through education, not medication, can true health and human well-being be achieved.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1965, July). Let Us Go to Work. 1965 ANHS Convention Program, pp. 37-38.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CONVENTION-1965.-Cleveland-OH.pdf

• Those who have embraced Natural Hygiene and awakened to the dangers of conventional medicine—characterized by drugs, surgery, and institutional exploitation—often feel a deep frustration when their efforts to share this truth are met with disbelief or resistance from others, including family and friends. Despite the widespread ignorance and stubborn clinging to outdated medical practices, committed Hygienists persist because they understand that true revolutions arise from inevitable crises, not forced conversions. The mounting failures of the medical system—rising disease rates, drug side effects, declining public health, and medical commercialism—are creating the conditions for such a revolution. Hygienists see it as their duty to patiently expose these failures, educate those willing to listen, and point the way toward a return to nature’s laws and a life aligned with biological truth. While the problems society faces—like environmental toxicity, degenerative diseases, and childhood disabilities—seem overwhelming, they offer hope, as more people grow suspicious of modern medicine’s empty promises. This growing awareness signals an opportunity for transformation. Hygienists must now take bold and focused action, adhering strictly to the principles of Natural Hygiene and working tirelessly to bring its message to a world on the brink of health and environmental collapse.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1966). Vaccine and Serum Evils. San Antonio, Texas: Dr. Shelton’s Health School.

• Do people know what they are being immunized for? Are vaccinations safe? Herbert Shelton brings to light how vaccinations and serums came about, uncovering the truth and how people were enticed to believe it was for the better. Shelton brings this vast information from many articles in The Journal of the American Medical Association, Public Health Reports, and many years of testimonials and newspaper articles. Chapters include Vaccinia, Serum Poisoning, and Commercial Medicine.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1966, July). Hygiene of the Sick. 1966 ANHS Convention Program, pp. 23-25.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CONVENTION-1966.-Miami-Beach-FL.pdf

• This passage presents hygiene as the science of maintaining and restoring health by aligning with the natural laws of life. It argues that hygiene is not a system of cures but a way of life that provides the body with its essential needs, such as proper nutrition, exercise, rest, and emotional balance. Both healthy and sick individuals require the same basic elements, though these must be adjusted according to their condition. Shelton criticizes conventional medicine for relying on drugs that often worsen health and create additional diseases, which they term iatrogenic conditions. Hygiene, on the other hand, supports the body’s natural healing processes and promotes health by removing harmful habits. The passage suggests that as the harmful effects of modern medicine become undeniable, hygiene will eventually replace drug-based treatments, though this shift will require overcoming deeply ingrained public misconceptions and medical practices.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1966, July). The Need for Truth. 1966 ANHS Convention Program, pp. 10-11.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CONVENTION-1966.-Miami-Beach-FL.pdf

• This passage emphasizes that health is the natural state of the human body, while disease is a potential condition that arises when the body’s natural resistance is weakened by harmful habits. Disease is not an inherent entity but rather a result of imbalances caused by violations of life’s natural laws, which include proper nutrition, exercise, sleep, and emotional balance. Shelton critiques the medical industry, arguing that many so-called cures are based on the flawed idea that disease is an external force attacking the body, requiring substances that the body must struggle to expel. Instead, the focus should be on supporting the body’s natural processes and eliminating the causes of illness, rather than suppressing symptoms with potentially harmful treatments. True healing, according to the author, comes from obeying the laws of life and providing the body with what it needs to restore balance, rather than relying on artificial, chemical interventions.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1967, July). A Basic Need of Life – Rest. 1967 ANHS Convention Program, pp. 17-19.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CONVENTION-1967-Chicago.pdf

• The early Hygienists believed that true health comes from holistic, healthful living—addressing all aspects of life, not just diet or exercise. Central to this philosophy is rest, considered as essential to health as activity. While activity leads to wear and tear (catabolism), rest supports the body’s renewal and growth processes (anabolism). True rest, especially natural sleep, is necessary for healing and regeneration, unlike drug-induced states, which suppress rather than support recovery. Children need more rest due to rapid growth, while the sick and enervated need extended periods of rest because their bodies replenish more slowly. Rest comes in four forms: physical (ceasing movement), sensory (avoiding visual and auditory stimulation), mental (quieting the mind), and physiological (reducing food intake or fasting). Over-reliance on stimulants to push past fatigue undermines health and delays recovery. Even practices like modern “coffee breaks” often work against true rest by replacing it with stimulants and poor-quality food. Fasting, a deeper form of physiological rest, can be healing when done properly and ideally under supervision, as its benefits are often negated by overindulgence afterward. For those suffering from chronic exhaustion, retreating to a quiet, natural environment and minimizing stimulation—both chemical and emotional—is vital. In a world filled with noise and distractions, intentional withdrawal and deep rest are among the most powerful tools for restoration and healing.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1968). A Month of Menus: Featuring Natural Non-animal Foods, Deliciously And Healthfully Selected in Compatible Combinations, With A Minimum of Preparation. The American Vegan Society.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1968). Animal Foods. The American Vegan Society.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1968). Facts About Fasting. The American Vegan Society. (1968).

Shelton, Herbert M. (1968).  Health for the Millions. National Health Association. Youngstown, Ohio.
https://www.healthscience.org/product/health-millions-0/

• Dr. Herbert Shelton introduces the principles of Natural Hygiene and the true way of thinking about health and life. He shares that most common daily activities can negate health and longevity and shows you how to stop suffering from poor health and start living your life. Chapter includes: The Master Drama of Life, Nutrition, The Digestion of Food, Absorption of Digested Food, Constipation, Blood and Lymph, Food Becomes a Living Structure, Drainage, The Master Control of the Body, Organs Alive, Man’s Skin, The Unity of the Body, The Health of Man, The Hygienic Way of Life, What Is Food?, Meet Meat of Man, Objectionable Foods, The Evils of Condiments, Coffee, Tea and Cocoa, Alcohol, Aristophagy. Inadequacies of Modern Diet, Cooking, Combining Foods, How Many Meals a Day?, How to Eat, Indigestion, Air and Breathing, The Fountain of Life, Temperature, The Light of Life, Physical Activity, Relaxation and Rest, Tired Nature’s Restorer, Sleep at Noontide, Leisure, Keeping Clean, Man’s Mental Character, The Sexual Life of Man, Tobacco, The Joyous Life.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1968).  Natural Hygiene: The Pristine Way of Life. National Health Association. Youngstown, Ohio.
https://www.healthscience.org/product/natural-hygiene-0/

• This book presents a transformative perspective on health, healing, and sickness that challenges conventional medical paradigms. Shelton’s pioneering work laid the groundwork for the raw food movement and championed a philosophy of “natural living.” He reveals deep insights into our biological nature, essential physiological needs, and the true purpose of disease. Highlighting our incredible self-healing abilities, Shelton offers empowering methods for self-health care and advocates for a biologically optimal diet. By embracing these principles, you can genuinely thrive and unlock your full potential while pursuing holistic development. Chapters include:  A Revolutionary Situation, The Hygienic Revolution, The Evolution of Hygiene, Hydropathy, A Name Chosen, Life Subject to Law, Instruments of Action, What is Health?, The Ways of Health, Hygiene, Materia Hygienica, The Primordial Requisites of Life, Food, Salt Eating, One Man’s Meat, Eating, Self-Healing, The Essential Nature of Disease, The Occasions for Disease, The Unity of Disease, Evolution of Disease, Not a Cure, Hygiene Not a Cure, Conditions of Recovery, Hygienic Care of the Sick, Application of Hygiene, Acute Disease, Fasting, The Suppression of Disease, Convalescence, Chronic Disease, Crises, Feeding in Disease, Recovery of Vigor, Palliation, The Time Factor in Recovery, The Tragedy of Irreversibility, The Prevention of Disease, The Prevention of Epidemics, The New Human Redemption, Medicine and Hygiene Contrasted, What is a Poison?, Drug Relations, Biodynamics vs. Pharmacodynamics, Drug Indulgences, The Evils of Drug Medication, Iatrogenic Diseases, Herbs, A New Revolutionary Situation, Opposition, College, Women and Hygiene, Who was a Hygienist?, Hygienists, Mistakes of Hygienists and Future of Hygiene.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1968, July). The Times Beckon. 1968 ANHS Convention Program, pp. 9- 12.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CONVENTION-1968-New-York.pdf

• The American Natural Hygiene Society (ANHS) positions itself as a unique educational organization dedicated solely to promoting the principles of Natural Hygiene. For over two decades, it has resisted any deviation from its mission, even in the face of limited resources. The Society criticizes modern medicine, portraying it as a failure in preventing and curing disease despite massive funding and institutional support. It argues that the medical system, with its toxic drugs and invasive treatments, has become the leading cause of disease, suffering, and death. In contrast, ANHS promotes a return to nature-based health practices—emphasizing clean air, nutritious food, sunlight, rest, exercise, and emotional balance—as the only valid path to lasting health. The Society views current health crises as a consequence of abandoning these natural laws and calls for a revival of primal living principles, warning that man must return to natural ways or face extinction. It insists that only a pure, unadulterated form of Natural Hygiene can heal society, rejecting any blending of its philosophy with commercial interests or therapeutic systems. The ANHS urges its members to intensify their educational efforts, remain ideologically pure, and expand their outreach, believing that true health and the future of humanity rest upon unwavering commitment to nature’s immutable laws.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1969, July). Our First Convention. 1969 ANHS Convention Program, pp. 12-14.
https://www.healthscience.org/magazine/conference-program-new-york-1969/

• 
  The first convention of the American Natural Hygiene Society in 1949 was a landmark event, remembered with pride for its unexpected success and deep significance. Organized in just two and a half months by a newly formed group with no funds and only five members, the convention drew over a thousand enthusiastic attendees and marked the official launch of a movement committed to Natural Hygiene. It originated from a mass meeting protesting the imprisonment of Dr. Christopher Gian-Cursio for unlicensed medical practice. This meeting led to the founding of the American Physiological and Hygienic Society, later renamed the American Natural Hygiene Society during the convention itself. The event featured speeches by leading Hygienists, most notably a major address by Dr. Herbert M. Shelton, which was also broadcast over the radio. Attendees came from across the U.S., Canada, and Cuba, giving the event an international character and signaling a strong, widespread desire for health knowledge based on Hygienic principles. The convention resulted in the adoption of a constitution, official recognition of The Hygienic Review as the Society’s publication, and the establishment of annual conventions. The energy, passion, and sense of mission that permeated the week, as described by coordinator Symon Gould, reflected a dynamic and deeply committed movement—not just seeking personal health, but actively working to free the public from the false promises of drug-based medicine. The convention set the stage for a larger, ongoing campaign to spread Natural Hygiene as a living, actionable philosophy with the power to transform lives and society.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1970, July). Hygienic Colleges Past and Future. 1970 ANHS Convention Program, pp 13-15.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CONVENTION-1970-Hiram-Ohio.pdf

• This article emphasizes the critical need for formal education in Natural Hygiene, arguing that neither medical professionals trained in conventional (allopathic) medicine nor untrained laypeople are equipped to properly practice or understand Hygienic principles without thorough, specialized instruction. Early Hygienic practitioners recognized that traditional medical training was not only inadequate but detrimental to a true understanding of Hygiene. Efforts to establish dedicated colleges, such as those by Dr. Thomas Low Nichols, Mary Gove Nichols, and, most successfully, Dr. Russell T. Trall, aimed to fill this educational gap. Trall’s New York College of Hygeio-Therapy, which operated until 1874, stood out for its integration of clinical experience and commitment to genuine healing through understanding and natural care rather than drugs. Although other colleges later emerged, such as those led by Susanna W. Dodds and Robert Walter, they struggled due to societal indifference and professional hostility. Despite these challenges, the passage calls for a renewed, unified effort to establish a modern college of Natural Hygiene. With a growing demand for Hygienic practitioners and rising public interest, the author urges supporters—especially those whose lives have been transformed by the Hygienic lifestyle—to actively participate in founding and maintaining an institution dedicated to teaching and spreading the true principles of Natural Hygiene.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1971).  Exercise. National Health Association. Youngstown, Ohio.
https://www.healthscience.org/product/exercise/#:~:text=Herbert%20Shelton’s%20classic%20The%20Hygienic,in%20weight%20control%20and%20posture.

• A reprint of Volume IV of Dr. Herbert Shelton’s classic The Hygienic System examines how exercise improves mental and physiological functioning for men, women, and children. Illustrations are offered for exercises that correct structural faults and muscular weakness and how they can aid in weight control and posture. 

Shelton, Herbert M. (1972). An Introduction to Natural Hygiene. Health Research: Pomeroy, WA.
https://books.google.com/books/about/An_Introduction_to_Natural_Hygiene.html?id=EUcUw4gTajgC

• Dr. Shelton shares that all disease is one entity and is caused by wrong living – breaking the laws of health. Chapters include: what is Health, how nature heals, immediate occasion for disease, remote occasions for disease, the truly remedial, methods of care, care of the acute sufferer, care of the chronic sufferer, food and feeding, fasting, the sun and air bath, and mind, and health and disease.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1974). Fasting for Renewal of Life. National Health Association. Youngstown, Ohio.
https://www.healthscience.org/product/fasting-renewal-life-0/

• This book teaches why and how to fast, and it will give you the confidence you need to do so wisely and with wonderful results. Millions of water fasts have been conducted over the last 200 years at hygienic centers worldwide, millions of lives have been saved, and health has been restored in countless cases. Fasting is a complete rest while consuming only water. During a water fast, the body can detoxify, repair cells, clarify the mind, restore its energies, and invigorate its metabolic functions at an accelerated rate. After a good fast, most people overcome disease, feel 20 years younger, and rediscover their joie de vivre. Dr. Shelton illuminates the remarkable regenerative power that resides within our bodies. Drawn from 50 years of his clinical experience in helping over 40,000 people save their lives and rejuvenate their health, this masterful book is packed full of self-healing and life-extending facts. Learn about your self-healing power and how to address disease wisely. You’ll avoid the traps of remedies and medical drugging, save a ton of money, shed fear of disease, and avoid untold suffering. Chapters include: Fasting Defined, Fasting Among Lower Animals, Long Fasts In Man, Metabolism During The Fast, The Faster’s Sumptuous Fare, Constructive Changes In The Fast, Mental Effects Of Fasting, Losses During The Fast, Replenishment, Hunger, Objections To The Fast, Fasting And Drugs, Not A Cure, When, Where And How Long To Fast, While Fasting, Crises In Fasting, Strength In The Fast, Breakfast, Living After The Fast, Another Kind Of Fast, Fasting In Health, Rejuvenation, Fasting For Reducing Weight, Drug Addiction, Fasting In Acute Disease, Fasting In Chronic Disease, Separate Diseases, Afflictions Of The Respiratory System, Afflictions Of The Digestive System, Rheumatic Affections, Glaucoma, and A Way Of Life.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1978). How to Get Well And Stay Well. Kessinger’s Legacy Reprints. 1996.
https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Well-Herbert-M-Shelton/dp/1564599809

• This publication provides a comprehensive guide to natural healing and wellness. In this book, Shelton explores the principles and practices of natural hygiene, a holistic approach to health that emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition, exercise, and rest. The book covers various topics related to natural health, including the benefits of fasting, the importance of proper digestion, and the role of exercise in maintaining good health. Shelton also discusses the dangers of modern medicine and the importance of avoiding drugs and other harmful substances. Throughout the book, Shelton emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one’s health and well-being. He provides practical advice on how to make positive changes in one’s life, including tips on choosing healthy foods, getting enough exercise, and managing stress.  Chapters Include: What is Health; The Rationale of Disease; Compensation in Disease; Law Governs Disease; Physiology vs. Voodooism; The Story of Useless Organs; The Fun of Being Sick; How to Get Well; Why Drugs; Quick Relief; Killing Our Children; Curing Arthritis; Peptic Ulcers; What are Tumors; Curing Gallstones; Diabetes; Varicose Veins; Asthma; Warts; Influenza; Who’s on a Diet; Food cures; Vitamin Failures; When to Eat; Growing Old; and Diseases of Middle Life.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1978). “What Is Beauty?” Health Science – Official Journal of the American Natural Hygiene Society, Inc. Timeless Teachings, 1 Oct. 1978, pp. 14-16. Excerpted from Dr. Shelton’s book Human Beauty: Its Culture and Hygiene, San Antonio, TX: Dr. Shelton’s Health School, 1958.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V1-N7-Health-Science-oct.-1978.pdf

Shelton, Herbert M. (1978). “Dr. Shelton’s Convention Message: Rededication.” Health Science – Official Journal of the American Natural Hygiene Society, Inc. Timeless Teachings, 1 Nov. 1978, pp. 14-16.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V1-N8-Health-Science-nov.-1978.pdf

• Herbert Shelton’s What is Beauty? explores the nature of beauty as a multifaceted concept that exists in various forms and can be appreciated in both the physical and intellectual realms. Shelton argues that beauty is not merely about size but about the harmonious and proportional arrangement of forms, colors, and lines. He emphasizes that beauty can be found in different dimensions, whether it’s in a tree, an animal, or a flower, and that it is defined by the perfection and symmetry of these elements in relation to the organism’s function.
• Shelton critiques the notion that beauty is subjective, asserting that beauty should be judged in relation to the specific needs and purposes of each form of life, not by an arbitrary standard. For example, a bird is beautiful if its proportions and colors are in harmony, regardless of whether it matches the form of a different animal. He also addresses how prejudices and early conditioning can distort our perception of beauty, as people may fail to recognize the beauty of things they find unappealing due to fear or prejudice, such as snakes.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1979). “Rational Asceticism.” Health Science – Official Journal of the American Natural Hygiene Society, Inc., 1 Oct. 1979, pp. 138-143. Excerpted from Dr. Shelton’s book The Hygienic System: Vol 4, Orthokinesiology, San Antonio, TX: Dr. Shelton’s Health School, 1956. https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V2-N5-Health-Science-oct.-nov.-1979.pdf

• This article explores the idea of asceticism, focusing on its original Greek concept and how it can be applied to modern life in a healthy, disciplined way. The word “asceticism” comes from the Greek term askesis, meaning exercise, which was initially linked to physical training for athletic and military purposes. Early Greek asceticism was about moderation, self-control, and discipline—rather than suppression of desires—and aimed at achieving vitality, perfection, and moral discipline.
• Shelton explains that asceticism, in its true form, is not about denying one’s natural desires but rather controlling and directing them for higher purposes. It involves abstaining from excess and evil to improve one’s physical and mental well-being. This form of asceticism is present in many aspects of life, such as the worker who sacrifices personal pleasures for their goals, the athlete who avoids indulgences to maintain peak performance or the altruist who dedicates their life to service.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1981, February/March). The Sources of Truly Remedial Means, Part 1. Health Science – Official Journal of the American Natural Hygiene Society, Inc., 4(2), 19-22. https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V4-N2-Health-Science-feb.-march.-1981.pdf

• argues that the primary principle in hygiene and health care is that the means used for healing should align with the same practices necessary for maintaining health. According to Shelton, the body’s vital processes, such as digestion and resistance to harmful substances, are the true mechanisms of health and healing. Drugs and external substances that the body cannot assimilate or that interfere with its natural functions are seen as poisons, even if they temporarily seem to provide relief.
• Shelton makes the case that substances can be divided into three categories: Foods that can be transformed into living tissue. Indigestible substances that don’t harm the body if they remain in the digestive tract (e.g., fiber). Poisons are substances that cannot be used by the body and must be expelled.
• Hygiene, in contrast, focuses on supporting the body’s natural ability to heal by maintaining the conditions necessary for health—clean air, proper diet, and exercise. The essay emphasizes that recuperation does not come from drugs or disease-causing factors, but from maintaining a state of health through natural means. Shelton concludes by critiquing the common misconception that poisons (drugs) can cure disease, advocating instead for an approach that aligns with the body’s inherent capacity for health and healing.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1981, April/May). The Sources of Truly Remedial Means, Part 2. Health Science – Official Journal of the American Natural Hygiene Society, Inc., 4(3), 19-22. https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V4-N3-Health-Science-april-may-1981.pdf

• Shelton critiques the conventional belief that recovery from illness is often attributed to the use of medicinal drugs. He argues that true healing comes from the body’s internal forces, not from external, foreign substances like drugs. While medicine is commonly seen as necessary for recovery, Shelton insists that healing is always the result of the body’s natural physiological processes, which must be supported by conditions that maintain health, such as proper air, food, rest, and exercise.
• Shelton emphasizes several key principles of hygienic practice: 1) The body requires a harmonious relationship with its environment to maintain health, and no substance that does not support physiological functions can contribute positively, whether in health or disease. 2) Recovery processes are extensions of the normal physiological processes, not reliant on external substances that interfere with life functions. 3) The body’s needs during illness are similar to those during health but must be adjusted to the weakened state of the organism, such as providing less food if digestion is impaired or more rest if needed. 4) Metabolism, the process of maintaining life, cannot be supported by drugs, which act as disturbances or inhibitors rather than contributors to health.
• Shelton critiques the use of drugs, pointing out the logical inconsistency in the idea that poisons (like drugs) can heal the body. He questions how a poison, when administered by a physician, can cure while the same poison in the hands of a malicious person causes harm. Drugs are not able to change their nature depending on the intentions of the person administering them. He argues that drugs damage the body and provoke resistance, but they do not cure the underlying illness; instead, they often contribute to chronic disease and weaken the organism. The body must work hard to expel drugs, and when it is already impaired, it cannot overcome both the disease and the harmful effects of the drugs simultaneously.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1981, June/July). Hygienic review: The Effects of Cooking – Part 1. Health Science – Official Journal of the American Natural Hygiene Society, Inc., 4(4), 23-26. https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V4-N4-Health-Science-june-july-1981.pdf

• Dr. Herbert Shelton discusses the impact of cooking on food and the human body. Shelton advocates for the natural diet of man, emphasizing the importance of consuming food in its raw, unaltered form as much as possible, as opposed to cooking or processing it.
• He concludes that cooking, while beneficial in some aspects like food safety and preservation, is ultimately detrimental to health. He stresses that the natural diet of humans should consist primarily of raw foods, which offer superior nutritional value, better digestion, and greater overall health benefits.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1981, Aug/Sept). Hygienic review: The Effects of Cooking – Part 2. Health Science – Official Journal of the American Natural Hygiene Society, Inc., 4(5), 26-28.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V4-N5-Health-Science-august-sept.-1981.pdf

• Dr. Herbert Shelton critiques the practice of cooking and its detrimental effects on the nutritional quality of food. Shelton advocates for a raw food diet, explaining that cooking alters and destroys vital nutrients in food, rendering them less beneficial to human health.
• Oxidation and Nutrient Loss: Shelton argues that cooking causes oxidation, which destroys the organic nature of food. When food is cooked, it is exposed to heat and oxygen, causing it to revert from an organic, usable state to an inorganic form that the body cannot properly assimilate. Organic substances are transformed into “ashes” that are not useful to the body. The longer food is cooked, the greater the oxidation and nutrient loss.
• The Inherent Superiority of Raw Foods: Raw foods are more nutritious because they retain their vitamins, enzymes, and other vital substances in their natural, unaltered form. These foods also require more chewing, which not only strengthens the teeth but also aids in digestion. Additionally, raw foods are less likely to ferment, decompose, or be adulterated compared to cooked foods, which lose their oxygen and life force during preparation.
• He concludes that humans are better off eating a diet of raw foods, as these retain their natural nutrients, require less preparation, and provide greater health benefits. He calls for a shift away from cooking, which he sees as a waste of time and energy, and encourages a return to the natural diet of raw, unaltered foods to promote overall well-being.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1981, Oct/Nov). Hygiene Vs. Curing – Health by healthful living. Health Science – Official Journal of the American Natural Hygiene Society, Inc., 4(6), 4.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V4-N6-Health-Science-oct.-nov.-1981.pdf

• Dr. Herbert M. Shelton contrasts two approaches to health: “curing” diseases with temporary solutions versus restoring health through Natural Hygiene. He shares his personal experience with his father’s asthma, illustrating how conventional “cures,” like inhaling stramonium smoke or using drugs, only provided brief relief but failed to offer a lasting solution. Despite many medical advances, such as antihistamines and desensitization treatments, asthma remains incurable through conventional means.
• Dr. Shelton argues that true healing comes not from treating symptoms but from addressing the root causes of disease—habits, indulgences, and environmental factors that impair the body’s ability to function properly. He emphasizes that health is maintained by adhering to basic natural principles: proper rest, balanced food, fresh air, sunshine, warmth, and cleanliness. Diseases like asthma arise when these natural laws are violated, and only by returning to them can true healing occur.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1982, Jan/Feb). The Four Digestive Chambers. Health Science – Official Journal of the American Natural Hygiene Society, Inc., 5(1), 4. https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V5-N1-Health-Science-jan.-feb.-1982.pdf

• Dr. Herbert M. Shelton explains the complex process of digestion, which takes place in four distinct stages or cavities of the digestive system, each equipped with its own enzymes and digestive juices to break down food into simpler, usable substances.
• Mouth (Oral Cavity): Digestion begins here with saliva, which moistens and lubricates food, and ptyalin, an enzyme that starts the breakdown of starches. Chewing breaks the food into smaller pieces, making it easier for enzymes to act.
• Stomach (Gastric Cavity): Once food reaches the stomach, it is mixed with gastric juice, which contains pepsin (for protein digestion) and gastric lipase (for fat digestion). Fat digestion is often limited in the stomach due to its acidic environment. Additionally, fats can inhibit gastric juice secretion, delaying digestion.
• Duodenum: The food then enters the duodenum, where pancreatic juice (containing enzymes for proteins, starches, and fats) takes over the digestion process. Since food arriving here is acidic, the alkaline pancreatic juice and bile (from the liver) help neutralize it, creating the proper conditions for digestion.
• Jejunum: In the final stage, the food is further broken down by intestinal juice (or succus entericus), which continues to digest proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
• Dr. Shelton stresses the importance of digestion being a step-by-step, interconnected process. The enzymes in each cavity prepare the food for the next stage, and the efficiency of one stage impacts the success of the next. For example, thorough chewing in the mouth aids in better digestion in the stomach and intestines. Disruptions or inefficiencies in any stage can impede the entire digestive process.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1982, Mar/Apr). Salivary Digestion of Starch. Health Science – Official Journal of the American Natural Hygiene Society, Inc., 5(2), 4. https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V5-N2-Health-Science-march-april-1982.pdf

• Dr. Herbert M. Shelton discusses the role of saliva, particularly the enzyme ptyalin (salivary amylase), in digesting starch. While it has been known for over a century that ptyalin is destroyed by the acidic environment of the stomach, Shelton provides evidence showing that only a small amount of starch is converted into sugar in the mouth.
• Shelton emphasizes that starch should be eaten dry (not soaked) and without sugar for optimal digestion. He explains that soaked or wet starches, such as boiled cereals or mashed potatoes, do not undergo proper digestion in the mouth and pass undigested into the stomach. When starch is eaten with sugar, the secretion of ptyalin is inhibited, leading to gastrointestinal fermentation, which can result in indigestion, catarrh, and other digestive issues. This fermentation process may also contribute to dental decay, tonsilitis, and other long-term health problems.
• Shelton concludes by advocating for the following dietary rules for starches: Eat them dry, not soaked., Do not add sugar to starches. Avoid eating starches with acidic foods or proteins.

Oswald, Jean, Shelton, Herbert M. (1983). Fasting for the Health of It.
https://www.amazon.com/Fasting-Health-Jean-Oswald-ebook/dp/B08H16M79X

• Foreword by Robert S. Mendelsohn, M.D.
• This hygienic literature provides more than 100 case histories of fasts. Twenty-five are personally supervised by Dr. Herbert M. Shelton.  Jean Oswald describes her frustrating struggle to overcome her allergies and asthma, going from one doctor to the next. The book is both autobiographical and biographical.  Jean includes her diary of a 28-day supervised fast and shows the differences between the allopathic method and the hygienic method of recovery. Readers learn the benefits of fasting in various acute and chronic diseases, including arthritis, heart disease, anemia, ulcerative colitis, gallstones, epilepsy, psoriasis, fibroids, muscular dystrophy, leukemia, alcoholism, insomnia, and more. The 2020 Revised and Expanded eBook contains added chapters written during the worldwide pandemic. Chapters include: Who put the poison in the medicine?, Can fasting save your life?, Who to trust, asthma, and arthritis, hypoglycemics are metabolic cripples, a serious disease becomes reversible, therapy, frankfurters, and ice cream, new food, values, changing a lifestyle, keeping in touch, the unity of disease, pandemic, reuniting with old friends, and the ending closure.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1984). The Science of Fine Art of Food and Nutrition. National Health Association. Youngstown, Ohio.
https://www.healthscience.org/product/science-fine-art-and-nutrition/

• This book describes an approach to diet and nutrition that has benefited thousands of people who sought Dr. Shelton’s advice for various health problems. It discusses the basic foundation of the Natural Hygiene movement. Chapters include: Philosophy of Nutrition, Food Elements, The Minerals of Life, Vitamins, Calories, Law of the Minimum, Organic Foods, Organic Acids, Fruits, Nuts, Vegetables, Cereals, Animal Foods, Drink, Condiments and Dressings, Salt Eating, Fruitarianism and Vegetarianism, Nature’s Food Refinery, The Digestibility of Foods, Mental Influences in Nutrition, Enjoying our Food, Absorption of Food, Uses of Food, How Much Shall We Eat, How to Eat, Correct Food Combining, Food Combining Charts, Effects of Cooking, Uncooked Foods, Salads, Conservative Cooking, Effects of Denatured Foods, Under Nutrition, Hypo-Alkalinity, Diet Reform Vs. Supplemental Feeding, Beginning the Reform Diet, Feeding Mothers, Building the Teeth, The Eliminating Diet, Feeding in Disease, The Three Year Nursing Period, Cow’s Milk, Pasteurization, Mother’s Milk, Should Baby Be Weaned, No Starch for Infants, Three Feedings a Day, Feeding of Infants, Feeding Children From Two to Six Years, Man Shall Not Die With Food Alone and Our Denatured Soil.

Shelton, Herbert M. / Willard, Jo / Oswald, Jean A. (1986). The Original Natural Hygiene Weight Loss Diet Book. New Canaan, CT: Keats Publishing, Inc.
https://www.amazon.com/Original-Natural-Hygiene-Weight-Loss/dp/0879833769

• Weight loss is one of the most critical changes needed in today’s society. How many fad diets are out there, and how many actually work? Shelton shares the benefits of eating raw fruits and vegetables instead of animal flesh and cooked foods for weight loss. Shelton himself lost 40 pounds by making this dietary change.  By adhering to the guides in this book, anyone can restore the body to its natural state and become healthy, alert, and psychologically balanced. 

Shelton, Herbert M. (1986, Nov/Dec). Getting the MOST out of HYGIENE. Health Science – Official Journal of the American Natural Hygiene Society, Inc., 9(No.6), 10-12.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V9-N6-Health-Science-nov.-dec.-1986.pdf

• In this article, published in 1986, Shelton discusses the importance of hygiene in maintaining health from a natural hygiene perspective. He emphasizes that hygiene, when practiced correctly, is essential not only for cleanliness but also for overall well-being. The author explains that proper hygiene extends beyond just cleanliness and includes proper eating habits, rest, and stress management, all of which contribute to an individual’s vitality.
• Shelton advocates for the “MOST” approach, suggesting that people should focus on Mental, Organizational, Systemic, and Therapeutic aspects of hygiene. Each of these categories plays a significant role in health, with mental hygiene covering the need for positive thinking, emotional balance, and mental clarity.
• Throughout the article, Shelton encourages readers to integrate these principles into their daily lives to achieve optimal health. The focus is on a holistic approach to hygiene, rather than just superficial cleanliness, aligning with the philosophy of the American Natural Hygiene Society.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1988, Jul/Aug). From the Archives – Doing Something – Overcoming the Remedy Mentality. Health Science – Official Journal of the American Natural Hygiene Society, Inc., 11(N4), 14-15.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V11-N4-Health-Science-july-august-1988.pdf

• Shelton critiques the common tendency to approach health issues with a “remedy mentality.” This mentality, according to Shelton, focuses on treating symptoms rather than addressing the root causes of health problems. He argues that instead of relying on temporary fixes or remedies, individuals should focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle through proper diet, exercise, and natural hygiene practices, which promote long-term wellness.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1988, Nov/Dec). From the Archives – The Place of Vegetarianism in Natural Hygiene: Natural Hygiene is not a diet but a total way of life. Health Science – Official Journal of the American Natural Hygiene Society, Inc., 11(N6), 18-20.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V11-N6-Health-Science-nov.-dec-1988.pdf

• This article explores the role of vegetarianism within the broader framework of Natural Hygiene, which is not merely a diet but a comprehensive approach to health and lifestyle. Shelton emphasizes that Natural Hygiene advocates for optimal health through natural living, which includes a focus on hygiene, rest, exercise, and diet. The article argues that vegetarianism aligns well with Natural Hygiene principles due to its emphasis on natural, plant-based foods that promote health, vitality, and longevity. However, Shelton stresses that Natural Hygiene is more than just dietary choices; it is a holistic philosophy that encourages balance in all aspects of life.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1988, Sept/Oct). From the Archives: How Then Shall We Live? Practical, Down-to-Earth Advice That You Can Use Immediately to Enhance the Quality of Your Life. Health Science – Official Journal of the American Natural Hygiene Society, Inc., 15(N5), 14-15.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V11-N5-Health-Science-sept.-oct.-1988.pdf

• Shelton outlines a variety of simple, actionable steps that individuals can take to enhance their health. These include focusing on natural hygiene practices, adopting a balanced, plant-based diet, getting adequate rest, and engaging in regular physical activity. He also stresses the importance of mental and emotional health, advocating for mindfulness, stress management, and cultivating positive attitudes as essential components of a healthy life.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1989, Jan/Feb). From The Archives – How to Get Well and Stay Well. Health Science – Official Journal of the American Natural Hygiene Society, Inc., 12(N1), 10-11. https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V12-N1-Health-Science-jan.-feb.-1989.pdf

• This article outlines the fundamental principles for achieving and maintaining health through the philosophy of Natural Hygiene. Shelton asserts that proper health is not merely the absence of disease but a state of vibrant well-being that can be attained by following natural laws. He emphasizes that the key to getting well and staying well lies in adhering to basic principles such as proper diet, sufficient rest, regular exercise, and mental harmony. Shelton stresses the importance of proper nutrition, particularly a diet based on natural, whole, and unprocessed foods, and warns against overconsumption of foods that can burden the body, such as meat and processed products.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1989, May/Jun). Palliation. Health Science – Official Journal of the American Natural Hygiene Society, Inc., 12(N3), 14-15. “Palliation” first appeared in Dr. Shelton’s Hygienic Review, September, 1963.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V12-N3-Health-Science-may-june-1989.pdf

• In this article, Dr. Shelton critiques the medical system for focusing primarily on palliative care rather than addressing the root causes of health problems. He argues that medical treatments often deal with symptoms—such as prescribing aspirin for headaches or removing organs—without addressing the underlying causes of those symptoms. He emphasizes that true healing can only occur when the root cause of a disease is eliminated.
• He stresses that a genuine path to recovery requires changing lifestyle and habits. If a person’s health issues stem from overeating, smoking, or alcohol consumption, the only way to restore health is to eliminate these harmful habits. Simply treating the effects of these behaviors without addressing the root causes will not result in lasting health improvements.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1989, Jul/Aug). Diseases of Middle Life – A Classic Overview of Common Patterns. Health Science – Living in Harmony With Nature, V 12(No 4), 22-24.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V12-N4-Health-Science-july-august-1989.pdf

• The text emphasizes that the true understanding of man remains elusive despite centuries of study, with many fields focusing on external factors rather than the essence of human health. It critiques modern medicine’s approach to disease, highlighting that conditions like colds, arthritis, and cancer are often misunderstood or treated superficially, without addressing their root causes. The author advocates for recognizing early signs of chronic disease, which stem from long-term habits and toxemia caused by bodily abuse. Preventative health should focus on lifestyle changes to eliminate causes of disease, as current treatments largely aim only at palliation rather than cure. Ultimately, understanding man and his needs is essential for true health and well-being, rather than relying on superficial or symptomatic interventions.
• “Diseases of Middle Life” first appeared in Dr. Shelton’s book Getting Well, published in 1946.

SShelton, Herbert M.(1989, Sept/Oct). The Master Drama of Life. Health Science – Living in Harmony With Nature, V 12(No 5), 20-24.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V12-N5-Health-Science-sept.-oct.-1989.pdf

• The excerpt from Herbert Shelton’s 1968 book, “Health for the Millions,” emphasizes the vital roles of nutrition, drainage, and control in living organisms. Shelton argues that life is a continuous process of selecting and rejecting materials from the environment for growth and maintenance, which he identifies as nutrition. This process is crucial for the organism’s structure and function, paralleling the equally important process of drainage, which ensures the purity of bodily fluids and tissues. The nervous system serves as the master control mechanism, coordinating these functions to maintain harmony within the organism. Shelton asserts that achieving good health, vitality, and longevity relies on adhering to simple natural conditions that are accessible to everyone, promoting a lifestyle aligned with the laws of life rather than relying on expensive solutions.
• This piece first appeared as the first chapter of Herbert Shelton’s 1968 book Health for the Millions. Dr. Shelton (1895-1985), who wrote more than 40 books, was the foremost Natural Hygienist of the 20th Century.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1990, Jan/Feb). Avoiding and Remedying Colds – Why They Occur and How to Prevent Them. Health Science – Living in Harmony with Nature. V 13 (No 1), pp 21-23.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V13-N1-Health-Science-jan.-feb.-1990.pdf

• The essay discusses the causes and prevention of colds, emphasizing that they result from enervation (a state of lowered nervous energy) and toxemia (the buildup of toxins in the body). Contrary to popular belief that colds are caused by germs, the author argues that they are a natural process of elimination, acting as a safety valve for the body. Factors such as poor diet, lack of rest, and emotional stress contribute to the development of colds. The piece highlights that maintaining good health through proper nutrition, exercise, and adequate rest can prevent colds. It advocates for natural remedies, such as fasting, resting, and ensuring warmth and fresh air during a cold, instead of suppressing symptoms, which could lead to chronic diseases. Ultimately, the essay promotes a rational approach to health, viewing colds as beneficial cleansing processes rather than ailments to be feared.
• This essay first appeared in Herbert Shelton’s classic book Getting Well (1946). Dr. Shelton (1895-1985) was the foremost Natural Hygiene doctor and teacher of the 20th century.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1990, Mar/Apr). Rational Care of the Sick: Avoid the hazards of useless and harmful treatments. Health Science – Living in Harmony with Nature. V 13 (No 2), pp 19-22.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V13-N2-Health-Science-march-april-1990.pdf

• “Rational Care of the Sick” criticizes modern medicine for its reliance on artificial, symptom-suppressing treatments that often cause more harm than good. The author argues that true healing comes not from drugs, surgeries, or palliatives like antacids and laxatives, but from supporting the body’s natural ability to heal itself through nutrition, rest, and natural remedies. Artificial treatments are said to damage the body by masking symptoms, weakening organs, and ignoring root causes. For example, using soda or charcoal for indigestion, or laxatives for constipation, may provide temporary relief but worsen the underlying conditions over time. Similarly, surgical removal of organs like tonsils, appendices, and tumors fails to address the causes of disease and often leads to recurrence or further complications. The author stresses that disease is not a collection of separate ailments but a continuous process rooted in nervous exhaustion, digestive breakdown, and toxic accumulation. Therefore, treatment should focus on restoring vitality, not suppressing symptoms. Rational care, according to the article, preserves the body’s strength, avoids harmful interventions, and uses only those methods that nourish and rebuild health.
• “Rational Care of the Sick” first appeared in Herbert Shelton’s classic book Health For All, published in 1942.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1990, May/June). Disease is a Vital Process – Understanding how and when disease works for your benefit. Health Science – Living in Harmony With Nature, V 13 (No 3), pp 14-15.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V13-N3-Health-Science-may-june-1990.pdf

• In Disease Is a Vital Process, Herbert M. Shelton argues that disease is not an enemy to be eradicated, but a natural, vital response of the body attempting to defend, repair, and restore itself in the face of harmful influences. He distinguishes between normal physiological functions (health) and abnormal modifications of those functions (disease), asserting that both arise from the same life-preserving forces. Shelton illustrates how symptoms like pain, inflammation, fever, and diarrhea are not the disease itself, but the body’s efforts to combat damage and detoxify. He criticizes conventional medicine for confusing the effects of harmful agents with the body’s healing responses, leading to treatments that suppress symptoms instead of supporting recovery. By blocking these vital processes—such as using ice to stop a drainage in cancer or drugs to halt cold symptoms—doctors may worsen illness or even cause death. Shelton emphasizes that disease only appears when necessary and remains until its purpose is fulfilled. Healing, he argues, requires removing causes and providing the body with the right conditions to carry out its curative work—not fighting against it.
• This article by the late Herbert M. Shelton first appeared in his classic book, Health for All, published in 1942.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1990, July/Aug). Physiological Lawfulness. Health Science – Living in Harmony With Nature, V 13(No 4), pp 22.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V13-N4-Health-Science-july-august-1990.pdf

• This passage emphasizes that every part and function of the human body operates according to immutable natural laws, just as forces like gravity and magnetism do. These laws govern all bodily actions—both in health and in disease—with the purpose of preserving, improving, and sustaining life. The body can only act in ways consistent with its design; it cannot operate “wrongly,” even when diseased. Disease is not a malfunction but a lawful, purposeful response to harmful conditions created by poor habits, misuse, or abuse. The suffering associated with disease is not due to the body acting incorrectly, but because it is following its only lawful path to heal and protect itself—what the author calls “orthopathy,” or right suffering. Symptoms of disease, therefore, are not enemies to be suppressed but signs of the body’s intelligent struggle to restore health. To ignore or fight these signs is to misunderstand the nature of life itself, and those who treat symptoms as evils reveal a dangerous ignorance of biology.
• This article first appeared in the classic book, Health for All, published in 1942.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1990, Sept/Oct). Organic Unity. Health Science – Living in Harmony With Nature, V 13(No 5), pp 20-21.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V13-N5-Health-Science-sept.-oct.-1990.pdf

• This passage argues that the human body must be understood and treated as a unified, interdependent whole rather than a collection of isolated parts. Each organ is specialized for its unique function but operates in cooperation with all others, forming a complex “web of life.” True physiological health arises from the rhythmic, loyal performance of every organ in harmony with the others, promoting collective well-being and internal balance. Disregarding this unity—such as in modern medical specialization that isolates and treats organs individually—undermines the body’s integrity and disrupts its natural coordination. The author criticizes both traditional and modern (even “natural” or “drugless”) healing practices that ignore root causes and instead suppress symptoms with interventions that often do more harm than good. He emphasizes that disease is often a lawful, organized response to unhealthy habits and not a malfunction to be “cured” by external means. Real healing requires aligning with nature’s laws, not fighting them. As more people recognize this truth, superficial remedies and commercialized “cures” will lose influence, replaced by a deeper understanding of and respect for the body’s inherent wisdom and self-healing power.
• This article by the late Herbert M. Sbetton first appeared in his classic book, Health for All, published in 1942.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1991, Jan/Feb). From the Archives – Life is More than Food. Health Science – Living in Harmony With Nature, V 14(No 1), pp 22-23.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V14-N1-Health-Science-jan.-feb.-1991.pdf

• In Life Is More than Food, Herbert M. Shelton challenges the widely accepted belief that “man is what he eats,” arguing instead that it is the individual’s condition—physically, mentally, and constitutionally—that should determine what and how he eats. Shelton stresses that life and health are governed by principles, and that acting on false principles, such as rigid dietary rules based solely on calories or nutrients, leads to confusion and failure. Natural Hygiene insists that the body—not abstract food theories—should guide nutritional choices, emphasizing that digestion, assimilation, and the body’s needs in the moment are more important than arbitrary nutritional standards. He criticizes the idea that certain foods can directly produce intelligence, strength, or moral character, calling it unscientific and misleading. Rather than food shaping the man, it is the man—his vitality, heredity, and actions—who determines how food is used. Exercise, not eating, builds muscle, and successful nourishment comes from effective digestion and assimilation, not just the type of food consumed. Ultimately, Shelton’s message is that while food is important, it is subordinate to the living organism. Understanding and supporting the person as a whole is far more vital than obsessing over what they eat.
• This essay by Herbert M. Shelton (1895-1985), the leading advocate of Natural Hygiene in the twentieth century, originally appeared in his book, Superior Nutrition.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1991, Mar/Apr). From the Archives: The Nutritional Basis of Life. Health Science – Living in Harmony With Nature, V 14(No 2), pp21-23.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V14-N2-Health-Science-march-april-1991.pdf

• In this essayfrom The Nutritional Basis of Life, Herbert M. Shelton argues that mainstream science has long neglected the vital role of nutrition in health, growth, and cellular development, focusing instead on food quantity over quality. He asserts that true nutrition is not merely the consumption of food but a complex, vital process involving digestion, assimilation, and the body’s internal capacities, which cannot be enhanced through external means like supplements or force-feeding. Food alone, without the harmonious influence of air, water, sunlight, rest, exercise, and mental well-being, cannot sustain or restore health. Shelton criticizes the widespread belief that more or “better” food automatically improves health, emphasizing that many invalids fail to benefit from rich diets or vitamin regimens due to impaired bodily functions. He contends that restoring health requires respecting the body’s inherent processes and rhythms, including knowing when not to eat. Ultimately, Shelton calls for a return to nature’s methods and a deeper understanding of the body’s real needs, rather than blind reliance on food as a cure-all.
• This essay by Herbert M. Shelton (1895-1985), the foremost proponent of Natural Hygiene in the twentieth century, first appeared in his book, Superior Nutrition, first published in 1951.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1991, May/Jun). From the Archives – My Experiences with Fasting. Health Science – Living in Harmony With Nature, V 14(No 3), pp. 12-13.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V14-N3-Health-Science-may-june-1991.pdf

• Herbert M. Shelton recounts his extensive study and experience with fasting, beginning informally in 1911 and becoming professional by the 1920s, eventually leading him to conduct thousands of fasts and write extensively on the subject. Drawing from early Hygienists and personal experience, Shelton emphasizes that fasting is not a cure, a starvation process, or a response to hunger, but a natural, instinctive mechanism for healing and renewal, rooted in human physiology rather than animal behavior. He criticizes popular misconceptions—such as the idea that early hunger during fasting is real hunger—and highlights the role of fasting in detoxification, especially in cases of chronic illness and even mental health, where Soviet research later echoed what American Hygienists had long observed. Shelton explains that fasting facilitates the elimination of toxic waste and mobilizes the body’s innate healing energy. He also stresses the importance of breaking fasts using locally available foods rather than rigid formulas, and warns against viewing fasting as a magic fix—arguing instead that it must be integrated into a larger, consistently hygienic lifestyle to be truly effective.
• This essay by Herbert M. Shelton (1895-1985) first appeared in the April 1969 issue of Dr. Shelton’s Hygienic Review.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1991, Jul/Aug). From the Archives: How Many Meals a Day? Health Science – Living in Harmony With Nature, V 14(No 4), pp18-20.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V14-N4-Health-Science-july-august-1991.pdf

• The essay explores historical and physiological perspectives on human eating habits, arguing that modern practices—particularly frequent meals and constant eating—are harmful and largely disconnected from true hunger. Historically, most people ate one or two meals a day, with the three-meals-a-day habit emerging relatively recently, driven by social customs rather than biological necessity. In ancient societies like Greece and Rome, simple, infrequent meals were common, even among warriors and laborers. The author critiques modern overconsumption, especially in affluent societies where refined, nutrient-poor foods and constant snacking lead to widespread health issues such as obesity, degenerative diseases, and premature aging. Physiologically, digestion requires rest periods for the gastrointestinal organs to recover and replenish enzymes, which is compromised by continuous eating. The belief that eating small, frequent meals is healthier is challenged, especially for those with weak digestion. True hunger rarely occurs when food remains in the intestines, and common sensations mistaken for hunger are often signs of irritation or habit. The text ultimately advocates for frugal, well-spaced meals—ideally one or two per day—with the main meal taken at the end of the working day, aligning eating with natural bodily rhythms rather than the clock.
• This essay by Herbert M. Shelton (1895-1985), the foremost proponent of Natural Hygiene in the twentieth century, first appeared in his book Health For the Millions, published in 1968, and is now out of print.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1992, Mar/Apr). The Health of the Nation. Health Science – Living in Harmony With Nature, V 15(No 2), pp. 21.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V15-N2-Health-Science-march-april-1992.pdf

• The article critiques the pervasive propaganda from institutions like religion, business, government, and medicine that promote the idea of continuous progress in public health and welfare. Despite repeated claims of improvement, especially in reducing infectious diseases and increasing lifespan, there is evidence of a rise in degenerative and chronic illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders. Shelton argues that these trends indicate a decline in overall health, despite increased medical interventions, insurance schemes, and public health initiatives. The supposed advances in medicine are questioned, suggesting that they may not genuinely improve health outcomes and that the reliance on treatment rather than prevention may be part of the problem.
• This editorial from 1973 addresses a question as timely now as then.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1992, Jul/Aug). You Cannot Break the Laws of Life, But They Can Break You! Health Science – Living in Harmony With Nature, V 15(No 4), pp. 22.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V15-N4-Health-Science-july-august-1992.pdf

• Evil, in its truest sense, is the illusion that one can defy nature’s design without consequence. Wrong living—defined as self-abuse and the pursuit of harmful habits—is fundamentally at odds with the laws that govern health and well-being. Health and disease are not arbitrary but are direct results of the way we live. Nature has built its laws into our very existence and into our relationships with the world—food, water, air, sunlight, other people, and all forms of life. Though we have the freedom to choose our lifestyle, we are not free from the consequences of those choices. Every action yields a result, whether constructive or destructive. Life is not about following rules but about understanding and honoring the right relationships. Many deceive themselves by thinking there are no consequences simply because the effects of poor choices are not immediate, but inner deterioration is often already underway. To truly live fully, one must stop searching for shortcuts and realign with nature’s simple but profound laws. Only by doing so can we achieve health, vitality, and a meaningful life.
• This essay first appeared in the March 1958 issue of Natural Hygiene, under the title “Hygiene on the March.”

Shelton, Herbert M. (1993). Getting Well. Health Research: Pomeroy, WA. Kessinger’s Legacy Reprints (1996).
https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Well-Herbert-M-Shelton/dp/1564599809

• Getting Well provides a comprehensive guide to natural healing and wellness. In this book, Shelton explores the principles and practices of natural hygiene, a holistic approach to health that emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition, exercise, and rest. The book covers various topics related to natural health, including the benefits of fasting, the importance of proper digestion, and the role of exercise in maintaining good health. Shelton also discusses the dangers of modern medicine and the importance of avoiding drugs and other harmful substances. Throughout the book, Shelton emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one’s own health and well-being. He provides practical advice on how to make positive changes in one’s life, including tips on choosing healthy foods, getting enough exercise, and managing stress. Chapters include: What is Health; The Rationale of Disease; Compensation in Disease; Law Governs Disease; Physiology vs. Voodooism; The Story of Useless Organs; The Fun of Being Sick; How to get Well; Why Drugs; Quick Relief; Killing our Children; Curing Arthritis; Peptic Ulcers; What are Tumors; Curing Gallstones; Diabetes; Varicose Veins; Asthma; Warts; Influenza; Who’s on a Diet; Food cures; Vitamin Failures; When to Eat; Growing Old; and Diseases of Middle Life.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1993, Jan/Feb). Why Remedies Don’t Work. Health Science – Living in Harmony With Nature, V 16(No 1), pp 20-21.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V16-N1-Health-Science-jan.-feb.-1993.pdf

• This article argues that remedies fail because they address symptoms rather than causes, and ignore the body’s natural laws. Health is the normal state of being, and disease is not an external enemy but a result of violating the laws of life through harmful habits. These habits weaken the body’s ability to eliminate toxins, leading to illness. Conventional medicine fosters fear by portraying disease as inevitable and promotes drugs and treatments that suppress symptoms, rather than removing the underlying causes. Remedies often involve substances foreign to the body, causing further harm and diverting the body from its self-healing efforts. True healing, according to the text, comes not from suppressing symptoms like fever or coughing, but from supporting the body through natural, hygienic conditions—such as proper nutrition, rest, air, water, and emotional balance. The widespread belief in pills and cures persists because of public ignorance about the body and the real causes of disease. This ignorance enables a system where treatments are sold to relieve discomfort, rather than promoting the lifestyle changes necessary for genuine recovery.
• This essay appeared in the 1966 issue of the Natural Hygiene Yearbook, under the title “The Need for Truth.” It was edited for Health Science.

Shelton, Herbert M.(1993, May/Jun). Timeless Teachings – Why Rest Is So Vitally Important. Health Science – Living in Harmony With Nature, V 16 (No 3), pp 22-23.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V16-N3-Health-Science-may-june-1993.pdf

• The early hygienists, beginning with Sylvester Graham, emphasized that true health depends on a comprehensive lifestyle—every aspect of life must support well-being, not just diet or exercise alone. Among these essential elements, rest—particularly sleep—was considered vital. Rest allows the body to engage in anabolic processes, where it heals, replenishes, and prepares for renewed activity, counterbalancing the wear and tear (catabolism) caused by exertion. Unlike drug-induced sedation, which suppresses both activity and true restoration, natural rest refreshes the body and mind. There are four kinds of rest: physical, sensory, mental, and physiological (achieved through fasting). These work together to restore energy and function. The overuse of stimulants like coffee, often in place of rest, can push the body beyond its limits, leading to exhaustion and illness. For the sick or chronically fatigued, extended periods of uninterrupted rest—ideally in quiet, natural settings—are necessary for recovery. Fasting can also be a powerful form of physiological rest, though it should be supervised, especially in extreme cases. Ultimately, rest is not a passive state but an active, essential function of life. Our overstimulated, noisy world interferes with this process, making genuine recovery more difficult.
• This essay first appeared in the program for the 1967 ANHS International Natural Living Conference.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1993, Nov/Dec). What Is Natural Hygiene? Health Science – Living in Harmony With Nature, V 16 (No 6), pp 22-23.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V16-N6-Health-Science-nov.-dec.-1993.pdf

• Natural Hygiene is a philosophy and lifestyle centered on the principle that health is maintained and restored not through drugs or medical treatments, but through the same natural means that sustain life in a healthy body. It is not a system of cures or therapies, but a way of living that applies equally to the well and the sick. Natural Hygiene emphasizes that healing is a biological process performed by the body itself, and the body’s needs—such as fresh air, pure water, wholesome food, rest, sleep, sunlight, cleanliness, exercise, and mental balance—remain the same regardless of health status, though their use may need to be adjusted during illness. Unlike conventional medicine, which often employs toxic substances and outdated ideas rooted in superstition, Natural Hygiene insists that only those materials and influences that support health in a well person can be appropriate for a sick one. Poisons that harm the healthy cannot heal the sick. Recovery, therefore, depends not on treatment but on removing the causes of disease and supplying the body with its essential needs in proper measure. True health comes from healthful living, not external interventions, and cannot be regained by focusing on just one aspect, like diet or exercise alone. The path to health is simple and natural: remove what harms, provide what supports, and allow the body’s own wisdom to restore balance.
• This essay first appeared in the 1956 ANHS International Conference program.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1994). The Science and Fine Art of Natural Hygiene. American Natural Hygiene Society.  National Health Association. Youngstown, Ohio.
https://www.healthscience.org/product/science-and-fine-art-natural-hygiene-0/

• Dr. Shelton illuminates the essential principles of physiology and the importance of caring for our bodies to promote lasting health. In this compelling volume, readers discover the vital concepts of mental and physical hygiene and learn the foundations of healthy living for all ages—from infants to adults. This guide not only emphasizes how to nurture various parts of the body but also empowers readers to take proactive steps toward maintaining optimal well-being. The Science and Fine Art of Natural Hygiene is an exact reprint of the text of the rare second edition (1953) of Volume I of the Hygienic System: Orthobionomics. The Science and Fine Art of Natural Hygiene provides the reader with the basic principles of Natural Hygiene, focusing on basic physiology as viewed through Hygienic eyes. Nowhere else will the reader find such an in-depth examination of the basic principles of Natural Hygiene. Chapters include: Cells and Their Environment, The Mystery of Life, Internal Symbiosis, Basic Needs of Living, The Laws of Life, Physiological Compensation, The Stimulant Delusion, Safeguards of Life, Health and Its Conditions, Health Standards, The Hygiene of Health, Rest and Relaxation, Sleep — Repose, Air and Light in the Home, Care of the Skin, Bathing, Clothing and Dress, Care of the Hair, Care of the Eyes, Care of the Glands, Emotional Control, Care of the Orifices of the Body, Care of the Teeth, Care of the Colon, Care of the Feet, Poison Habits, Living Life to Live It Longer, General Care of Babies and Children, The Symbiotic Society, The Genesis and Development of Hygiene.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1994, Jan/Feb). Errors of the Curing Mentality. Health Science – Living in Harmony With Nature, V 17 (No 1), pp 20-21.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V17-N1-Health-Science-jan.-feb.-1994.pdf

• The core error of the “curing mentality” lies not merely in the harmful methods used to treat disease, but in the very notion of attempting to cure disease at all. Traditional medical systems, despite acknowledging their limited understanding of disease, operate on the assumption that disease is an external evil to be attacked and eradicated. This leads to suppressive treatments—like reducing fevers or halting vomiting—that interfere with the body’s natural processes. Natural Hygienists reject this view, asserting that all actions of the body, even in sickness, follow natural laws and serve constructive, self-preserving purposes. What we call disease symptoms—fever, inflammation, diarrhea, etc.—are not disorders or attacks, but vital, remedial actions of the living organism attempting to restore balance. Health and disease are not opposites but phases of the same biological processes, distinguished only by the body’s interaction with normal or abnormal conditions. Disease, then, is not something to be fought or suppressed, but understood and supported as the body’s own healing effort. The role of care, according to Natural Hygiene, is to work with the body by supplying the elements of health—rest, nourishment, clean air, etc.—tailored to the body’s altered state. This approach, rooted in orthopathy (correct action), has been proven effective over more than a century of hygienic practice, contrasting sharply with the destructive nature of conventional medical cures.
• This essay, which appeared in the 1956ANHS Conference program, points out the fundamental difference between Natural Hygiene and other “healing” systems.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1995). The Myth of Medicine.  Cool Hand Communications: Boca Raton, FL.

https://archive.org/details/mythofmedicine00shel/mode/2up

• Chapters include: the hidden jewels, the crystal fountain, light from Eden, Eden, revisited, man’s original hygiene, a world that was, Westward from Eden, man’s primeval Majesty, heritage from Eden, is it God that heals, Eden’s golden glow, Lucifer on Eden’s doorstep, clouds across the sky, the dragons teeth, noisome weeds in Paradise, shadows on the moon, which is in Eden, mephitic vapors, the father of physics, extinguishing the light, glowing embers in the dark, the gods come to earth, dark detour, medicine in the middle ages, renaissance medicine, 19th-century medicine, the development of modern medicine, 20th-century medicine, the new Dawn, criticisms of modern medicine, chaos, and Tyranny, resplendent horizon, Eden restored, light of life, the great deception, and what is needed.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1995, Mar/Apr). Timeless Teachings – Hygiene vs. Curing. Health Science – Living in Harmony With Nature, V 18 (No 2), pp 24.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V18-N2-Health-Science-march-april-1995.pdf

• In this article – Hygiene vs. Curing, Shelton contrasts conventional approaches to disease with the principles of Natural Hygiene. Drawing from personal experience, he recounts how his father, who suffered from asthma, sought relief through numerous medical and alternative “cures” that only provided temporary relief. Despite decades of medical advancement, asthma still lacks a true cure, and conventional treatments often focus on symptom management rather than root causes. In contrast, Natural Hygiene emphasizes removing the causes of illness and supporting the body with the essentials of health—rest, fresh air, sunlight, clean living, and proper nutrition. Rather than relying on drugs with harmful side effects, this approach promotes health through education and lifestyle, grounded in the belief that health is the result of consistently meeting the body’s fundamental needs. The philosophy insists that lasting wellness comes not from curing disease, but from living in harmony with the natural laws that sustain life.
• The following excerpt first appeared in Dr. Shelton’s Hygienic Review.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1995, May/June). Timeless Teaching – Advances in Hygiene. Health Science – Living in Harmony With Nature, V 18 (No 2), pp 20.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V18-N3-Health-Science-may-june-1995.pdf

• Natural Hygiene, though rooted in ancient practices, has evolved into a comprehensive, science-based system for maintaining and restoring health. While general hygiene was nearly lost during the Dark Ages, the modern Hygienic System emerged in the 19th century through the pioneering work of figures like Sylvester Graham, Isaac Jennings, and Russell Trall. These early advocates laid the foundation for Natural Hygiene by emphasizing biologically sound principles. Subsequent generations of practitioners expanded and refined this foundation, with continued contributions from individuals such as Hereward Carrington and William L. Esser. Over time, the system has grown more precise and effective, particularly in areas such as nutrition, fasting, and understanding the true causes of disease. Unlike conventional medicine, which often treats symptoms, Natural Hygiene focuses on removing the root causes of illness and supporting the body through natural means. While the system is not yet perfect, it is a continually evolving art and science, growing stronger with each generation’s discoveries and experience.
• This is excerpted from an article by Herbert M. Shelton that appeared in the program of the 1952 ANHS International Natural Living Conference

Shelton, Herbert M. (1996). History of Natural Hygiene and Principles of Natural Hygiene: Teachings of Doctors Jennings, Graham, Trall, and Tilden. Kessinger’s Legacy Reprints (2010).
https://www.amazon.com/History-Natural-Hygiene-Principles/dp/1162566558

• The History of Natural Hygiene and Principles of Natural Hygiene is divided into two parts, with the first part focusing on the history of natural hygiene and the second part focusing on the principles of natural hygiene. In the first part, Shelton traces the roots of natural hygiene back to ancient civilizations and discusses the contributions of various individuals to the development of the natural hygiene movement. He also covers the evolution of natural hygiene in the United States and its influence on other health movements. The second part of the book explains the principles of natural hygiene, which include proper nutrition, exercise, rest, and hygiene. Shelton emphasizes the importance of a natural, plant-based diet and avoiding processed and refined foods. He also stresses the importance of regular exercise and adequate rest and sleep. Throughout the book, Shelton draws on his extensive experience as a natural hygiene practitioner. He provides practical advice for those looking to improve their health and well-being from the Naturopathic Teachings of Doctors Jennings, Graham, Trall, and Tilden.

Gian-Cursio, Christopher, Shelton, Herbert M. (1996). Hygienic Review. The Herbert Shelton Society.
https://soilandhealth.org/book/hygienic-review/

• Miscellaneous articles by Herbert Shelton, Christopher Gian-Cursio, and others. The Hygienic Review was published by the Herbert Shelton Society. A few of these are excerpts from Shelton’s books.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1996). The Liver and Its Complaints. 

Shelton, Herbert M. (1996). Science and Fine Art of Food and Nutrition. American Natural Hygiene Society.

https://www.healthscience.org/product/science-fine-art-and-nutrition/

• An exact reprint of the text contained within Volume II (Orthotrophy).
  This book highlights the crucial role of nutrition and the science of proper food combining. The author challenges common misconceptions about proteins, amino acids, vitamins, and cooked foods, providing compelling research to support his claims. Furthermore, he raises alarming concerns about the dangers of salt and the urgent issue of diminishing soil fertility, making a strong case for a shift in our dietary practices. Chapters include: Philosophy of nutrition, food, elements, minerals of life, vitamins, calories, law of the minimum, organic foods, organic acids, fruits, nuts, vegetables, cereals, animal foods, drink, condiments, salt, fruitarianism and vegetarianism, natures, food, refinery, digestibility of foods, mental influences in nutrition, enjoying our food, absorption of food, uses of food, how much shall we eat, how to eat, correct food, combining, effects of cooking, uncooked foods, salads, conservative cooking, effects of denatured foods, undernutrition, hypo alkalinity, diet reform versus supplemental, beginning the reform diet, feeding mothers, building the teeth, the eliminating diet, feeding in disease, three-year nursing period, cows, milk, pasteurization, mothers, milk, should baby be weaned, no starch for infants, three feedings a day, feeding of infants, feeding children, man shall not die with food, alone, and our denatured soil.

Shelton, Herbert M. (1998, Jan/Feb). Timeless Teaching – Rational Care of the Sick – Understanding the important difference between Hygienic care and remedial care. Health Science – Living in Harmony With Nature, V 21(No 1), pp 12-13.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V21-N1-Health-Science-January-February-1998.pdf

• True healing does not come from external “remedies” but from within the living organism itself, through the natural processes that sustain life. The core distinction between Hygienic care and remedial care lies in this principle: Hygienic care supports the body’s inherent power to heal by providing the essential conditions of life—clean air, pure water, nutritious food, rest, exercise, light, and emotional peace—adapted to the individual’s current state and needs. In contrast, remedial or traditional approaches attempt to force healing through artificial substances or procedures that would be harmful to a healthy body and are equally so to a sick one. Natural Hygiene teaches that the same elements that maintain health also restore it, but only in forms and amounts the body can safely use. Excesses—even of good things—are harmful, especially when the body is weak. The role of the Hygienist is not to “treat” disease but to gently and wisely supply the body’s natural requirements, allowing self-healing to unfold. Healing, then, is not imposed from the outside but facilitated through intelligent, life-affirming support aligned with the body’s needs and capacities.
• It is essential to note that in this article, Dr. Sbelton provides a general overview of the subject. It was not his, nor is it the Society’s, intention to imply that Surgical and/or therapeutic intervention is never appropriate.

Shelton, Herbert M, Burton, A., Sidhwa, K., Mendelsohn, R., Coumentakis, P. T., & Flynn, M. (2000). AIDS: Don’t Die of Ignorance. Igiene Naturale, Italy.
Available on Amazon

SShelton, Herbert M. (2003). Food and Feeding. Kessinger Publishing Company.  Kessinger’s Legacy Reprints (2010).
https://www.amazon.com/Food-Feeding-Herbert-M-Shelton/dp/1161377034

• A comprehensive guide to understanding the importance of proper nutrition and feeding habits for optimal health, covering a wide range of topics related to food, including the history of food, the science of nutrition, the benefits and drawbacks of different diets, and the role of food in disease prevention and treatment. Shelton had a significant influence on the raw food movement. His work often promoted the idea that cooking food denatures it and that the body can heal without medical intervention. He focuses on the importance of whole, unprocessed foods and the dangers of consuming processed and refined foods. He also discusses the benefits of fasting and the importance of proper food combining. The book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in improving their health through better nutrition and feeding habits.1926. The author’s aim in this little book is to teach the reader how to eat. This book is intended to be different from others on diet. Shelton set himself the task of unraveling the problem of the nonexistence of a textbook on dietetics. At the same time, he was a teacher at the American School of Naturopathy, and this work is the outcome.

Shelton, Herbert M. (2005). The Development Of Disease. Kessinger’s Legacy Reprints (2010).

https://archive.org/details/developmentofdis0000herb/page/n1/mode/2up

• This comprehensive guide was extracted from the book Human Life Its Philosophy and Laws: An Exposition of the Principles and Practices of Orthopathy. It shares the causes and development of various diseases. The author provides a detailed exploration of the physical, mental, and emotional factors contributing to the onset of illness, including poor diet, lack of exercise, stress, and environmental toxins. Shelton also delves into the role of genetics and the body’s natural healing processes in disease prevention and treatment. He emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to health, which includes proper nutrition, exercise, rest, and emotional well-being. The book covers a wide range of diseases, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and many others. Each chapter provides a detailed analysis of the disease and its underlying causes, as well as practical advice on how to prevent and treat it. Shelton’s insights and recommendations are based on decades of research and experience in the natural health field and provide a comprehensive and accessible guide to disease prevention and management.

Shelton, Herbert M. (2005). Early Orthopathic Ideas Of Suppression. Kessinger’s Legacy Reprints. (2010).

https://archive.org/details/earlyorthopathic0000herb 

• This book was extracted from Human Life Its Philosophy and Laws: An Exposition of the Principles and Practices of Orthopathy. It explores the concept of suppression in orthopathy, a natural healing system emphasizing the importance of a healthy lifestyle and the body’s ability to heal itself. Shelton delves into the history of orthopathy and the early ideas surrounding the concept of suppression, which refers to the body’s natural tendency to eliminate toxins and waste through various channels, such as sweating, urination, and bowel movements. The book discusses how suppression can occur when these channels are blocked or inhibited, leading to a buildup of toxins in the body and disease development. Shelton also provides practical advice on how to prevent suppression and promote optimal health through proper diet, exercise, and other lifestyle choices.

Shelton, Herbert M. (2005). The Hygiene Of Health And Disease. Kessinger Publishing, LLC.  

https://archive.org/details/hygieneofhealthd0000herb

• This book was extracted from Human Life: Its Philosophy and Laws: An Exposition of the Principles and Practices of Orthopathy. It is a comprehensive guide to maintaining good health and preventing disease through proper hygiene practices. The book covers many topics, including the importance of clean air and water, the benefits of a healthy diet and exercise, and the dangers of exposure to toxins and pollutants. The author also delves into the science behind disease prevention and the immune system’s role in maintaining overall health. The book provides practical advice on implementing healthy habits into daily life, such as proper hand washing, food handling, and cleaning practices. Additionally, the author explores using natural remedies and alternative therapies for treating common ailments and promoting overall wellness.  

Shelton, Herbert M. (2005). Principles Of Natural Hygiene. Kessinger Publishing, LLC. 

https://archive.org/details/principlesofnatu0000herb/page/n1/mode/2up

• This publication was extracted from the book History of Natural Hygiene and Principles of Natural Hygiene and is a guide to achieving optimal health through natural means and covers a wide range of topics related to natural health, including nutrition, fasting, exercise, sleep, stress management, and more. Shelton emphasizes the importance of a natural, whole foods-based diet and explores the benefits of fasting and detoxification for improving overall health and vitality. He also discusses the role of exercise in maintaining a healthy body and provides practical tips for developing a regular exercise routine. Additionally, the book covers the importance of rest and relaxation and provides strategies for managing stress and promoting mental and emotional well-being.

Shelton, Herbert M. (2005). Why Acute Disease Is A Curative Process. Kessinger Publishing, LLC.

https://archive.org/details/whyacutediseasei0000herb/page/n1/mode/2up

• This publication was extracted from the book Human Life, Its Philosophy and Laws: An Exposition of the Principles and Practices of Orthopathy. It delves into the concept of acute disease as a natural and necessary process of the body’s self-healing mechanism. The book explores the idea that acute diseases, such as fevers, colds, and infections, are not something to be feared or suppressed but rather a vital part of the body’s immune response to illness and injury. Shelton argues that by allowing the body to go through the acute disease process, we can aid in the healing process and prevent chronic illness from setting in. The book explains the physiological mechanisms behind acute disease and offers practical advice on supporting the body’s natural healing process during these times. 

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The NHA wishes to remind the readers that nothing in this or other publications is intended to constitute medical treatment or advice. Readers should be aware that some previous publications do not reflect the NHA’s current health teachings or approach to health in several areas.

Our Mission

The mission of the National Health Association is to educate and empower individuals to understand that health results from healthy living. We recognize the integration of all aspects of health: personal, environmental, and social.

We communicate the benefits of a plant-based diet, exercise and rest, a healthy environment, psychological well-being, and when indicated, the use of fasting.