Timeline

1911: Born in Pittsburgh, PA on June 5, 1911.

1931: began at Dr. Benedict Lust’s American School of Naturopathy. 

1935: he started an office practice in Pittsburgh, PA.

1940: he opened a sanatorium. During this time in Pittsburgh, he gave weekly radio programs on natural hygiene and exposed the errors found in medicine.

1942: Published Dictionary of Natural Foods (1981st ed.). National Hygiene Press.
https://www.healthscience.org/product/dictionary-natural-foods-0/

• Initially published in 1947 and reprinted in 1972 and 1983. 
• The Dictionary of Natural Foods by William L. Esser, first published in 1983, is a comprehensive reference guide to a wide range of natural foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, and animal-based products. The book aims to provide detailed information about these foods’ nutritional, medicinal, and culinary properties.
• Esser’s work is organized in an alphabetical dictionary, with entries covering various foods’ history, composition, and benefits. The book includes information on each food, such as its health benefits, vitamins and minerals, and potential uses in diet or as a remedy for common health conditions. This makes the book both a practical reference and an educational tool for individuals interested in natural foods and healthy living.
• The Dictionary of Natural Foods also includes discussions on food preparation methods, food safety, and suggestions for incorporating natural foods into a balanced diet. This resource is valuable for those pursuing a holistic approach to nutrition or looking to deepen their knowledge of whole, minimally processed foods.

1946: Opened a health facility on Johns’ Island, South Carolina – Essers’s Hygienic Sanatorium. Situated on a 3000-acre plantation known for its famous gardens near Charleston, they offered fasting, whole plant-based foods, education, exercise, personal care, sunbathing, and gymnastics.

1948: Dr. Esser, along with attorney Irving Davidson and esteemed doctors Herbert Shelton, Christopher Gian-Cursio, Gerald Benesh, and Jesse Mercer Gehman, as well as film producer Jack Dunn Trop and publicist Symon Gould, came together to establish the American Natural Hygiene Society. Shelton was unanimously elected as the first president, driving a powerful movement. Through dedicated educational initiatives, the Society successfully reignited the Hygienic revolution, empowering thousands to embrace and apply the transformative principles of Natural Hygiene. This organization evolved to become the National Health Association in 1998 and continues its mission to promote health and well-being for all

1949:  Moved to Lake Worth, Florida, where he continued to educate on natural hygiene through his facility Esser’s Ranch. Around 20–30 patients at a time would stay on the ranch and reverse chronic disease through rest, therapeutic water fasting, juicing, whole food plant-based cuisine, sunbathing,  gentle exercise, and health education. Dr. Arne Suominen was the house physician and specialist in diagnosis and laboratory analysis.

1953-54: Dr. William Esser served as president of the American Natural Hygiene Society.

1955: Wrote Health Science article “Is Illness Inevitable?”

https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Summer-2022-Timeless-Teachingpdf.pdf

1957-59: Dr. William Esser served as president of the American Natural Hygiene Society.

1958: Wrote Health Science article “Illness Is Not Inevitable”.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Summer-2022-Timeless-Teachingpdf.pdf

1958: Wrote Health Science article “The Real Road to Health.”

https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Summer-2020-Timeless-Teachings.pdf

1959: Wrote Health Science article “The Time for Personal Appraisal.”

https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Spring-2021-Timeless-Teachings.pdf

1963: Wrote Health Science article  “The Time for Decision.”

1964: Wrote Health Science article “The Dangerous Years.”

https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Health-Science-2016_Timeless-Teaching.pdf

1969:  Wrote Health Science article “Does Education Educate?”

https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/TT_Esser_Spring_2018.pdf

1972: Dictionary of Man’s Foods was published.

“Dictionary of Man’s Foods” by William L. Esser was first published in 1972 and republished in 1983. This book is known for its focus on natural hygiene. It offers information about a wide range of foods, particularly regarding their nutritional and health benefits, according to the principles of natural hygiene.

Included in  the Book:

1. Natural Hygiene Philosophy: Esser’s book aligns with the natural hygiene movement, which advocates eating foods in their most natural, unprocessed form to promote health and longevity. This philosophy discourages the consumption of cooked, processed, and refined foods, recommending raw, organic produce and simple preparations instead.
2. Food Classification: The dictionary-style format organizes foods by their types (e.g., fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, etc.) and describes their nutritional benefits. Foods are often assessed for suitability in a natural hygiene diet, emphasizing simplicity and ease of digestion.
3. Food Benefits and Health: For each food, Esser typically outlines:
   • Nutritional Content: Key vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds in the food.
   • Digestibility: How easily the body can process and absorb the food.
   • Health Implications: Potential health benefits, such as promoting detoxification, aiding digestion, or boosting immunity.
   • Cautionary Notes: Any foods that might be harmful if consumed improperly or in excess, such as those that are overly acidic or difficult to digest.
4. Food Pairing and Combinations: The book often delves into how different foods interact regarding digestion and overall health. Natural hygiene advocates that certain food combinations may improve digestion while others may lead to discomfort or health problems.
5. Holistic Approach: Esser, like other natural hygiene proponents, takes a holistic view of nutrition, where food choices are seen as part of an overall lifestyle that includes physical activity, rest, and mental well-being. The goal is to promote a balance between body, mind, and the food you eat.

2003: Dr. Esser, who passed away in 2003, left a profound legacy that continues to shape the wellness movement of today.

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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.