Benedict Lust
Benedict Lust was a pivotal figure in the development of naturopathic medicine in the United States, born on February 3, 1872, in Michelbach, Germany. He is often regarded as the founder of naturopathy in America, advocating for natural remedies and the body's innate healing capabilities. Lust's journey into natural medicine began after he self-diagnosed himself with tuberculosis and sought treatment from Father Sebastian Kneipp, a notable proponent of natural healing. After experiencing significant recovery, Lust became an ardent supporter of natural health practices and returned to the U.S. to promote these ideas.
He opened the first medical school dedicated to naturopathy, the American School of Naturopathy, and founded the American Naturopathic Association, helping to formalize the profession. Lust published numerous works, including a magazine titled Nature's Path, and contributed to the Universal Naturopathic Encyclopedia, which focused on drugless therapies. Despite facing criticism and legal challenges, including multiple arrests for his unconventional practices, his influence on alternative wellness practices—such as yoga and Ayurvedic medicine—remains significant. Lust's legacy also includes a strong emphasis on preventive medicine and vegetarianism, highlighting his commitment to holistic health.
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Benedict Lust
- Born: February 3, 1872; Michelbach, Germany
- Died: September 5, 1945; Butler, New Jersey
Overview
German natural medicine proponent Benedict Lust cofounded naturopathic medicine, which focuses on using natural remedies and the body’s natural ability to heal and maintain itself. Lust has been referred to as the founder of naturopathy in the United States.
Lust worked as a professional waiter for many years in several countries (including Germany, Switzerland, and the United States) until he became sick with what he self-diagnosed as tuberculosis. Upon being struck ill, he decided to return to Germany to be treated by a religious leader—Father Sebastian Kneipp—who also was one of the founders of the naturopathic medicine movement. After being treated for some time, Lust claimed his health had improved dramatically. The recovery turned him into a strong believer and proponent of natural medicine.
Kneipp advised Lust to return to the United States to spread the ideas of the homeopathic movement. Upon returning, Lust opened a health food store and eventually began publishing multiple magazines that advocated for practices associated with natural medicine. Later, he formally studied the principles of homeopathy, and in 1901, he obtained a degree from the New York Homeopathic Medical College. The following year, he obtained a degree in osteopathy from the Universal College of Osteopathy in New York.
Upon completing his formal education, Lust decided to purchase the rights to the term “naturopathy” from John Scheel, a German physician and homeopath who first coined the term around 1895. Lust subsequently opened the first medical school in the world devoted to naturopathy, which he named the American School of Naturopathy. Some years later, he also established the American Naturopathic Association, one of the first professional organization for naturopathic practitioners in the United States. He was also responsible for establishing the Naturopathic Society of America. Lust continued to publish several works on naturopathy, including a magazine called Nature’s Path and the Universal Naturopathic Encyclopedia (1918) collection, which outlined drugless therapy forms.
Lust was scrutinized for his beliefs by many of his colleagues during his formal education and well into his career. He was arrested more than one dozen times for his approach to natural healing, which often involved spa treatments (such as massage and sunbathing) in the nude at his established health spas. It is also important to note that Lust was not a proponent of vaccinations. Still, Lust's contributions to naturopathy in the United States are undeniable, and, in the twenty-first century, his contributions to popularizing naturopathic practices continue to be recognized. Lust is also credited with bringing alternative wellness practices, such as yoga and Ayurvedic medicine, to the United States. He was also a proponent of preventive medicine and eating a vegetarian diet.
Bibliography
Cody, George W. "The Origins of Integrative Medicine-The First True Integrators: The Philosophy of Early Practitioners." Integrative medicine, vol. 17, no. 2, 2018, pp. 16-18.
Kirchfeld, Friedhelm, and Wade Boyle. Nature Doctors: Pioneers in Naturopathic Medicine. 2nd ed., NCNM Press, 2005.
"History of Naturopathy." Society of Naturopaths, societyofnaturopaths.org/about-naturopathy/history-of-naturopathy. Accessed 8 Sept. 2024.
Lust, Benedict, et al. Collected Works of Dr. Benedict Lust, Founder of Naturopathic Medicine. Healing Mountain, 2006.