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The Ministry of Health and Healing
Rational Remedies
When the abuse of health is carried so far that sickness results,
the sufferer can often do for himself or herself what no one else
can do. The first thing to do is to ascertain the true character of
the sickness and then go to work intelligently to remove the cause.
If the harmonious working of the system has become unbalanced
by overwork, overeating, or other irregularities, do not endeavor to
adjust the difficulties by adding a burden of poisonous medicines.
Intemperate eating is often the cause of sickness, and what nature
most needs is to be relieved of the undue burden that has been placed
upon her. In many cases of sickness, the very best remedy is for
the patient to fast for a meal or two, that the overworked organs of
digestion may have an opportunity to rest. A fruit diet for a few days
has often brought great relief to brain workers. Many times a short
period of entire abstinence from food, followed by simple, moderate
eating, has led to recovery through nature’s own recuperative effort.
A temperate diet for a month or two would convince many sufferers
that the path of self-denial is the path to health.
Rest As a Remedy
Some make themselves sick by overwork. For these, rest, free-
dom from care, and a spare diet are essential to restoration of health.
To those who are brain weary and nervous because of continual work
and close confinement, a visit to the country, where they can live
a simple, carefree life, coming in close contact with the things of
nature, will be most helpful. Taking walks through the fields and
woods, picking flowers, listening to the songs of the birds will do
far more than any other agency toward their recovery.
In health and in sickness, pure water is one of Heaven’s choicest
blessings. Its proper use promotes health. It is the beverage that God
provided to quench the thirst of animals and humans. Drunk freely,
it helps to supply the necessities of the system and assists nature to
resist disease. The external application of water is one of the easiest
and most satisfactory ways of regulating the circulation of the blood.
A cold or cool bath is an excellent tonic. Warm baths open the pores
and thus aid in the elimination of impurities. Both warm and neutral