Benedict Lust

Benedict Lust (February 3, 1872 – September 5, 1945) was one of the founders of Naturopathy and a leading advocate of Raw foodism during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is often considered the "Father of U.S. Naturopathy".

Early Life

Lust was born in Michelbach, Germany. He emigrated to the United States in 1892. After suffering from a chronic illness, he discovered the works of Father Sebastian Kneipp, a Bavarian priest and a proponent of Hydrotherapy. This led Lust to pursue a career in natural healing.

Career

In 1896, Lust opened the Kneipp Water Cure Institute in New York City, where he introduced Kneipp's hydrotherapy methods to the American public. He later expanded his practice to include other alternative healing methods, such as Homeopathy, Herbalism, Nutrition, and Physical Therapy.

In 1901, Lust founded the American School of Naturopathy in New York City, the first naturopathic college in the United States. He also started the publication of several magazines, including Herald of Health and Naturopath and Nature's Path, to promote the principles of naturopathy.

Lust also played a significant role in the development of the Raw food movement. He believed that raw foods, especially fruits and vegetables, were the key to maintaining good health. He advocated for a diet free from processed foods and rich in raw, organic produce.

Legacy

Lust's work has had a lasting impact on the field of natural health. His teachings and practices have influenced the development of modern naturopathy and the raw food movement. Despite facing opposition from the mainstream medical community, Lust's ideas continue to be influential in the field of alternative medicine.

See Also

• History of Naturopathy
• Raw Foodism
• Sebastian Kneipp
• Hydrotherapy