Book SummaryBack To Eden, by Jethro Kloss

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Back To Eden

Botanical methods and herbal remedies

The Historical Foundations and Core Concepts of Phytotherapy

Historical figures like Hippocrates and Dioscorides, among other ancient healers, underscored the importance of employing herbal remedies to enhance well-being.

Kloss emphasizes the ancient practice of utilizing medicinal herbs, emphasizing the significance of relying on natural treatments. Hippocrates, frequently regarded as the father of modern medicine, consistently utilized plant-based remedies, recognizing their intrinsic medicinal properties. He firmly believed that a physician's duty was merely to aid the body's inherent ability to heal itself. Between 460 B.C. and the year 1500, healthcare providers followed the guidelines established by Hippocrates, which included the application of plant-based treatments, appropriate nutrition, and integrating ample access to fresh air as well as consistent physical activity into their treatment protocols. Dioscorides, a physician from Greece who served in the Roman army, wrote a comprehensive work in the first century that detailed the healing properties and uses of over 500 plant species. This text remained a key reference for herbal healing practices deep into the 17th century. Throughout the Middle Ages, monks were pivotal in preserving the knowledge of herbs, protecting ancient medical texts, cultivating healing herbs in their monastic gardens, and using these botanical remedies to treat the ill.

The ancient Egyptians, recognized for their sophisticated medical knowledge, utilized a variety of plants not only for healing but also in their embalming practices. The Ebers Papyrus, an ancient Egyptian medical document dating back to 1500 B.C., recorded a variety of herbal treatments, including the application of garlic for the alleviation of ailments such as intestinal worms and scorpion stings. The historical accounts of the pyramids emphasize that the laborers frequently consumed garlic, along with other robust vegetables such as onions and radishes, underscoring their significance in boosting energy and preventing diseases.

Samuel Thomson made a notable impact as an American herbalist, significantly advancing the practice of herbal medicine.

Kloss underscores the pivotal contribution of Samuel Thomson to the domain of plant-based therapeutic methods. Thomson, an American herbalist active between the 18th and 19th centuries and self-educated, promoted the idea of detoxifying the body to restore health. Jethro Kloss employed lobelia to stimulate emesis and cleanse the...

Back To Eden Summary Promoting wellness and averting illness

Agriculture serves as the foundational element for a healthy lifestyle.

Growing an assortment of fresh foods including fruits, vegetables, grains, and herbs is essential for sustaining a healthy diet.

Kloss fondly recalls his developmental years at the family estate in Wisconsin, an environment where they grew their own provisions and rarely fell ill. He attributes their strong health to the consumption of fresh, unprocessed foods grown in soil rich in nutrients. He believes that modern agricultural practices, which heavily depend on artificial fertilizers and pesticides, have diminished the nutritional value of our food, consequently heightening our susceptibility to a range of diseases. Kloss promotes a way of life that prioritizes independence, especially by growing one's own food whenever possible.

Deep plowing is instrumental in improving soil fertility as it helps retain moisture and promotes the growth of strong crops that are abundant in essential nutrients.

Kloss emphasizes the significance of meticulous plowing, highlighting its role in boosting soil fertility and its assistance in preserving water resources. He recommends tilling the ground to a...

Back To Eden Summary The book explores fundamental concepts for preparing dishes that both provide nourishment and enhance general health.

Importance of Balanced Nutrition

To maintain health, it is crucial to have a balanced intake of six vital nutrients: these are carbohydrates, fats, proteins, along with water, vitamins, and minerals.

Kloss emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet, highlighting the need for the body to obtain sufficient quantities of essential nutrients: carbohydrates, along with the right balance of fats, proteins, and adequate hydration, as well as a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals. He explains that these nutrients are vital for powering daily activities, building and repairing bodily structures, managing bodily functions, and protecting against diseases.

Every meal should provide a balanced mix of nutrients to satisfy the dietary requirements of individuals from young children to adults.

Kloss recommends increasing the amount of carbohydrate in the diet from the present level of 40 to 45 percent up to 55 or 60 percent. To maintain better health, it is recommended to lower the intake of fats to a more balanced level of 30 percent, down from the present 43 percent. The human body is ideally structured to obtain its main source of energy from carbohydrates. He...