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Health Guide
Millions of people today continue to be inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's teachings because he was a genuine man of God. He also was an original thinker with an inquiring mind who refused to accept untested principles. What many people may not know is that Gandhi's thoughts on health are as original as his thoughts on spirituality and politics. This book shows how his renunciation of Western medicine transformed the man and his ideas.
212 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1921
38 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
About the author
Mahatma Gandhi
1,261 books6,447 followersMohandas Karamchand Gandhi, commonly known as Mahatma Gandhi, was the preeminent leader of Indian nationalism in British-ruled India. Employing non-violent civil disobedience, Gandhi led India to independence and inspired movements for non-violence, civil rights and freedom across the world.
The son of a senior government official, Gandhi was born and raised in a Hindu Bania community in coastal Gujarat, and trained in law in London. Gandhi became famous by fighting for the civil rights of Muslim and Hindu Indians in South Africa, using new techniques of non-violent civil disobedience that he developed. Returning to India in 1915, he set about organizing peasants to protest excessive land-taxes. A lifelong opponent of "communalism" (i.e. basing politics on religion) he reached out widely to all religious groups. He became a leader of Muslims protesting the declining status of the Caliphate. Assuming leadership of the Indian National Congress in 1921, Gandhi led nationwide campaigns for easing poverty, expanding women's rights, building religious and ethnic amity, ending untouchability, increasing economic self-reliance, and above all for achieving Swaraj—the independence of India from British domination. His spiritual teacher was the Jain philosopher/poet Shrimad Rajchandra.
The son of a senior government official, Gandhi was born and raised in a Hindu Bania community in coastal Gujarat, and trained in law in London. Gandhi became famous by fighting for the civil rights of Muslim and Hindu Indians in South Africa, using new techniques of non-violent civil disobedience that he developed. Returning to India in 1915, he set about organizing peasants to protest excessive land-taxes. A lifelong opponent of "communalism" (i.e. basing politics on religion) he reached out widely to all religious groups. He became a leader of Muslims protesting the declining status of the Caliphate. Assuming leadership of the Indian National Congress in 1921, Gandhi led nationwide campaigns for easing poverty, expanding women's rights, building religious and ethnic amity, ending untouchability, increasing economic self-reliance, and above all for achieving Swaraj—the independence of India from British domination. His spiritual teacher was the Jain philosopher/poet Shrimad Rajchandra.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 9, 2022
A book written by my role model about the field in which I work. There was nothing more I wanted from a book, and I was so excited to read it.
I didn't know what was the reason why Gandhi, who was trained in law in London, decided to write a book about health all of a sudden until he mentioned it in this book.
The intention was correct, and Gandhi was a great choice to carry on this task as many people were ready to hear whatever Gandhi said during those days. He could have had a more significant impact than even a trained healthcare professional.
There are some opinions by the author, regarding vaccination, non-vegetarian food, and epidemics, I can't agree with in this book. But I can neglect most of them as this book was written nearly eight decades ago, and we should try to read by keeping the political, social, and Scientific scenarios that prevailed in the world when this book was written.
I liked his views regarding tea and coffee, which, unfortunately, many readers won't like. It might be because I also don't drink tea and coffee that I could easily connect with what he said.
There are also some good lines in this book, especially during the final portion of it.
I appreciate the author’s courage and his innocent intentions to educate the public regarding the topics he was somewhat confused about when he was young through this book.
I didn't know what was the reason why Gandhi, who was trained in law in London, decided to write a book about health all of a sudden until he mentioned it in this book.
The intention was correct, and Gandhi was a great choice to carry on this task as many people were ready to hear whatever Gandhi said during those days. He could have had a more significant impact than even a trained healthcare professional.
There are some opinions by the author, regarding vaccination, non-vegetarian food, and epidemics, I can't agree with in this book. But I can neglect most of them as this book was written nearly eight decades ago, and we should try to read by keeping the political, social, and Scientific scenarios that prevailed in the world when this book was written.
I liked his views regarding tea and coffee, which, unfortunately, many readers won't like. It might be because I also don't drink tea and coffee that I could easily connect with what he said.
There are also some good lines in this book, especially during the final portion of it.
"True happiness is impossible without true health, and true health is impossible without a rigid control of the palate. All the other senses will automatically come under our control when the palate has been brought under control. And he who has conquered his senses has really conquered the whole world, and he becomes a part of God. We cannot realize Rama by reading the Ramayana, or Krishna by reading the Gita, or God by reading the Koran, or Christ by reading the Bible; the only means of realising them is by developing a pure and noble character. Character is based on virtuous action, and virtuous action is grounded on Truth. Truth, then, is the source and foundation of all things that are good and great. Hence, a fearless and unflinching pursuit of the ideal of Truth and Righteousness is the key-note of true health as of all else."
I appreciate the author’s courage and his innocent intentions to educate the public regarding the topics he was somewhat confused about when he was young through this book.
January 24, 2019
The key to health according to Gandhi is making sure you get lots of fresh air. This book was a little goofy but trying out some of Gandhi's suggestions has been fun (for instance, I eat a lot more fruit now). I also love his explanation of how the body works.
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July 5, 2022The book was written ~100 years ago by a Hindu vegetarian pacifist. Different times, different place. But our physiology remains unchanged and what has worked for our ancestors will work for us. The English translation by its admission plays very loose with the words. TL;DR here's the advice given:
- breathe fresh air. Clean air is so important for your health that if possible seek to sleep in the open somewhere with clean air like a field. Or at least keep your windows wide open at night (I hope you have a mosquito net).
- don't pollute the air. Don't spit on the ground, bury your feces when defecating in the open.
- don't eat meat, your body can get all the nutrients it needs from a diet of only fruits and vegetables. (he's wrong, and even if he wasn't, no, I will continue to kill animals and eat them because they're tasty and make me strong). He admits that since being on a vegetarian diet, big surprise, he cannot lift heavy weights anymore. But, he still has the endurance to work the fields all day, says he.
- always eat slightly less than you need to fill your stomach. Practice fasting.
- exercise daily. Absent equipment or conditions, walking is very good for your health so walk every day.
- avoid medicine; prevent rather than cure. Good health consists of a sound body in a sound mind, you can't be healthy without both. Clean air, clean water, good food and exercise are enough both to cure and prevent the majority of afflictions. Medicine does more harm than good even if only in the fact that it makes you dependent on it. (He is correct, iatrogenesis is the leading cause of death nowadays)
- restrain your lust. Have sex only for the purposes of procreation.
- there are benefits to various types of enemas and mud baths, including rubbing dirt on yourself. (Don't care, skimmed over this bit. Here's my advice to you instead: don't put stuff up your ass.)
- excessive bathing can be as harmful as sporadic bathing. If you work and exercise, once every day is good. If you don't, once every 3 days.
- do not consume any sort of drugs, that is, psychoactive substances. Including tobacco and coffee. Doctors say one glass of wine a day is good (for your circulation) but Gandhi says even that is excessive. A drop of alcohol is one too many.
- breathe fresh air. Clean air is so important for your health that if possible seek to sleep in the open somewhere with clean air like a field. Or at least keep your windows wide open at night (I hope you have a mosquito net).
- don't pollute the air. Don't spit on the ground, bury your feces when defecating in the open.
- don't eat meat, your body can get all the nutrients it needs from a diet of only fruits and vegetables. (he's wrong, and even if he wasn't, no, I will continue to kill animals and eat them because they're tasty and make me strong). He admits that since being on a vegetarian diet, big surprise, he cannot lift heavy weights anymore. But, he still has the endurance to work the fields all day, says he.
- always eat slightly less than you need to fill your stomach. Practice fasting.
- exercise daily. Absent equipment or conditions, walking is very good for your health so walk every day.
- avoid medicine; prevent rather than cure. Good health consists of a sound body in a sound mind, you can't be healthy without both. Clean air, clean water, good food and exercise are enough both to cure and prevent the majority of afflictions. Medicine does more harm than good even if only in the fact that it makes you dependent on it. (He is correct, iatrogenesis is the leading cause of death nowadays)
- restrain your lust. Have sex only for the purposes of procreation.
- there are benefits to various types of enemas and mud baths, including rubbing dirt on yourself. (Don't care, skimmed over this bit. Here's my advice to you instead: don't put stuff up your ass.)
- excessive bathing can be as harmful as sporadic bathing. If you work and exercise, once every day is good. If you don't, once every 3 days.
- do not consume any sort of drugs, that is, psychoactive substances. Including tobacco and coffee. Doctors say one glass of wine a day is good (for your circulation) but Gandhi says even that is excessive. A drop of alcohol is one too many.
April 10, 2022
I was impressed by the topics that Gandhi wrote about nearly 100 years ago. Vaccination, wellness, cures, eating and drinking analysis. Subjects that are to this day debated on in a similar manner.
Giving a modest rating only because of the intuitive directions, and of course, as mentioned by the author as well, he put his knowledge in writing but cautioned the reader that he is no expert, but merely felt an obligation maybe to his following.
Giving a modest rating only because of the intuitive directions, and of course, as mentioned by the author as well, he put his knowledge in writing but cautioned the reader that he is no expert, but merely felt an obligation maybe to his following.
March 24, 2021
2.5/5
A very short read about Gandhi's views on health. I mainly read it as I wanted to get an insight into a different side of Gandhi. His overall idea of health is to live like an ascetic and focus on thoughts and spirituality.
Most of the advice in this book is quaint and mainly not accurate medical advice. He refers a lot to German doctors and their advice.
Positives:
Places a great importance on cleanliness
Wants people to eschew child marriages
Avoid gluttony
Lead a simple life focusing on mental purity.
Negatives:
He recommends avoiding milk, lentils and surviving on fruits and wheat only for optimal health.
Also, he believes vaccines are poisonous, impure and sinful.
He recommends olive oil a lot but I am not sure how widely and affordable it was in India at that time.
He recommends avoiding all spices including salt.
Promotes a lifestyle close to asceticism eschewing clothes, jewelry etc which might not appeal to everyone.
A very short read about Gandhi's views on health. I mainly read it as I wanted to get an insight into a different side of Gandhi. His overall idea of health is to live like an ascetic and focus on thoughts and spirituality.
Most of the advice in this book is quaint and mainly not accurate medical advice. He refers a lot to German doctors and their advice.
Positives:
Places a great importance on cleanliness
Wants people to eschew child marriages
Avoid gluttony
Lead a simple life focusing on mental purity.
Negatives:
He recommends avoiding milk, lentils and surviving on fruits and wheat only for optimal health.
Also, he believes vaccines are poisonous, impure and sinful.
He recommends olive oil a lot but I am not sure how widely and affordable it was in India at that time.
He recommends avoiding all spices including salt.
Promotes a lifestyle close to asceticism eschewing clothes, jewelry etc which might not appeal to everyone.
May 18, 2016
При чтении было абсолютно сюрреалистическое ощущение. Ганди, все-таки, как ни крути, вождь. Не может он рассказывать о своих вкусах и предпочтениях без поучения всей индийской нации.
С абсолютной непоколебимостью он отвергает врачей, но дает советы как лечить простуду и бубонную чуму. Он настаивает, что язык, который мы балуем разными вкусами, необходимо усмирить, и это позволит обуздать все остальные страсти, при этом считает, что фрукты и сладкая манная каша - самая правильная еда, соль -вредна, а без неё невкусны овощи, каши и бобовые, но их есть и необязательно, в них и так ничего полезного нет.
Мы, все же избалованы информацией. Можно любоваться красотой развития мысли, но есть ожидание фактов и подтверждений. В книге их нет, но есть мнение Гуру, скромного и авторитарного.
P.S. Совершенно прекрасно мне показалось слово в защиту змей.
С абсолютной непоколебимостью он отвергает врачей, но дает советы как лечить простуду и бубонную чуму. Он настаивает, что язык, который мы балуем разными вкусами, необходимо усмирить, и это позволит обуздать все остальные страсти, при этом считает, что фрукты и сладкая манная каша - самая правильная еда, соль -вредна, а без неё невкусны овощи, каши и бобовые, но их есть и необязательно, в них и так ничего полезного нет.
Мы, все же избалованы информацией. Можно любоваться красотой развития мысли, но есть ожидание фактов и подтверждений. В книге их нет, но есть мнение Гуру, скромного и авторитарного.
P.S. Совершенно прекрасно мне показалось слово в защиту змей.
October 14, 2011
Merely served the reason I bought it. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi has mentioned about this book in his autobiography, The Story of My Experiments With Truth.
The description of this book was too much to be expected. Ever paragraph in the book, has the word 'pure air', 'pure water' and 'pure food'. Its no guide to health, its a guide to waste money. Not at all worth the cost.
The description of this book was too much to be expected. Ever paragraph in the book, has the word 'pure air', 'pure water' and 'pure food'. Its no guide to health, its a guide to waste money. Not at all worth the cost.
July 23, 2013
This was a very interesting look at health told through the lens on what was understood in the 1920's. What is most interesting is that so many things made sense. Eat moderately, mostly whole foods, get exercise as its good for the mind and body.....Hmm, sound familiar? Of course the section on sexual health was very interesting and dated but overall this was a rather intriguing view of how health topics were viewed during this time period. And most interesting is that a lot of these thoughts aren't "dated" at all but just good old common sense!
February 28, 2016
No more uninformed than the rest of society at the time, and perhaps no more uninformed than today's society, there did exist a few nuggets of common sense. By the time I hit chapter two I decided to read it as an historical comedy, which lightened my mood. I have great respect for Gandhi's regard for mankind, a care so deep that he chose to write and research as best he could to help.
September 24, 2021
Despite the older style of writing and lecturing, this has some very good and inspirational ideas. IF we take nothing else from it -- >>do not take more than your share of the world's resources<< will go a long way towards healing one's ills and gaining one's wellness.
February 22, 2014
very insightful treatise on health
November 28, 2024
This short book took me by surprise: I wasn't expecting a book on health by Gandhi!
Yet reading a book like this from him shouldn't have surprised me either, because he believed in autonomy; he was capable of constructing his home, grow his food, deliver his wife's child-births, and nurse his wife and children. He was an allrounder, multi-skilled, who slept only 4 hours a day!
I shall not spoil readers' surprise. But I list below a few points that stood out for me, so readers can discover the rest:
- The main source of human diseases are their excesses
- Thoughts contributes as much to all diseases, physical or mental
- Disease is nature's sign of cleaning work; in healing a disease, nature should be helped, not opposed. What we often do to cure the disease, hinders nature's cleaning work. Ignoring this simple fact prevents making matters worse. Simple habits like regular fasting in moderation and exercising in open air go a long way to heal and prevent disease. On this point, I admit that Gandhi's views can sometimes stretch to the extreme, lack credibility, but, for the most part, they're common sense.
- Medicine is not a work of precision but of guess work. Most doctors know little about the medicines they prescribe, even less about the bodies they prescribe those for. One medicine bottle attract more medicine bottles. More people die of medicines than diseases themselves. This view is also shared by famous doctors of the past like Astley Cooper, Baker, Frank, and Masongood....
- I'll let readers discover the rest, but I'll finish this review with a personal experience. The conventional medicines for age-related natural degradation, such as blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol, count on medical indices for their sales, indices developed by medical research often financed by their fabricants. Doctors free of financial bias don't believe in these indices as signs of good health. Some countries, under financial pressure from social security, have revised these indices, so their citizens don't consume so much medicines and enrich their fabricants.
- I disregard Gandhi's views on water and clothes as extreme, but I agree with his views on alcohol
Yet reading a book like this from him shouldn't have surprised me either, because he believed in autonomy; he was capable of constructing his home, grow his food, deliver his wife's child-births, and nurse his wife and children. He was an allrounder, multi-skilled, who slept only 4 hours a day!
I shall not spoil readers' surprise. But I list below a few points that stood out for me, so readers can discover the rest:
- The main source of human diseases are their excesses
- Thoughts contributes as much to all diseases, physical or mental
- Disease is nature's sign of cleaning work; in healing a disease, nature should be helped, not opposed. What we often do to cure the disease, hinders nature's cleaning work. Ignoring this simple fact prevents making matters worse. Simple habits like regular fasting in moderation and exercising in open air go a long way to heal and prevent disease. On this point, I admit that Gandhi's views can sometimes stretch to the extreme, lack credibility, but, for the most part, they're common sense.
- Medicine is not a work of precision but of guess work. Most doctors know little about the medicines they prescribe, even less about the bodies they prescribe those for. One medicine bottle attract more medicine bottles. More people die of medicines than diseases themselves. This view is also shared by famous doctors of the past like Astley Cooper, Baker, Frank, and Masongood....
- I'll let readers discover the rest, but I'll finish this review with a personal experience. The conventional medicines for age-related natural degradation, such as blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol, count on medical indices for their sales, indices developed by medical research often financed by their fabricants. Doctors free of financial bias don't believe in these indices as signs of good health. Some countries, under financial pressure from social security, have revised these indices, so their citizens don't consume so much medicines and enrich their fabricants.
- I disregard Gandhi's views on water and clothes as extreme, but I agree with his views on alcohol
December 11, 2025
Spotify ebook
A product of it's era, but it's a "no" for me. Literal and black-and-white health advice with a religious twist for a developing nation. Mildly interesting for a historical and general curiosity, sure. But all in all not a worthwhile read. Problematic parts about total celibacy, especially coming from a controversial figure in this area. I appreciate and respect Gandhi in other areas of life, but this was not one of them. Luckily a short listen.
A product of it's era, but it's a "no" for me. Literal and black-and-white health advice with a religious twist for a developing nation. Mildly interesting for a historical and general curiosity, sure. But all in all not a worthwhile read. Problematic parts about total celibacy, especially coming from a controversial figure in this area. I appreciate and respect Gandhi in other areas of life, but this was not one of them. Luckily a short listen.
June 1, 2022
Kutipan:
"Kebahagiaan sejati mustahil tercapai tanpa kesehatan sejati, dan kesehatan yang sejati mustahil tanpa pengendalian citarasa, semua indra lainnya akan secara otomatis berada dibawah kendali kita ketika citarasa berhasil dikendalikan, dan ia yg telah menaklukan pancaindra benar-benar menaklukan seluruh dunia, dan ia menjadi bagian dari tuhan"
(Hal 173)
"Kebahagiaan sejati mustahil tercapai tanpa kesehatan sejati, dan kesehatan yang sejati mustahil tanpa pengendalian citarasa, semua indra lainnya akan secara otomatis berada dibawah kendali kita ketika citarasa berhasil dikendalikan, dan ia yg telah menaklukan pancaindra benar-benar menaklukan seluruh dunia, dan ia menjadi bagian dari tuhan"
(Hal 173)
September 23, 2023
A practical handbook to healthy life, based on the experiences and learnings of M.K. Gandhi. Realizing one more aspect of this great man, making me respect him even more.
Though many things may not seem relatable in present world, the acute attention to details is admirable. Perfectly explains how small choices impacts our physical and mental health.
Though many things may not seem relatable in present world, the acute attention to details is admirable. Perfectly explains how small choices impacts our physical and mental health.
April 18, 2024
I liked the first part of the book the most. He shares his views on what makes people unhealthy. Even the book was written many years ago, it is still useful.
We live in a consuming world and we take much more than we need. We have learned things that are not true. It's like we are a slave of the society where everything is dominated by money and power. We need to become aware.
We live in a consuming world and we take much more than we need. We have learned things that are not true. It's like we are a slave of the society where everything is dominated by money and power. We need to become aware.
October 9, 2020
** Books 114 - 2020 **
3,2 of 5 stars!
I'm amazed the perspectives of Mahatma Gandhi especially about Controversial Vaccine and also other medical things in around 1920s
Thankyou Bookmate!
3,2 of 5 stars!
I'm amazed the perspectives of Mahatma Gandhi especially about Controversial Vaccine and also other medical things in around 1920s
Thankyou Bookmate!
November 11, 2023
Entertaining perspectives on should and should nots for optimal health.
September 6, 2024
Great book, I listened to the audiobook version on YouTube. I will leave the link below so that everyone can enjoy it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lxffi...
December 20, 2023
I didn't know Mahatma Gandhi wrote a book on health. He does emphasize that he had no formal medical training, yet the information he presents here still holds true today. Some of the points are old wives' tales, but that doesn't distract from the inform
January 18, 2020
Although it was written in 1920, it is a good book, t shows the importance of good water, pure air, health food and other things as well, Gandhi was against vacines, that is controversial for us, nowadays.
January 5, 2014
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April 8, 2016
This book is based on medical facts available before 60-70 years. Impractical and not relevant today.
For example, he have mentioned vaccination are not required.
For example, he have mentioned vaccination are not required.
April 9, 2021
Follow what is written in this book if you want to look like a skeleton covered by skin. Gandhi was drinking something very fine when he was writing this book.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews