Who among us can read or write or, if unable to, is capable of deep thinking who never had a teacher? We all had, and still have, fabulous teachers. I remember Alhaji Babatunde Jose, chairman and managing director of the powerful Daily Times group of newspapers in the 1970s warning my 1972 class of journalism trainees at The Times Newspaper Training Centre (TNTC): “The day a journalist stops to read and to learn, he begins to die”.
I was 22 and made not much of it. On the job, I would undergo pumelling in the hands of editors such as Segun Soba, Sola Odunfa, Angus Okoli, Clement Okosun, Dipo Ajayi, George Okoro, Gbolabo Ogunsanwo, Henry Odunkomaiye and Prince Tony Momoh. They all helped me to cut fine professional teeth and muscles. When I, too, began to train reporters, correspondents and editors about 12 years after, culminating in my editorship of The Guardian newspaper in 1988 in my 17th professional year, I appreciated them all. I remembered, also, my teachers at school and often mentioned them every Teachers Day.
Today, I still remember Mrs. Brikesteth. She was my Primary Three teacher at St. Andrews Primary School, Ibara, Abeokuta in 1958. She forced my class to learn by heart the memory verse Rmans 12. 17-21 (“Recompense to no man evil for evil….therefore, if thy enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him water. By so doing, ye shall heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good”).There was Mr. Eyitayo in Primary Five and Primary Six at St. John’s Primary School, Agodi N5, Ibadan. I was among his best three pupils, exchanging positions with Victoria Eyitayo and Adenike Omage (any one knows where they are, please?) Mr. Eyitayo gave me a good foundation in Arithmetic and Geography which, unfortunately, no teacher in secondary helped me enough to build on.
At Oliviet Baptist High School, Oyo, between 1964 and 1968, I enjoyed unique teachers too many to mention. Mr J.B.P. Lafunhan was the Principal. Bolaji Akinyemo (now a professor) was there. So was S.O. Kolade, the Health Science (Physiology and Hygiene) teacher, the flag of whose work in those days this column has been flying since about 1980s. He kindled my interest in medicine and encouraged me, as a journalist later, to subscribe to reputable journals on medicine such as The Lancet in England. Ayo Ojo, a vibrant activist in the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) of the 1980s, was my school father at Oliviet. He lived in Block 17 and I in Block 2 at the Kings Barracks, Iyaganku, Ibadan. His uncle, like my father, was a policeman. His other uncle I later knew is Chief Ade Ojo of Elizade (Elizabeth and Ade) Motors. Every holiday, Ayo Ojo took me to the Youth Camp across the rail- line, where we studied from morning to the evening. He made me run over Biology and Chemistry syllabuses of O’Level in Class 4 three times before the WASSCE in Class 5 of 1968. He would later own and run no fewer than four hospitals before his retirement.
To crown them all, I had the privilege of learning about Creation at the the feet of Chief A.O. Lawson. An insightful statement from the Bringer of the Creation Work from which Chief Lawson shone the light to Truth seekers which inspired me at 27 in 1977, to discover my roots in the healing processes of Mother Nature and to seek kindred souls like me world-wide to learn from. That unforgettable statement is that…Neither Drugs nor injections but the right kinds of foods and drinks bring lasting health. For the first time on any World Teachers Day (October 5, 2024), I thought of celebrating the fabulous men and women whose great pioneering or frontiers expanding work in medicine in the form of Alternative Medicine or Natural Medicine opened my eyes and spirit wider to this vocation and gave to me another Passion after Journalism. Some of them have left the flesh, but their works live after them. I still cannot explain how, despite the rigours of newsroom life, starting work at about 11 a.m. and winding up at about 2 a.m. to arrive home by about 3 a.m., with only a break on Saturdays. I was able to discover these women and men, buy their latest books and build a library of them. They must be fabulous teachers for that to happen.
Ladies and gentlemen, as I encouraged you, too, to seek out your Teachers and send to them token gifts if they are still alive or to their children or wives if they are gone. I will present to you over about the next five columns about 20 or 25 men and women I learned from and can help you expand your knowledge about natural health. They are….
Maria Treben
A pioneer in herbal medicine and renowned Austrian herbalist, Maria Treben revolutionised Alternative Medicine, leaving a lasting legacy that benefits humanity’s health. Her work and medical practice in herbal medicine have profoundly impacted the well-being of individuals worldwide. She reminded us of many little known or forgotten but, nevertheless, effective medicinal plants and backed the reminders with her clinical experiences of them. These herbs included but were not limited to … Agrimony, Bedstraw, Butterbur or Umbrella Plant, Calamus, Calendula or Marigold, Camomile, Coltsfoot, Comfrey, Common Club Moss, Cowslip, Dandelion, Golden Rod, Greater Celandine, Horsetail, Indian Corn, Lady’s Mantle, Mallow, Mistletoe, Plantain (Ribwort, common), Ramsons, Sage, Shepherd’s Purse, Speedwell, Stinging Nettle, St. John’s Wort, Thyme (wild Thyme), Walnut, Small Flowered Willow Herb, Wood Sorrel, Yarrow, Yellow and Dead Nettle.
These herbs address conditions such as … Acne, Artherosclerosis, Arthritis, Bladder, Diabetes, Emphysema, Erysipelas, Goitre, Heart and Circulation Disorder, Miscarriages, Menstrual Issues, Menopause Symptoms, Fertility Concerns, Muscular, Odema, Prolapse of Uterus, Shingles, Stroke, Goitre, Kidneys, Heart, Muscle Atrophy, Constipation, Asthma, Bronchitis, Allergy, Eczema, Psoriasis, Anxiety and Stress, and Immunity e.t.c.
Maria Treben prescribed Yarrow Sitz bath and tea for uterine fibroids, inflammation of ovaries and nerves, bed wetting among young and old persons. She had special prescriptions for such other specific diseases as those of the bones, breast, intestines, kidneys, larynx, liver, cirrhosis of liver, lungs, lymph, thyroid gland, skin, ovaries, uterus, pancreas, skin and stomach.
Maria Treben Swedish Bitters, often mentioned on this page, addresses about 52 health conditions. Many modern Nigerian herbalists, including Mrs. Elizabeth Kafaru, now of blessed memory, trained on Maria Treben’s books among which was the one which introduced her work and practice to me, Health through God’s Pharmacy. As Editor of The Guardian newspaper in 1988, I encouraged Mrs. Kafaru to write a natural health column which became so popular that, on public demand, she had to compile them into a book for which I suggested the title: Immense help from Nature’s Workshop. The idea came to me from a lecture in a book titled In the Light of Truth the Grail Message by Abdu-Ru-shin. The lecture is titled In the Cross material Workshop Elemental Beings. It explains how a species of beings mankind can no longer readily see are responsible for the formation of what we call nature (the sun, the stars, oceans, rivers, forest, the bodies of animals and of man, the plants kingdom and the plethora of herbs which our body requires for radiant health and recovery from illnesses). I knew joy learning from Maria Treben and working with Mrs. Kafaru, another fellower of ours, to refocus the gaze of humanity once again on natural methods of healing which the Almighty Creator had lain in place for the benefit of mankind before we appear on earth in the first incarnations.
The internet says “Maria Treben’s Herbal Tea, a blend of 20 herbs, supports overall health and well-being. St. John’s Wort Oil treats skin conditions, wounds, and anxiety. Dandelion Root Tea supports liver and kidney health. Echinace enhances immune function and reduces inflammation”.
She emphasises holistic healing, preventive care, popularised herbal medicine, paving the way for complementary medicine in mainstream healthcare and inspired research.
Her legacy which have brought health benefits to millions of persons worldwide through her practice and best read books cannot be forgotten by The Maria Treben Institute (Austria), American Herbalists Guild, European Herbal and Traditional Medicine Practitioners Association).
Dr. Max Gerson
A German-American orthodox physician, Dr. Gerson revolutionised complementary medicine with his groundbreaking Gerson Therapy. This innovative approach focuses on treating degenerative diseases, particularly cancer, using natural methods, including potassium-rich fruit and vegetable juices, and colon hydrotherapy to remove poisons. Dr. Gerson believed that benign tumours and cancers arise when the body is deficient in Potassium and is awash with Sodium. He said this made the body oxygen-deficient and affected tissue fermentative (non-oxygen using) and not oxidative (oxygen- dependent).
I began to fellow Dr. Gerson in 1980 when my maternal groundmother developed cancer in one breast and her doctors said there was no cure. She declined surgical removal of the cancerous breast and died soon after. Her death made me interested in natural cancer prevention, treament and cure. Happily, today, cancer patients can be oxygenated, and an Hyperbaric oxygen Chamber clinic has surfaced in Lagos.
Early Life and Medical Practice
According to internet sources: ”Born in 1881, Dr. Gerson studied medicine at the University of Freiburg. Initially, he practised conventional medicine but became disillusioned with its limitations. After developing migraines, he experimented with dietary changes, discovering that a plant-based diet alleviated his symptoms. This experience sparked his interest in holistic medicine.
Gerson Therapy
“In the 1920s, Dr. Gerson began developing his therapy, emphasising fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, using juices from specific fruits and vegetables to stimulate healing, employing Organic Coffee Enemas to remove toxins, adding vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
Gerson Therapy Process
“Patients receive personalised treatment plans, consume freshly prepared juices up to 13 times daily, undergo regular colon hydrotherapy sessions and adopt a plant-based diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients”.
Impact on Degenerative Diseases
The internet adds:”Gerson Therapy has shown remarkable success in treating cancer, tuberculosis, arthritis, heart disease, lowered blood pressure and cholesterol”.
Notable Success Stories
Among them are Dr. Albert Schweitzer, Nobel laureate and missionary, treated for jungle fever, and Johnny Cash, music legend, treated for liver disease.
Recognition
The Gerson Institute, founded in 1977, continues his work, with international recognition from medical organisations and best-seller (A Cancer Therapy), results of 50 cases (1958).
The United States Congress invited Dr. Gerson to a hearing on his therapy for research founding, but a marginal vote by the drugs industry lobby defeated the promise. Nevertheless, many doctors worldwide, including in Lagos, Nigeria, have incorporated the Gerson Therapy into their treament protocols. Thanks, Dr. Gerson, for inspiring me and several readers of this column who, encouraged by me, have been asking their doctors for Gerson Therapy treament … and deepening their understanding through online education about your therapy.
Jethro Kloss
By the time I became acquainted with the works of Dr. Jethro Kloss in the 1980, I had become familiar with the benefits of wholesome diet, especially of edible raw green leaves, alkaline and solaris water, antioxidants and all of that. His book, Back to Eden, had a spiritual ring to it. Human spirit came to the earth from paradise, partially conscious to develop self-consciousness and to blossom spiritually, flowering and fruiting, and to return someday to that Garden of Eden, Paradise, where existence is beautiful and blissful. What first struck me in this book was the experience of Jethro Kloss when he worked in the mortuary. He found that most postmortems revealed that many organs in almost every corpse were inflamed. This suggested to me that inflammation could be a terrible cause of organ damage and death. So, I began to adapt my diet to anti-inflammatory foods and herbs. Medical science describes inflamatory diseases with names which have prefixes and suffixes. The suffix, always, is ITIS code as in the fellowing diseases…Arthritis (bone/joint), Prostatitis (prostate gland), Mastitis (breast),Carditis (heart),Spondylitis (backbone), Endometritis (uterus), Uveitis (eye), Encephalitis (brain), Dermatitis (skin), Gastritis (stomach) colitis: ulcerative colitis (ulcerated and bleeding colon), Nephritis (kidneys), Hepatitis (liver), Rhinitis (nasal passages), Sinusitis (sinuses), Tendinitis (tendons), Bursitis (bursae), Esophagitis (esophagus).
If you are hypertensive, your heart may be driven harder if your doctor decides to breakdown for you a general body test in which inflamation is ravaging many organs and he is calling them by their medical terms as in Arthro (joint), Prosta (prostate), Masto (breast), Cardio (heart), Spondylo (backbone), Endometrio (uterus), Uveo (eye), Encephalo (brain).
How many of us, especially the aging ones, are not inflamation prone and, possibly, on the way out? As I researched this subject with Udeme Edet James, she screamed: “ So, this is why our forefathers in the villages did not suffer prostate gland troubles?” She was responding to the mention of Pumpkin Seeds, one of the recommendations of Jethro Kloss against prostatitis (inflamation of the prostate gland) and some other inflamatory conditions. Really, pumpkin seed is a rich source of Omega 3 fatty acids and Zinc which are important for prostate gland health. The Jews eat pumpkin seeds as ravenously as Nigerians eat groundnuts.
Among the other prescriptions of Jethro Kloss in his 1939 Back to Eden are … Willow Bark. It contains salicylic acid, similar to aspirin; Meadowsweet; Ginger. Anti-inflammatory compounds like gingerol and shogaol; Turmeric, Curcumin reduces inflammation; Slippery Elm, soothes and protects mucous membranes.
There are other herbs he also rated high for specific conditions. They included Arthritis (Alfalfa, Dandelion, Juniper Berries). Prostatitis (Saw Palmetto, Pumpkin Seed). Mastitis (Echinacea, Poke Root). Carditis (Hawthorn, Lily of the Valley), Spondylitis (Black Walnut, St. John’s Wort), boswellia,cayenne pepper, chamomile, licorice root and marshmallow root.
According to the internet: ”Dr. Kloss was a champion of natural medicine. In the early 20th century, he wrote his seminal book that would revolutionise the way people thought about health and wellness. Back to Eden (1939) and its companion volume, How to Keep Your Body Healthy, Strong and Free from Disease (1961), ignited a movement, inspiring generations to explore the healing power of nature.
“Born in 1863, Dr. Kloss grew up on a Wisconsin farm, surrounded by nature’s bounty. His interest in herbalism began with his grandmother, a skilled herbalist. After studying medicine, Kloss became disillusioned with conventional practices and sought a more holistic approach.
“Kloss’s magnum opus, Back to Eden, was born from his conviction that natural medicine held the key to optimal health. The book presented a comprehensive guide to herbalism, exploring the medicinal properties of plants.
It also revolutionised nutrition, emphasising whole foods and natural diets and hydrotherapy, utilising water to heal.
“Dr Kloss introduced his readers to alternative therapies, challenged conventional wisdom, sparking a paradigm shift.
“Kloss led the way from symptom suppression to holistic healing, addressing underlying causes, rather than just treating symptoms. He promoted herbs, plants, and natural substances as effective alternatives to pharmaceutical drugs. He also led the way from doctor center to patient empowerment that made individuals to take charge of their health.
Back to Eden resonated with a generation seeking alternatives to conventional medicine. The book became a staple of the 1960s counterculture movement, influencing thinkers like Alan Watts and Timothy Leary. His work helped launch the modern natural health movement.
“Notable figures such as Adelle Davis and Norman Walker, credited Kloss as an inspiration.
“Dr. Kloss helped popularise herbalism in the United States. He became a respected figure in the international natural health community, and his books remain classic shepherds to contemporary natural health practitioners.
“One reader, struggling with chronic illness, discovered Back to Eden and transformed her life: ’I was desperate for answers. Dr. Kloss’s book opened my eyes to the power of natural medicine. I began using herbal remedies and adopting a whole-food diet. My health improved dramatically. I owe my well-being to Dr. Kloss’s pioneering work’.
“Dr. Jethro Kloss’s Back to Eden revolutionised thinking about natural medicine, empowering individuals to seek holistic solutions. His legacy continues to inspire natural health practitioners, health-conscious”.
Wherever you may be today Dr Kloss, I thank you immensely for leading my generation BACK TO EDEN. At 74, I know no pain in my bone joints. I am still up for 4:30a.m to pray and to listen to news on radio, and I knock off at about midnight, the day’s jobs well done. I still work several kilometers without any challenged to my heart and lungs. My appetite, like my digestion and plumbing works which includes prostate gland function, is still in order. I do admit carelessness with my vision. The foods and herbs in the garden of Eden which were brought down to the earth for our use and to which you invited our attention have been kind to my health and been of benefits, also, to thousands, if not millions,of the readers of this column in diverse social media. There is something bigger in the title of your book than i have just expressed. Back to Eden reminds me of the garden of Eden which, every day, I long for when I live the earth. For the garden of Eden, Paradise, is our home. So, back to Eden should we always strive for on the dinning table, in our intuitive perceptions, volitions, thoughts, words and deeds. What a beautiful title for a book on natural medicines.
