My Water Cure

Bavarian priest Sebastian Kneipp (1821-1897) was one of the most celebrated healers of the nineteenth century. Europe seemed to pour into his country parish to be treated. For Kneipp, sickness is due to a weakened constitution and cure depends on strengthening the system until its self-healing powers overcome whatever is sapping its vitality. To restore bodily strength to the sick he had recourse to the tonic effects of cold water. Kneipp denounced the weakness of an effete generation. He healed using water and traditional herbal medicine. Many doctors flocked to learn from him, astounded to see patients they had given up for lost restored to vibrant health by such simple methods. In 1894 Kneipp found himself called upon to treat Pope Leo XIII, who—faithful to Kneipp’s medical advice—was to govern the Church until the age of 93. The humble pastor returned home a Privy Chamberlain. This is the most famous of his books and summarises all his wisdom concerning sickness and health.