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Back To Eden
Now in its expanded, updated revised edition, this is the original classic text (with more than 5-million copies sold) that helped create the natural foods industry. It remains today one of the major texts on herbs, natural diet and lifestyle and holistic health.
936 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1939
About the author
Jethro Kloss
10 books48 followersBest known for his best-selling herbal Back to Eden, Jethro Kloss was one of America's earliest and most creative soyfoods pioneers.
In 1935, while living in Takoma Park, Washington, D.C., after several decades of studying and writing, Kloss published the first edition of what was to become his magnum opus, Back to Eden. A revised and geatly expanded edition was published in 1939. This edition became extremely popular in the late 1960s and by 1986 had sold almost 3 million copies. Here he set forth his method of natural self healing based on herbs, a diet that used no meat, dairy products, or eggs, and a life in harmony with the laws of health and nature. He opposed the use of sugar, spices, pepper, mustard, vinegar, and fermented foods. He recommended the use of soymilk in numerous healing diets and considered it far better than cow's milk. Kloss' main contribution to soyfoods was the more than 50 creative American-style soyfoods recipes he developed in Back to Eden. These included soymilk and tofu, and many dairylike products made from them, including cream cheese, cheese, soy & nut cheese, soymilk cottage cheese and cottage cheese loaf, soy buttermilk, soymilk cream (soymilk with oil whipped in), soymilk ice cream (America's second recipe for it), and soy butter (made from soy flour). Other recipes included canned soybeans, soybean coffee, soy sprouts, sprouts with rice, okara & brown rice patties, soy loaf, soymilk aspic or jelly, mock egg yolks, soymilk & okara pancakes, soymilk gravy, soy oil mayonnaise, soymilk pumpkin pie, whole wheat breads with soy flour and okara, soy & wheat spaghetti, and many soups using soymilk. Kloss called soybeans "The King of Beans." Also in the book he included a 4-page statement excerpted from Dr. J.A. LeClerc of the USDA (Sept. 1936) stating that "The soybean is going to revolutionize the future of humanity."
In 1935, while living in Takoma Park, Washington, D.C., after several decades of studying and writing, Kloss published the first edition of what was to become his magnum opus, Back to Eden. A revised and geatly expanded edition was published in 1939. This edition became extremely popular in the late 1960s and by 1986 had sold almost 3 million copies. Here he set forth his method of natural self healing based on herbs, a diet that used no meat, dairy products, or eggs, and a life in harmony with the laws of health and nature. He opposed the use of sugar, spices, pepper, mustard, vinegar, and fermented foods. He recommended the use of soymilk in numerous healing diets and considered it far better than cow's milk. Kloss' main contribution to soyfoods was the more than 50 creative American-style soyfoods recipes he developed in Back to Eden. These included soymilk and tofu, and many dairylike products made from them, including cream cheese, cheese, soy & nut cheese, soymilk cottage cheese and cottage cheese loaf, soy buttermilk, soymilk cream (soymilk with oil whipped in), soymilk ice cream (America's second recipe for it), and soy butter (made from soy flour). Other recipes included canned soybeans, soybean coffee, soy sprouts, sprouts with rice, okara & brown rice patties, soy loaf, soymilk aspic or jelly, mock egg yolks, soymilk & okara pancakes, soymilk gravy, soy oil mayonnaise, soymilk pumpkin pie, whole wheat breads with soy flour and okara, soy & wheat spaghetti, and many soups using soymilk. Kloss called soybeans "The King of Beans." Also in the book he included a 4-page statement excerpted from Dr. J.A. LeClerc of the USDA (Sept. 1936) stating that "The soybean is going to revolutionize the future of humanity."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
January 12, 2009
I liked this book. I felt like it was well worth the effort to get through. However, I feel that to get the most out of Kloss' book, you need to find one that was published while he was alive. There are revisions in here that are appalling. Things that he preached against have been put in by editors or his kids or whoever to make it seem like he believed in it (ie vaccinations). Some things are obvious, but others aren't. I plan on finding an older copy for myself.
May 6, 2013
Jehtro Kloss was a great healer. He dedicated his life to learning, and teaching, about; nutrition, personal rights, freedoms, and herbalism. This incredible book was a compulation of his life's work.
I love this book! Use it all the time. A close friend entrusted it to me and I make good use of it. If you want to find out about natural herbs and remedies for various ailments, this book has a wealth of information. Inside the pages of this masterpiece Jehtro Kloss even discusses his personal life and influences, making it relate-able and understandable for everyone and anyone who reads it.
Preppers will appreciate the sections on farming techniques, crops, growing fruits and vegetables, an extensive listing of fruits, veggies, minerals, vitamins, the history of herbal medicine, herbs, their uses, the body system, the health benefits of water, fish, fresh air, exercise, sleep patterns, oatmeal, fiber, breads, salts, milk, etc. This book is a MUST HAVE for every Bug Out Bag!
Cooks and Bakers will appreciate all the baking recipes, natural ways to make breads, cakes, soups and more, as well as hints on preserving vitamins, cooking utensils to avoid and use, and all the desserts and beverages!
You will come across a few passages that are out-dated, however; for the most part this book is just as relevant today as the day it was written. I have to HIGHLY RECOMMEND this one for EVERY HOUSEHOLD out there!
Stay Blessed my friends!
Buy your copy of The AUTHENTIC Kloss Family Back to Eden by Jethro Kloss on Amazon Now!
I love this book! Use it all the time. A close friend entrusted it to me and I make good use of it. If you want to find out about natural herbs and remedies for various ailments, this book has a wealth of information. Inside the pages of this masterpiece Jehtro Kloss even discusses his personal life and influences, making it relate-able and understandable for everyone and anyone who reads it.
Preppers will appreciate the sections on farming techniques, crops, growing fruits and vegetables, an extensive listing of fruits, veggies, minerals, vitamins, the history of herbal medicine, herbs, their uses, the body system, the health benefits of water, fish, fresh air, exercise, sleep patterns, oatmeal, fiber, breads, salts, milk, etc. This book is a MUST HAVE for every Bug Out Bag!
Cooks and Bakers will appreciate all the baking recipes, natural ways to make breads, cakes, soups and more, as well as hints on preserving vitamins, cooking utensils to avoid and use, and all the desserts and beverages!
You will come across a few passages that are out-dated, however; for the most part this book is just as relevant today as the day it was written. I have to HIGHLY RECOMMEND this one for EVERY HOUSEHOLD out there!
Stay Blessed my friends!
Buy your copy of The AUTHENTIC Kloss Family Back to Eden by Jethro Kloss on Amazon Now!
November 23, 2023
Jethro Kloss is considered the founding father of the Wellness Movement, although he died back in 1946. The son of nineteenth-century Midwest pioneers of the United States, he was a self-made entrepreneur who came to realize the benefits of healing through natural living. As Americans became less rural and more urban, their reliance on modern medicine increased, which meant the daily lifestyles also changed. Instead of rising before the sun to milk the cows and start a day of physical work, people would get in a car to drive to an office so they could sit all day. As we have learned, a sedentary lifestyle does not help one’s body and over-reliance on so-called “trusted” physicians has meant a nation of addicts. People continue to expand the Wellness Movement, although the snake-oil sales promoters on social media would not fit the homespun advice of Mr. Kloss.
The basis of the book is the use of herbs, so the reader gets an intense introduction to each herb, what it does, and what to be aware of (never over-use anything). It then proceeds to break down certain illnesses and diseases and how one can take little steps to feel better. For example, many folks suffer from high blood pressure which this book shows can be caused by stress, lack of exercise and poor eating habits (and yes, doctors eventually figured this out long after Jethro Kloss was dead). The treatment suggested is more out-of-doors exercise, deep breathing, cold plunges, and some cayenne pepper. Basically, cleanse your system and you’ll feel a whole lot better.
The book also has chapters on healthy recipes, the benefits of water (swimming and baths), vitamins, natural compresses and that almighty fixer, garlic. Just the basics. Now, I’d like to separate this book and Kloss’s teachings from some of the nutbuckets who go to extremes with gym workouts, special supplements, expensive trainers, and fasting. They have taken the Wellness Movement a bit too far and have become as much an enemy of healthy living as doctors. My rule of thumb is that anyone who can profit from their advice is not really on your side, are they?
This is a HUGE book filled with so much information, I have never been parted from it. As a child of immigrant parents who didn’t have money for doctors, we relied on walking, fresh air, hard work, and my mother’s intuitive belief in simple living to get us through illnesses. When I grew up and found this book, it reminded me of everything my parents espoused, from using herbs for specific medical problems to the benefits of oatmeal and garlic. As I read through the chapters, I realized how far we have strayed from the commonsense remedies of the olden days. This came to a fore when a neighbor told me I could freely pick the grapefruit on his tree. I asked him why he didn’t eat the fruit himself and he said it interfered with his medical prescription. Folks, if eating fresh fruit picked from a tree interferes with your doctor’sluxury car payment prescription, there is something seriously wrong with society!
Anyway, I always recommend this book, but I suggest finding an older copy as the modern versions have added suggestions that didn’t really originate with Kloss’s original. I keep it handy for when I have an issue or can’t figure out why I’m lagging. Again, these are very simple suggestions for daily living and this publication will always be in my collection.
Book Season = Year Round (fresh air, exercise, sleep)
The basis of the book is the use of herbs, so the reader gets an intense introduction to each herb, what it does, and what to be aware of (never over-use anything). It then proceeds to break down certain illnesses and diseases and how one can take little steps to feel better. For example, many folks suffer from high blood pressure which this book shows can be caused by stress, lack of exercise and poor eating habits (and yes, doctors eventually figured this out long after Jethro Kloss was dead). The treatment suggested is more out-of-doors exercise, deep breathing, cold plunges, and some cayenne pepper. Basically, cleanse your system and you’ll feel a whole lot better.
The book also has chapters on healthy recipes, the benefits of water (swimming and baths), vitamins, natural compresses and that almighty fixer, garlic. Just the basics. Now, I’d like to separate this book and Kloss’s teachings from some of the nutbuckets who go to extremes with gym workouts, special supplements, expensive trainers, and fasting. They have taken the Wellness Movement a bit too far and have become as much an enemy of healthy living as doctors. My rule of thumb is that anyone who can profit from their advice is not really on your side, are they?
This is a HUGE book filled with so much information, I have never been parted from it. As a child of immigrant parents who didn’t have money for doctors, we relied on walking, fresh air, hard work, and my mother’s intuitive belief in simple living to get us through illnesses. When I grew up and found this book, it reminded me of everything my parents espoused, from using herbs for specific medical problems to the benefits of oatmeal and garlic. As I read through the chapters, I realized how far we have strayed from the commonsense remedies of the olden days. This came to a fore when a neighbor told me I could freely pick the grapefruit on his tree. I asked him why he didn’t eat the fruit himself and he said it interfered with his medical prescription. Folks, if eating fresh fruit picked from a tree interferes with your doctor’s
Anyway, I always recommend this book, but I suggest finding an older copy as the modern versions have added suggestions that didn’t really originate with Kloss’s original. I keep it handy for when I have an issue or can’t figure out why I’m lagging. Again, these are very simple suggestions for daily living and this publication will always be in my collection.
Book Season = Year Round (fresh air, exercise, sleep)
August 26, 2012
Back to Eden is often referred to as the bible or herbal medicine. It is a must have for anyone interested in gardening and the healing properties of plants. I never finish reading this book because I refer to it over and over again.
November 12, 2014
this is a book that makes me want to walk up to people and start shacking them while I yell "How come we've forgotten how to be humans?!"
July 4, 2008
A must read for anyone interested in natural health. Especially important for western/eclectic herbalists. Even though i doubt I'll ever agree with him about soy it was amazing how much Jethro intuitively new.
April 23, 2013
If you are knew to herbal cooking, healthy cooking, gardening, healing yourself then you must begin your journey to healthy living with this book. Consider it America's herb Bible. You will want to buy this and keep it in your library because you will have to refer to it often. In fact, I am on my third copy. I bought my first copy in 1989 and I still have ripped cover on my third copy because I use it so much.
August 5, 2009
This obviously isn't a book that you would read through as if it were a novel, but it is an amazing source of information for those who are just a TINY bit leery of the side affects of modern medicine.
November 25, 2009
Read this in connection to a correspondence course on herbal education that I am taking. Interesting that the author knew about the health problems relating to processed food in the early part of the 1900s when it seems like it is a "new discovery" by current authors decrying the same today.
March 29, 2015
(Also posted on my site The Paperback Stash)
Jethro Kloss was a true healer and crusader for nutrition, personal rights, freedoms, and herbalism. This huge book was his biggest work and deserves to be celebrated for what it is: a lifetime gathering of intense study and dedication to the good of man. And why, yes, I DO live to sound dramatic.
He discusses everything he can think of here. While some of his viewpoints and procedures are now frowned upon - and a few of the herbal remedies taken to the degree he suggests are now believed to be dangerous - the large bulk of his remedies and procedures are still regarded as safe and, in some circles, preferable to things available in modern medicine and society.
Everything from his personal life and influences, to farming techniques, crops, growing fruits and vegetables, an extensive listing of fruits, veggies, minerals, vitamins, the history of herbal medicine, herbs, their uses, the body system, the health benefits of water, fish, fresh air, exercise, sleep patterns, oatmeal, fiber, breads, salts, milk, etc is included here. He even gives his favorite baking recipes, natural ways to make breads, cakes, soups and more, as well as hints on preserving vitamins, cooking utensils to avoid and use, not to mention desserts and beverages.
One really fascinating thing about this book is the large section devoted to water and hydrotherapy. Here we get a rundown of the history of the water cure, various ways to use water to treat - from saunas to foreign bath treatments - temperatures to use when a person is ill to fit their condition, and much much more. Excellent!
This massive bible of sorts ends with various enemas and their purposes, charcoal, guides for people wanting to be a nurse, and different massage techniques. You couldn't ask for much more in one volume. Sure, a little of it is outdated but most of it stands true today and shall forever. The man is to respected, and his remedies and treatments are invaluable.
Many of his formula is similar or almost identical to the great Dr. John R Christophers, another pioneer of herbal medicine, the modern Dr. Schulz who has a following of his own, and several other herbalists, naturopaths, massage therapists, hydrotherapists, and nutritionists.
And, even more incredibly, it's under 10 bucks to own - amazing considering its offering.
Buy it? Of course! Why wouldn't you?
Jethro Kloss was a true healer and crusader for nutrition, personal rights, freedoms, and herbalism. This huge book was his biggest work and deserves to be celebrated for what it is: a lifetime gathering of intense study and dedication to the good of man. And why, yes, I DO live to sound dramatic.
He discusses everything he can think of here. While some of his viewpoints and procedures are now frowned upon - and a few of the herbal remedies taken to the degree he suggests are now believed to be dangerous - the large bulk of his remedies and procedures are still regarded as safe and, in some circles, preferable to things available in modern medicine and society.
Everything from his personal life and influences, to farming techniques, crops, growing fruits and vegetables, an extensive listing of fruits, veggies, minerals, vitamins, the history of herbal medicine, herbs, their uses, the body system, the health benefits of water, fish, fresh air, exercise, sleep patterns, oatmeal, fiber, breads, salts, milk, etc is included here. He even gives his favorite baking recipes, natural ways to make breads, cakes, soups and more, as well as hints on preserving vitamins, cooking utensils to avoid and use, not to mention desserts and beverages.
One really fascinating thing about this book is the large section devoted to water and hydrotherapy. Here we get a rundown of the history of the water cure, various ways to use water to treat - from saunas to foreign bath treatments - temperatures to use when a person is ill to fit their condition, and much much more. Excellent!
This massive bible of sorts ends with various enemas and their purposes, charcoal, guides for people wanting to be a nurse, and different massage techniques. You couldn't ask for much more in one volume. Sure, a little of it is outdated but most of it stands true today and shall forever. The man is to respected, and his remedies and treatments are invaluable.
Many of his formula is similar or almost identical to the great Dr. John R Christophers, another pioneer of herbal medicine, the modern Dr. Schulz who has a following of his own, and several other herbalists, naturopaths, massage therapists, hydrotherapists, and nutritionists.
And, even more incredibly, it's under 10 bucks to own - amazing considering its offering.
Buy it? Of course! Why wouldn't you?
Currently reading
November 4, 2009this book is very helpful in telling you how to eat, how to prepare it, how to treat illness, etc... I would advise anyone to read this book, but beware it is a very rare book.
August 6, 2012
I truly enjoy all the from scratch recipes in this book. It is great to know how to make your own meat substitutes as well as alternative egg and milk products.
December 28, 2012
This book is fabulous! A must read for anyone wanting to learn the truth about foods, or looking for an introduction into herbal medicine?
September 3, 2008
The edition I read & used was earlier than this one ( the 70's or 80's ? ) It is amazing for anyone who want's to understand more about specific health-giving properties of natural foods or use natural remedies & foods to improve their health, or overcome a long list of illnesses.
Using a diet of natural / fresh foods high in sulfur,I managed to clear up a girlfriend's serious case of acne in just one week !
Using a diet of natural / fresh foods high in sulfur,I managed to clear up a girlfriend's serious case of acne in just one week !
March 18, 2008
THIS BOOK IS INCREDIBLE. I HAVE TRIED SOME OF THE SUGGESTIONS IN THE BOOK AND EVERY ONE I HAVE TRIED HAS WORKED. THIS GOES TO SHOW THAT MEDICINE CAN BE POISON TO THE BODY. THE BODY IS INCREDIBLE. WE JUST NED TO TAKE BETTER CARE OF IT AND USE THE RIGHT METHODS TO CURE IT.
January 30, 2008
Great do-it-yourself health information. Some of it's probably a little outdated, but it's still a great reference.
Currently reading
April 9, 2009This is very interesting so far... I like how he tries to work with the body to heal using diet, baths and massage, and Herbs (in that order), but I'm only two chapters into it soo....
February 11, 2014
lots of budding veggie hippies read this book back in the 60s & 70s. a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, especially ideas from crackpot health food pioneers.
March 10, 2017
This is an excellent resource covering nutrition, herbal medicine, general health and much more.
July 8, 2017
I've been natural for 20 years now. There isn't much I haven't already seen. Takes a lot to wow me. This might be nice for newbies.
December 22, 2022
Sigh. Even if there happen to be amazing secrets for long lasting health in this book, they are smooshed over by the bizarre and churchy. Not a recommended read.
January 30, 2024
I added this book to my home remedy collection because Barbara O'Neil recommended it. The book was originally written in 1939, so it was before big pharma took over and took all of our grandparents remedies away. The most useful section is chapter 7, specific herbs for medical problems. The section where he described different patients that he treated was fascinating too. Some of the vocabulary is outdated or unfamiliar and there're a lot of extra chapters that are unnecessary, like the author's descendent's memories of the author.
February 25, 2010
I liked this one. This time through I read it quickly and didn't take notes. I will definitely sit down and gleen what I can from this man. I can see where Dr. Christopher got his writing style, since this book read very much like one of DC's. He was one to work on a problem with what he had on hand. His advise on food is interesting, but I'm not sure what I think about it yet. Good read.
Read
August 12, 2011Surprising absence of reference to vinegar, other than in an article on pickles...
Also, this book was written before gluten or other allergies came into picture...
Love chapters on herbs, though recipes chapter left me unmoved, it did not seem very practical or relevant for today, 71 years since the original copyright date...
Also, this book was written before gluten or other allergies came into picture...
Love chapters on herbs, though recipes chapter left me unmoved, it did not seem very practical or relevant for today, 71 years since the original copyright date...
February 3, 2012
Very resourceful book. Since reading it, I've been more conscientious about what I eat and have been using herbs to heal my body rather than manufactured chemicals. The only reason I didn't give it 5 starts is that it's kinda like reading an encyclopedia, which can get tedious. I'm happy I persevered though, as the information in the last chapter was just as useful as that in the first.
March 27, 2009
i enjoyed this knowing that it was a formative book for my dad, who read it when he was a bit younger than me. written in the 30s, the information is outdated and not very useful for today, but the author is quite entertaining in his eccentricity.
June 9, 2010
This is for my correspondence class with Susun Weed. It's known as a classic of heroic medicine. My mother's father used it and my mother had a copy when I was growing. I remember looking at the illustration of a fish with a tumor and deciding to go vegetarian.
December 9, 2011
This is similar to Culpepper's Complete Herbal. Jethro Kloss is a more recent figure than Culpepper and this edition includes lengthy letters from his three children, giving insight into the author and what life was like living with him.
November 3, 2007
Home remedies for everything, with biblical references included!
November 12, 2007
This is a timeless resource for home remedies. I'm glad these have been written down. I actually tried some of them myself and they do work.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews