As the familiar saying goes, ‘Prevention is better than cure.’ It is far easier and safer to prevent illness by the observance of the laws of health than to set about curing the illness which has been brought on by our own ignorance and carelessness. Hence it is the duty of all thoughtful men to understand aright the laws of health, and the object of this book is to give an account of these laws. The best methods of cure for some of the most common diseases are also mentioned.
The author Mahatma Gandhi assures the readers that there is absolutely no necessity for them to seek the aid of doctors. To those, however, who may not be willing to boycott doctors and medicines altogether, he directs, “As possible, possess your souls in patience, and do not trouble the doctors. In case you are forced at length to call in the aid of a doctor, be sure to get a good man; then, follow his directions strictly, and do not call in another doctor, unless by his own advice. But remember, above all, that the curing of your disease does not rest ultimately in the hands of any doctor.”
Mahatma Gandhi led a disciplined life and in this book he has discussed in detail the meaning of health, how to live a healthy life and has also suggested some simple treatments for common ailments.
A practical guide to health for all.

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Contents

Translator’s Note—5

Introduction—7

Part I: GENERAL

1. The Meaning of Health—17

2. The Human Body—19

3. Air—22

4. Water—31

5. Food—35

6. How Much and How Many Times Should We Eat?—56

7. Exercise—60

8. Dress—65

9. Sexual Relations—70

PART II: SOME SIMPLE TREATMENTS

1. Air-Treatment—83

2. Water-Cure—86

3. The Use of Earth—94

4. Fever and Its Cure—97

5. Constipation, Dysentery,  Gripes and Piles—100

6. Contagious Diseases: Small-pox—103

7. Other Contagious Diseases—110

8. Maternity and Child-birth—114

9. Care of the Child—118

10. Accident Drowning—123

11. Accident—Burns and Scalds—126

12. Accident—Snake-Bite—128

13. Accident—Scorpion-Sting—136

14. Conclusion—138

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, better known as Bapu or Mahatma Gandhi, was born on 2nd October, 1869 at Porbandar in Gujarat.
Gandhiji studied law in England, returned to India in 1915, and came in the contact with a popular Indian National Congress leader Gopal Krishna Gokhale who was fighting for the rights of the common people through the Indian National Congress. In 1917 and 1918, Gandhiji held Satyagraha in Champaran and Kheda to oppose the farming of blue dye and other non-edible items, as well as other discriminatory rules against the farmers. He laid emphasis on non-violence and truth, and started the Non-cooperation Movement. He asked the Indians to boycott the foreign goods and adopt indigenous goods.  Gandhiji grew to be the most popular leader in the country. In 1930, he undertook the historic Dandi March to violate the Salt Law which was imposed by the British rulers.
Gandhiji was given the title of ‘Mahatma’ because of his universal acceptability.