The Prophet's Medicine: How Mormon Doctrine and Medical Practices Evolved Along the American Frontier

Authors

Drew Robinson, University of Arkansas

Keywords

Mormon, herbal medicine, frontier medicine

Abstract

Joseph Smith rejected both the religious and medical orthodoxies of his day and developed his own theological systems while learning to rely solely on herbs for his medical care. His medical convictions regarding herbal medicine were as authoritative and binding for Mormons to practice as his religious revelations. However, by the time Brigham Young had become leader of the Mormons, regular medicine had become both modern and superior to other medical practices, including the Mormons’ herbal medicine. Though the use of herbal medicine had been codified into religious law by Smith, the benefits and availability of modern medicine earned the preference of his later followers.

Recommended Citation

Robinson, Drew (2014) "The Prophet's Medicine: How Mormon Doctrine and Medical Practices Evolved Along the American Frontier," The Ozark Historical Review: Vol. 43, Article 8.

Available at: https://scholarworks.uark.edu/ohr/vol43/iss1/8