About
Dr. John R. Christopher
About
Dr. John R. Christopher
Dr. John R. Christopher
Pioneer of American Herbalism
The Pioneer of Modern
American Herbalism
Dr. John Raymond Christopher (1909–1983) was a visionary herbalist, naturopath, and educator whose lifelong devotion to natural healing transformed modern botanical medicine. Known as one of the most prominent master herbalists of the 20th century, Dr. Christopher dedicated more than 35 years to clinical practice, education, and the development of over 50 time-tested herbal formulas used worldwide.
His foundational belief was simple yet profound:
the human body possesses an innate intelligence to heal itself when cleansed, nourished, and supported by nature. Today, Christopher's Original Formulas continues his legacy, producing pure, whole-food botanical remedies crafted strictly according to his original synergistic principles.
A Personal Journey to Natural Healing
Dr. Christopher’s passion for natural medicine grew out of personal adversity. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, his early childhood was marked by severe health challenges, including advanced rheumatoid arthritis, croup, and arterial hardening. Physicians predicted he would not live past the age of thirty.
Driven to overcome these limitations, he discovered the healing power of proper nutrition, whole herbs, and hydrotherapy. After witnessing his adoptive mother experience a remarkable health transformation under the care of a naturopathic doctor, Dr. Christopher vowed to dedicate his life to healing others through non-invasive, drugless methods.
He served as a medical dispensary supervisor during World War II, where he successfully experimented with herbal remedies for soldiers. Following his military service, he earned his Master of Herbology from the Dominion Herbal College and a Naturopathic Doctor degree from the Institute of Drugless Therapy.
The Three Pillars
of the Christopher Philosophy
Dr. Christopher developed a common-sense approach to natural health centered on addressing the root causes of imbalance rather than merely masking symptoms. His practical methodology relies on three essential processes:
Cleanse
Removing accumulated waste and environmental toxins from the tissues and organs to restore internal balance.
Nourish
Providing the body with whole, unrefined botanical nutrients, fresh living foods, and vital minerals.
Heal
Allowing the body’s innate biological systems to repair tissue, strengthen immunity, and renew vitality.
Synergistic Herbal Formulations
Throughout his clinical career, Dr. Christopher recognized that individual herbs work most effectively when combined in balanced, harmonious formulas. He developed synergistic botanical blends that enhanced the therapeutic benefits of each individual plant while maintaining gentle action on the digestive system.
His famous original creations—including Complete Tissue & Bone (BF&C), Lower Bowel Formula, Super Garlic Immune, and Blood Stream Formula—became legendary for their consistency and efficacy. These time-tested preparations remain among the most respected and widely utilized herbal combinations in the world.
An Enduring Educational Legacy
To fulfill his vision of placing "an herbalist in every home, and a master herbalist in every community," Dr. Christopher founded The School of Natural Healing in 1953. Through his lectures, articles, and landmark texts—such as School of Natural Healing and Herbal Home Health Care—he educated thousands of practitioners and families on the safe, effective use of plant medicine.
Today, Christopher's Original Formulas remains governed by his founding standards. We manufacture his original recipes without synthetic fillers, artificial binders, or harsh chemicals, utilizing organic and wildcrafted herbs whenever possible. Guided by his family and dedicated advisory board, we are proud to preserve Dr. Christopher’s vision of pure, accessible, and holistic health for generations to come.