My friend Brian Youngs, who has died at the age of 88, made it his mission to develop the scientific foundations of naturopathic medicine. He was a founder member and, for some years, the secretary of the Research Society for Naturopathy, set up in the late 1950s to evaluate and explore the therapeutic potential of both established and newly emerging therapies, such as homeopathy, acupuncture and cranial osteopathy. He also served two terms as the president of the British Naturopathic and Osteopathic Association (one of the forerunners of the General Osteopathic Council, established by statute in 1993).
Brian was born in Church Crookham, Hampshire, the son of a headteacher. After graduating with a BSc in zoology from University College London, he taught biology at Highbury grammar school for nine years. His education had been delayed by malabsorption problems and poor health as a child, however, and it was only at the age of 21 that he came across copies of the magazine Health for All, published by the naturopath Stanley Lief. Lief's advocacy of foods nearer to their natural state made sense to Brian's scientific mind and by adopting a diet of fresh vegetables and wholegrain produce – against the conventional medical wisdom for the management of digestive troubles – he transformed his health.
This personal experience of the benefits of natural medicine prompted him to study naturopathy and osteopathy and he graduated with diplomas in these in 1953, later adding a medical herbalism qualification. His commitment to science-based complementary medicine remained undimmed and he was treating his grateful patients until a few weeks before his death.
Gregarious and physically active, Brian undertook many sponsored walks with the Rotary Club, skied, and played squash well into his 80s. He also joined me on a number of trekking holidays to destinations such as the Himalayas, High Atlas, Andes and Iceland. On our last trip, to Patagonia in 2007, he undertook all but the most arduous walks in the Torres del Paine region. He was a most convivial companion.
Brian was married to Anne, whom he met when they were at school, for 56 years until her death in 2004. He is survived by his sons Peter, Jonathan, Robert and Simon, and 10 grandchildren.
