Amish Iridology
I receive a significant number of inquiries regarding Amish Iridology and Reuben Schwartz. Given the continued interest, I wanted to provide an updated post. Below, you’ll find additional insights and links to previous posts for a more in-depth look at my experiences.
As always, if you have specific questions, feel free to email me at barefootfaithjourney@gmail.com. I do my best to respond promptly, but if your message lands in spam, please resend it. Life gets busy!
Introduction to Reuben Schwartz
Many years ago, a friend told me about an Amish doctor. Her husband had visited him, and they were planning a follow-up trip. She knew my husband suffered from knee pain (bone-on-bone) and offered to bring back a cream from his office to see if it would help. My husband wasn’t consistent in using it, and I let the knowledge of Reuben Schwartz slip away.
However, God had already planted that seed.
At the time, I never imagined I’d have a medically fragile child with Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome. That wasn’t exactly on my list of life goals.
Then Came My Brother
One day, I was driving home when my brother called me. He doesn’t usually call, so my first thought was that something was wrong. Instead, he had information he thought could help.
He shared what he had read and suggested a few things. Some we had tried, some we had not. Then, he mentioned an Amish man who had helped people.
That reignited the spark in my memory. I asked if he was referring to an Iridologist, and he confirmed it. Years later, the knowledge I once had was coming back to the forefront. I decided to dig deeper.
Research and Calls
I called my friend and refreshed her memory about Reuben Schwartz. She shared what she could remember. Then, I turned to the internet. I found a mix of positive and negative experiences, which is typical for anything. At this point, my son was barely walking, and we had tried numerous treatments—IVIG, Rituximab, ACTH shots, and more. We had also visited Dr. Monahan at SonRidge Health and Healing Center in St. Augustine. I had already stepped outside the conventional medical box, so why not explore this avenue too?
Visiting Reuben Schwartz
When we arrived, my GPS mistakenly took me down a driveway leading to a large house. That’s where I met Abraham, one of Reuben’s 12 children. He lives there with his wife and kids. Abraham kindly redirected us—Reuben’s office is actually the first building on the left, a newer structure.
Inside, there was a bit of paperwork to complete. Reuben didn’t know anything about my son’s condition. He doesn’t diagnose specific medical issues, as he has no exposure to the outside medical world.
The office itself is small but charming. The Amish also sell homemade bread, herbs, spices, and other items. A full-length front porch provides a peaceful waiting area.
Meeting Reuben Schwartz
Reuben is about six feet tall with a white beard and a warm smile. He smelled of melaleuca and kindness. I asked him how he became involved in Iridology, and he shared his journey.
Iridology has been practiced in his community for generations. Initially, he thought it was witchcraft, but as he witnessed people finding healing, he began studying it. The results spoke for themselves. He now believes in its effectiveness and, most importantly, he loves Jesus, which reassured my heart. One of his sons has since taken up the practice as well.
What to Expect from an Appointment
Reuben is not a medical doctor. He does not prescribe conventional medications and does not tell you to stop taking your prescriptions. Instead, he listens, offers advice on diet, and recommends herbal supplements in liquid or pill form. Everything he provides comes from natural sources.
For anything he doesn’t carry, there’s Mountain Air Herbs down the road. They are not Amish but work closely with Reuben. They can also ship herbs if needed (call 270-487-1334).
The Process
In his small office, Reuben uses a crucible and utility flashlight to examine your irises. He notes his findings on paper.
When he examined my son, he identified the same issues that had been detected in a bio-impedance scan—primarily parasites. I was amazed at the accuracy. The entire visit lasted about 15 minutes, though I stayed longer to chat.
My Personal Experience
When Reuben looked into my eyes, he knew nothing about me. Yet, here was our conversation:
Reuben: “You don’t have a uterus, do you?”
Me: “No, sir, I don’t.”
Reuben: “You still have your ovaries, don’t you?”
Me: “Yes, sir.”
He pushed back in his chair, gave me a concerned look, and hesitated before saying, “Your ovaries are angry with you.”
I burst out laughing at how serious he was. He then asked about my moods, depression, and sleep habits. He prescribed something to balance my hormones and improve my well-being.
Cost and Payment
- Appointments with Reuben are FREE, but he has a donation box in his office. If you feel led, donations are appreciated.
- Herbs and supplements are NOT free. They can be pricey but last a long time.
- Some bottles are refillable. The Amish prioritize recycling, so if you return with an empty container, they will refill it instead of selling you a new bottle.
- Mountain Air Herbs (non-Amish) offers additional supplements and takes credit cards.
- Be prepared—the liquid supplements taste horrible! I mix them in applesauce to make them more tolerable.
How to Make an Appointment
Reuben does not have a phone, internet, or email. The only way to schedule an appointment is to write a letter. Expect a short reply with a date and time.
Mailing Address:
Reuben Schwartz
1201 Radure Rd.
Hestand, KY 42151
Hours (as of March 2018):
- Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM
- Saturday: 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Final Thoughts
My experience with Reuben Schwartz was enlightening. While Iridology may not be for everyone, it was an insightful addition to our journey. As always, I encourage you to do your own research, consult your physician, and make informed decisions about your health.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me via email at barefootfaithjourney@gmail.com!
