Health Benefits of Beard and Moustache

And now, a quote from Dr. Ruddock, “The beard and the moustache should be permitted to grow as they afford an excellent protection to the delicate organs of the voice of those in whom it is subjected to undue or irregular exercise. After a public address, the tissues in the vicinity of the throat become relaxed and on leaving the place of assembly and entering the open air, inflammatory action commences, and if repeated, chronic affections of the throat and bronchial tubes are often induced; but the unshorn natural respirator, which our Maker intended to be one of the distinguishing features of the male seed, effectively protects these important parts. The hair planted on the human face by the wisdom and goodness of our Creator, has its uses, and we may add, its beauties. Let the young man, therefore, never become a slave to the false and pernicious fashion which compels him to shave off the beard, as it is found contributory to the health, if not the personal improvement, of those who wear it."

Ruddock recommended growth of beard and moustache not only for prevention of sore throat and hoarseness of voice, but for avoiding bronchitis as well.

According to him, the beard and moustache are a .kind of a natural respirator, the shaving off of which is a frequent cause of acute and chronic bronchitis. Can we doubt the wisdom and beneficence of the Creator in giving this ornament to the man, who is so frequently exposed to atmospheric vicissitudes, and withholding it from the woman, who as the keeper at home, requires no such appendage? Hair is an imperfect conductor of both heat and cold and placed round the entrance to the nose and lungs and acts as a blanket, which promotes warmth in cold weather and prevents the dissolving of ice in hot weather. In many instances, the hirsute appendages would protect lawyers, clergymen or other public speakers and singers from the injurious effects of rapid variations of the atmosphere from which professional men so often suffer.