Glossary

BOTANICAL MEDICINE

Botanical medicine, also known as herbal medicine or phytotherapy, involves the use of plant-based preparations to support the body’s natural healing processes. These may include teas, tinctures, capsules, powders, or topical applications; each selected for its specific therapeutic properties and in alignment with your individual needs.

One of the distinguishing features of botanical medicine is the use of the whole plant or combinations of plant constituents. Unlike many pharmaceutical drugs, which often isolate a single active compound, herbal remedies typically contain a spectrum of naturally occurring compounds that work together synergistically. This complexity can offer a more balanced and gentle approach, especially when addressing chronic or multifactorial conditions.

While pharmaceuticals can play a vital and sometimes life-saving role in care, botanical medicine offers a complementary path; particularly well-suited for supporting the body’s innate healing processes, reducing the burden of chronic stress or inflammation, and restoring resilience over time.

At our practice, botanical medicine is thoughtfully integrated into personalized treatment plans that honor both traditional plant wisdom and current scientific understanding. Safety, efficacy, and alignment with your broader health goals are always our top priorities.

HOMEOPATHY

Homeopathy is a gentle, holistic system of medicine that has been used for over 200 years to support healing on physical, mental, and emotional levels. It is based on the principle of, “like cures like” the idea that a substance that causes specific symptoms in a healthy person can, in very small doses, help stimulate healing in someone experiencing those same symptoms.

Homeopathy was developed in the late 1700s by German physician Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. At a time when conventional medicine often relied on aggressive treatments like bloodletting and high-dose chemicals, Hahnemann sought a gentler, more precise way to support the body’s healing process. Through extensive experimentation, he found that repeatedly diluting and vigorously shaking a substance (a process called succussion) appeared to amplify its healing properties while minimizing toxicity. This method became the foundation of homeopathic medicine.

Homeopathic remedies are made from natural substances: plants, minerals, or even animal products, that are prepared through this process of dilution and succussion. Despite being highly diluted, these remedies are chosen based on the unique and comprehensive symptom picture of each individual, including not just physical complaints, but also emotional and mental states.

Unlike pharmaceuticals, which typically act biochemically to override or suppress symptoms, homeopathy aims to gently stimulate the body's own regulatory mechanisms, helping to restore balance and vitality from within. It is particularly well-suited for addressing chronic conditions, constitutional imbalances, and emotional stressors, but can also be helpful in acute situations when applied appropriately.

Globally, homeopathy is widely practiced and integrated into many healthcare systems. It is especially popular in countries such as India, where it is recognized as one of the official systems of medicine and used by millions of people daily. In Europe, homeopathy is commonly prescribed by medical doctors in countries like France, Germany, and Switzerland. The World Health Organization has acknowledged homeopathy as one of the most commonly used forms of traditional medicine worldwide.

In the United States, homeopathy exists primarily within integrative and naturopathic practices. While it is less prominent in conventional settings, its use is growing among those seeking individualized, whole-person care; especially for chronic conditions, stress-related symptoms, and subtle patterns of imbalance that may not respond well to other approaches.

At our practice, we may incorporate homeopathy as part of a personalized care plan, especially when addressing patterns of illness that seem resistant to other approaches, or when a subtle, individualized intervention is called for. Every remedy is selected with care, with attention to your unique history, constitution, and lived experience.

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE

Naturopathic medicine is a distinct and comprehensive system of healthcare that blends the science of modern medicine with the healing wisdom of nature. It is grounded in the understanding that the body has an innate ability to restore and maintain health when given the right support. Rather than simply treating symptoms, naturopathic doctors seek to identify and address the root causes of illness; looking at the whole person and the full context of their life.

A licensed naturopathic doctor (ND) is trained as a primary care provider and completes four years of graduate-level medical education at an accredited naturopathic medical school. This training includes biomedical sciences (such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology), clinical diagnostics, and integrative therapeutics, including nutrition, lifestyle counseling, botanical medicine, physical medicine, homeopathy, and more.

Naturopathic medicine differs from conventional (allopathic) medicine in both philosophy and approach. While conventional medicine tends to focus on managing disease and suppressing symptoms, naturopathic medicine emphasizes prevention, patient education, and restoring balance within the body’s interconnected systems. Both systems of medicine have their strengths, and in many cases they can work together to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care.

It's also important to note that the term “naturopath” can be confusing, as it is sometimes used by individuals with varying levels of training. A licensed naturopathic doctor (ND) has completed rigorous medical education and clinical training, and holds a license to diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of health conditions. At our practice, your care is provided by a licensed ND who is committed to evidence-informed practice, compassionate listening, and respectful collaboration.

Naturopathic medicine is for those seeking not only answers, but a deeper understanding of their health and a partnership in their healing journey.

SPIRIT

In naturopathic medicine, spirit refers to the vital, animating aspect of who we are, our sense of connection, meaning, and purpose. It is not limited to any one religious or cultural framework, but instead acknowledges that health and healing are deeply influenced by how we engage with something greater than ourselves; whether that’s community, nature, creativity, ancestral traditions, spiritual practices, or a personal sense of purpose.

Tending to the spirit means honoring what brings you peace, joy, clarity, and direction. It involves listening inwardly, aligning with your values, and feeling connected: to yourself, to others, and to the world around you. When spirit is nourished, many people experience a greater sense of resilience, balance, and capacity for healing.

At our practice, supporting the spirit is an integral part of whole-person care. Together, we explore what “spiritual connection” means to you, and how it may serve as a resource on your path to well-being. This might look like reconnecting with nature, deepening your breath, rediscovering meaning in daily life, engaging in religious practices, or simply creating space for stillness and reflection.

There is no one right way to approach spirit, only your way.