Philosophy of Practice

My herbal training has taught me to see the world as a place of healing – from the trees of the old-growth forest to the wildflowers of the desert to the weeds pushing through the cracks in the sidewalk, we are all surrounded by healing plant medicines every day, if we learn to see and recognize them. From the beginning of my healthcare work at the Berkeley Free Clinic, I saw clients for one to two hour visits, focusing on education, empowerment, and demystification of the medical experience. With this foundation, it was only natural that the tenets and standard of care of naturopathic medicine (doctor as teacher, treat the whole person) should ring true for me. While learning the conventional medical tools of physical exam, laboratory evaluation, and diagnosis, I could continue to use the natural medicine treatments that I already knew were effective. My experience in Nicaragua further led me to dedicate myself to global justice in healthcare, not only the right to health in the United States.

Many have asked me, “What is your specialty?” I consider myself a primary care family practice ND. My work in US and Nicaraguan community medicine has given me an unusually wide breadth of experience – I have not limited my practice to the “typical naturopathic patient.” I have worked with people from age 21 days to 104 years old, and everything in between. Some of the many conditions I have worked with include respiratory infections and chronic lung disease, cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure and congestive heart failure, diabetes, thyroid problems, women’s health concerns of all kinds, skin conditions, urinary tract infections, mental/emotional concerns, stomach and digestive problems, allergies, fatigue, weight and diet, and many others. I am adept at working with both acute and chronic disease.

I specialize in herbal medicine and massage. I use an eclectic approach to treatment: your treatment plan could include herbs, bodywork, nutrition, exercise, and psychological approaches. I also use pharmaceutical medicine when appropriate, necessary, and acceptable to you. I will endeavor to explain everything well; my goal is to empower you to care for your own health in a way that works for you. My medicine has a bioregional focus: I produce as many of my own herbal medicines as possible, from locally grown or wildcrafted herbs. My tinctures are handmade with local organic grain alcohol. I also offer high-quality supplements such as vitamins from reputable local companies, many of whom sell only to physicians. When possible, I will teach you about the herbs that I am using, so you may get to know the plants and learn to use them for future self-care.