Can a Naturopathic Doctor Prescribe Medicine?

Wondering if a naturopathic doctor can prescribe medications even though they prefer natural remedies? Learn about naturopathic medicine here!

As of 2018, there were more than 6,000 licensed naturopathic doctors practicing in the United States. That number has continued to increase..

What’s the difference between a naturopathic doctor and a primary care doctor? What are naturopaths? Understanding the answers to these questions will help you decide which is the most appropriate for your needs.

For example, it’s best to know where to go if you need medications. Not all medical professionals can handle medication prescriptions.

Knowing what a naturopathic medicine provider can and can’t do will help you decide if they are the right choice for you.

Want to know more? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know.

What Is a Naturopathic Doctor?

The short answer is that a licensed naturopathic doctor is trained by an accredited institution. They can provide care involving natural therapies.

That includes herbal medicine, nutrition services, counseling, hydrotherapy, and homeopathy. Some may also be able to provide midwifery, perform acupuncture, and offer Ayurvedic medicine.

Some of these doctors open their own practice. With the increased shift to whole-person care, you can also find them at many traditional medical facilities, including hospitals and doctor’s offices.

In states where naturopathic providers can be licensed, there are more options for the care they can provide. In states where licensing is not available, you may not have access to the same options.

Like traditional doctors, naturopaths must study physiology, anatomy, pathology, microbiology, immunology, and pharmacology. Training typically takes four years and an exam is required to earn a license.

Can They Prescribe Medicine?

So can a naturopathic doctor prescribe medications?

The short answer is – sometimes. Whether a naturopathic doctor can prescribe medicine or not is regulated by the state in which they practice. Naturopaths complete extensive training in pharmacology as part of their education.

Their training includes learning about interactions between medications and botanicals, herbs, and supplements. Naturopathic providers can also recognize nutrient deficiencies.

While naturopathic doctors can write prescriptions, they often explore natural remedies first. If you’re someone who wants a quick prescription, you may be better off seeing your primary care doctor.

When Do They Prescribe Medication?

The focus of naturopathic medicine is a shift away from medicating everything. However, there are some instances when a provider recognizes that medication may be the best solution.

If natural therapies aren’t working as expected, medication is the next step. Naturopathic doctors consider a variety of factors when making this decision, including lifestyle choices, social and emotional factors, lab testing, and physical testing. The goal is to blend natural therapies with traditional ones for the best results.

When naturopathic doctors prescribe medicine, they often combine it with other treatment options. For example, if they prescribe antibiotics, they will also encourage taking probiotics to balance the effect on the gut.

What Else Can A Naturopathic Doctor Do?

Much like traditional doctors, naturopaths work to diagnose and treat a variety of health conditions. That includes both acute and chronic diseases. They also aim to treat the mental and spiritual aspects of health.

They focus on treating the mind, body, and spirit using holistic treatments. That includes exercise and proper nutrition, as well as things like acupuncture, yoga, and meditation.

Many naturopathic doctors work on their own, while others are part of a team at a medical facility. Either option provides an additional layer of care that can benefit your health condition.

If you’re interested in seeing one, talk to your primary care doctor. Your insurance provider can also help you find a licensed naturopathic provider.

What Conditions Are Appropriate for a Naturopathic Provider to Treat?

Naturopathic providers are increasingly available to treat a full range of health conditions. This is great news for many patients.

Naturopathic medicine is a terrific choice for ailments like:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Hormonal imbalances
• Infertility
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Many autoimmune conditions

It’s also used to treat digestive disturbances, allergies, stress, autism, ADHD, skin conditions, high blood pressure, and menopause. Additionally, you might seek it out to treat chronic pain, obesity, and cancer.

As you can see, there’s a lot that a naturopathic doctor can treat. It’s important to keep in mind that often, this will be one part of your treatment plan, but not the entire plan.

Some conditions need monitoring by a traditional doctor. The goal of a naturopathic doctor is to enhance care and shift treatment to the entire person, rather than just the physical body.

For example, a naturopathic provider can offer diet advice for someone undergoing chemotherapy. They can do the same for someone struggling with a new diabetes diagnosis.

They might also provide stress and anxiety relief techniques that aren’t part of a medical treatment plan.

If you are on any medications, don’t stop taking them without talking to your doctor.

Naturopathic medicine can be incredibly beneficial, but can’t replace some prescription medications.

Getting Started

No matter your health status, there are ways a naturopathic provider can help. This includes assisting you in creating a healthy eating plan, as well as teaching you self-care techniques.

Ready to get started? Contact us today at (509) 474-0597 for answers to all your questions. We’re here to help you each step of the way.