Botanical medicine & herbal medicine by telehealth

What is botanical medicine?

Botanical medicine, also called herbal medicine, uses plants and plant extracts to support health. It’s a core part of naturopathic medicine, where herbs are chosen for the whole person and not simply matched to a symptom.

Natural doesn’t automatically mean safe, and the evidence varies a lot from one herb to the next. Some have solid human research behind them, and many rest mostly on tradition. A good plan is honest about the difference, drawing on traditional use, herbal training and botanical medicine resources such as the American Botanical Council’s HerbalGram.

How Dr. Madeira uses herbs in care

1. Start with what’s driving your symptoms. Herbs belong in a plan that also addresses exposures, sleep, nutrition and stress.
2. Check your full picture. We review your medications, diagnoses, allergies and any plans for surgery before recommending anything.
3. Choose carefully. Product quality varies, so the form, dose and source all matter.
4. Go at your pace. People with mast cell activation or chronic fatigue syndrome can be sensitive, so we adjust based on how you respond.

His herbal training

Dr. Madeira earned a Bachelor of Science in Herbal Sciences from Bastyr University in 2007 before his naturopathic doctorate. He later completed a two-year herbal medicine training (500+ hours) with David Winston, RH(AHG) in September 2022. He has been studying botanical medicine and botany since 2003. Read more on his bio page.

Botanical medicine for chronic illness

Botanical medicine can be one supportive tool in care for chronic illness, including mold illness, gut problems, autoimmune thyroid disease and brain fog. It isn’t a cure for these conditions, and what fits one person may not suit another.

Common questions about botanical medicine

What is the difference between botanical medicine and herbal medicine?

They mean nearly the same thing. Both describe using plants, or extracts of plants, for health. “Botanical medicine” is the term often used in naturopathic training, and “herbal medicine” is the everyday term.

Are herbs safe to take with my medications?

Not always. According to the FDA, some supplements can interact with medications, interfere with lab tests or have dangerous effects during surgery. Please tell every doctor you see what you’re taking, and check before starting something new.

Are herbal supplements approved by the FDA?

No. The FDA doesn’t approve dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they’re sold. Companies are responsible for making sure their products are safe and labeled truthfully, which is why quality matters when choosing a product.

Can herbs replace my prescription medication?

Don’t stop or change a prescription on your own. Any change to a medication should be made with the doctor who prescribed it. Botanical medicine is one tool in a larger plan, not a swap for care you need.

Can I get botanical medicine by telehealth?

Yes. Dr. Madeira sees adults by secure video or phone who are located in Arizona, Montana or Washington during their visits. Your history and medication list guide what’s recommended.

This page is general education, not medical advice, and does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Talk with your own doctor before changing your supplements or medications.

Sources

1. American Botanical Council: HerbalGram, herbal medicine education and research resources
2. American Herbalists Guild
3. FDA: FDA 101: Dietary Supplements
4. NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Using Dietary Supplements Wisely
5. NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs at a Glance

Banner photo: Dani Adkins on Unsplash