For many Latino families, healthcare has traditionally extended beyond the doctor’s office. Herbal teas, home remedies, traditional foods, prayer and other healing practices have long been part of family health traditions, and this has been supported by research. In one Southern California study, 90% of Latino patients reported using herbs, while another study found that 63% of Hispanic patients had used at least one form of complementary or alternative medicine.^1,2 This familiarity with natural approaches creates an opportunity for naturopathic medicine to bridge traditional healing practices with modern healthcare.

One of the foundational principles of naturopathic medicine is the healing power of nature, which recognizes the body’s inherent capacity to heal and uses therapies that support this process. Another is identify and treat the causes, which focuses on understanding and addressing underlying contributors to illness rather than simply managing symptoms.³

This does not mean avoiding conventional medicine. Naturopathic doctors are trained as primary care providers and may use a broad range of therapies, including prescription medications, when appropriate.³ The naturopathic principle of doctor as teacher emphasizes educating patients about their health and treatment options, helping them make informed decisions and understand when conventional medications, diagnostic testing or referral to another provider may be appropriate.³

Naturopathic medicine also emphasizes treating the whole person. Physical health cannot always be separated from emotional and mental well-being. Stress, anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances can influence physical symptoms and overall quality of life. A naturopathic doctor can recognize when mental health support is needed and encourage appropriate counseling or referral. This can be particularly meaningful in communities where stigma, cost and language barriers may make seeking professional mental health care more difficult.^4,5

Perhaps most importantly, naturopathic medicine emphasizes prevention. Many chronic diseases are influenced by modifiable factors such as nutrition, physical activity, sleep, tobacco use and alcohol consumption.^3,6 These are areas where naturopathic medicine places significant emphasis, helping patients develop practical, sustainable habits before illness develops or progresses.

Naturopathic medicine does not ask patients to choose between traditional healing and conventional medicine. Instead, it can create a space where culture, prevention, education and evidence-informed care work together. For Latino communities, this approach can honor familiar traditions while providing a trusted, medically informed pathway toward lifelong health.

Cristal Salcido is a primary care naturopathic doctor with a focus on the gut-brain connection in holistic health at Live Well Clinic in La Quinta. She can be reached at (760) 771-5970 or www.livewellclinic.org. Se habla español!

References available upon request.