How to Find a Doctor Who Collaborates with Your Clinical Herbalist
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Navigating your health journey often means assembling a team of experts who understand and support your unique needs. If you work with a clinical herbalist, finding a physician who values integrative care can make a world of difference. From streamlining communication to harmonizing treatment strategies, the right doctor will welcome collaboration and respect your choices. Here are practical steps to help you identify—and connect with—a medical professional who’s open to partnering with your herbalist.
1. Start with Integrative & Functional Medicine Directories
- Academy of Integrative Health & Medicine (AIHM) and Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) list MDs, DOs, and NPs who incorporate complementary therapies.
- Search terms like “integrative physician”, “holistic doctor”, or “CAM‑friendly physician” (CAM = Complementary and Alternative Medicine).
2. Be Upfront in Your First Contact
When emailing or calling to book, say something like:
“I’m looking for a doctor who is open to collaborating with my clinical herbalist as part of my care team.”
This sets expectations and helps you filter quickly — a receptive office will signal interest right away.
3. Seek Local Professional Networks
- Ask your herbalist for referrals — many have established trust with certain physicians.
- Check community wellness centers that host both medical and herbal practitioners.
4. Review Their Background & Philosophy
- Look for evidence of continued education in integrative or botanical medicine.
- Read their patient care philosophy on their website — words like “whole‑person care,” “collaborative,” and “evidence‑informed” are good indicators.
5. Prepare Documentation
When you meet:
- Bring a current list of all herbs, supplements, and medications.
- Have your herbalist provide a summary sheet explaining your regimen and its goals.
A doctor who appreciates this level of organization is more likely to collaborate.
6. Gauge Their Comfort Level in Practice, Not Just Theory
- Do they ask informed questions about your herbs?
- Are they willing to communicate directly with your herbalist?
- Do they offer to document herbal use in your medical record?
7. Explore Telehealth Options
If local options are limited, telehealth broadens your search to integrative doctors in your state who will work virtually and liaise with your herbalist.
As the patient, you don’t have to rely only on a medical doctor. If herbal resources are important to you, do the work to find the exact professionals you need for your care team.
Kathy McCabe
Kathy is an herbalist/naturopathy practitioner who is constantly researching to expand her knowledge. She came to herbalism after her migraine medicine was suddenly removed from the market and she had to find something new. After discovering the magic of herbs she’s never looked back. She is accredited by the International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine (IPHM) and is an Associate Member of the American Herbalist Guild.