Specialties of Dr. Samantha Merz, ND
Mental Health
I strongly believe everyone can benefit from support in navigating life’s emotional ups and downs, promoting a healthier, more fulfilling life. A treatment plan for mental health support from me is highly personalized and aims to address the underlying causes of emotional imbalances, rather than just the symptoms. Here’s what it typically includes:
Comprehensive Assessment: The naturopathic doctor will begin by conducting an in-depth evaluation of your medical history, lifestyle, diet, emotional well-being, and stressors. This helps to understand the root cause of your mental health concerns, whether it’s hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, or emotional trauma.
Diet and Nutrition: A focus on nourishing the body with whole, nutrient-dense foods. The doctor may suggest specific dietary changes or supplements to address deficiencies (e.g., B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium) that support brain health and emotional stability.
Herbal Medicine: Natural remedies such as adaptogenic herbs (e.g., Ashwagandha, Rhodiola) or calming herbs (e.g., Chamomile, St. John’s Wort) may be used to regulate mood, reduce anxiety, and improve resilience to stress.
Homeopathy: If needed, individualized homeopathic remedies may be prescribed to help balance emotional states, relieve stress, and support mental clarity. Remedies are chosen based on the person’s emotional and physical symptoms.
Lifestyle Modifications: Recommendations for improving sleep hygiene, managing stress, and increasing physical activity. Regular exercise, mindfulness practices, meditation, and yoga can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Mind-Body Practices: Techniques like guided imagery, meditation, or breathwork may be integrated into the plan to help manage stress and support emotional well-being.
Ongoing Monitoring and Support: Regular follow-ups to track progress, make adjustments to the treatment plan, and provide additional emotional support.
Botanical Medicine
My favorite and most used modality are herbs. These natural treatments work with the body, often with fewer side effects than conventional pharmaceuticals, making them an appealing option for individuals seeking a more personalized and sustainable approach to their health.
Herb highlight: Yarrow is often used to soothe feelings of anxiety, fear, and emotional vulnerability, helping to strengthen inner resilience and emotional boundaries. Its energetically protective properties make it helpful for individuals who feel overly sensitive or affected by external energies or stressful situations. By supporting the nervous system and promoting emotional release, yarrow encourages healing and emotional clarity, allowing individuals to move through difficult emotional states with greater ease and inner strength.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a treatment modality that uses a small amount of a natural substance to elicit a healing response from the body. One of the main benefits of homeopathy is its holistic nature, addressing the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of health. It's often considered a safe treatment option with minimal side effects, making it suitable for people of all ages, including children and pregnant women.
Homeopathy highlight: Ignatia is a homeopathic remedy commonly used to treat emotional and mental health issues, particularly those related to grief, anxiety, and stress. It is often recommended for individuals who are experiencing feelings of sorrow, sadness, or emotional upset, especially after a loss or traumatic event. Ignatia can help alleviate symptoms such as mood swings, irritability, nervousness, and emotional numbness. It's also used to address physical symptoms that can result from emotional strain, such as headaches, tightness in the throat, and digestive disturbances.