Naturopathic doctors believe that botanical medicines are better, safer, have fewer side effects, and are less costly than synthetic drugs. However, scientists are concerned about the use of an entire plant as medicine. They can also cancel each other out, or interfere with regular medications. Naturopaths also use food as medicine. Each patient is given a diet based on his or her health and lifestyle.
Advocates point to increasing evidence about the role of nutrition in disease.
They claim that naturopathic doctors receive much better training in nutrition compared to mainstream doctors. The fact is, good nutrition is important and it may help prevent heart problems and some cancers, but no diet cures disease. Counseling or behavioral medicine is an important part of naturopathy. Naturopathic doctors are trained in counseling, biofeedback, stress reduction, and other means of helping improve mental health. Naturopaths view what they do as an alternative to conventional primary care.