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Charlotte Nowack

Naturopathic Physician

Dr. Charlotte Nowack is a naturopathic physician practicing in Portland, OR. Dr. Nowack specializes in proactive prevention and treatment. Dr. Nowack combines holistic healing methods with traditional solutions to medical illness. Providing both individual and family care, the most common ailments treated are digestive issues (with emphasis on SIBO), mental health, mentrual irregularities, menopause, toxic mold exposure, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Naturopathic Physicians place a strong emphasis on natural remedies that add to the broad spectrum of remedies available.
4 years Experience
Charlotte Nowack
  • Portland, OR
  • Bastyr University California
  • Accepting new patients

Does a naturopathic physician treat conditions through medication?

Naturopathic physicians have training in many treatment modalities. That does include pharmaceuticals! Now, it unfortunately does depend on the state whether they are able to prescribe READ MORE
Naturopathic physicians have training in many treatment modalities. That does include pharmaceuticals! Now, it unfortunately does depend on the state whether they are able to prescribe these medications. However, there are many potential treatments we might give to begin with! That might include medication or dietary and lifestyle factors. It also might be herbs, supplements, homeopathy, physical medicine, biofeedback, or IV nutrition...to name a few. It all really depends on the doctor and the person being treated.

Can naturopathy help us with my mother's diabetes?

Naturopathic medicine can really shine when it comes to Type 2 Diabetes, so yes, I definitely believe it could help!

I have severe bleeding during my periods which leaves me very tired. Can I take some natural supplements during this time?

With heavy menstrual bleeding, it is best to start with some diagnostics to understand why you are experiencing the heavy bleeding. This can be looking in depth at hormones and/or READ MORE
With heavy menstrual bleeding, it is best to start with some diagnostics to understand why you are experiencing the heavy bleeding. This can be looking in depth at hormones and/or doing an ultrasound. Once getting that data, there are many nutritional, herbal, and other things that could be done to help regulate the bleeding. With this issue, it is also important to assess for iron deficiency anemia.

Can acupuncture treat digestive problems?

Some Naturopathic doctors are trained in acupuncture, but unfortunately, I am not one of them so am not well equipped to advise on that treatment specifically. However, I would READ MORE
Some Naturopathic doctors are trained in acupuncture, but unfortunately, I am not one of them so am not well equipped to advise on that treatment specifically. However, I would have his doctor consider a lactulose breath test for SIBO. Overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine can produce excess gas from fermentable foods, causing symptoms like burping, flatulence, bloating, and stool changes to name a few.

Can lavender essential oil help me during my bouts of depression?

Firstly, I think your situation warrants a comprehensive medical assessment. Hormonal imbalances/dysregulation can be a cause of mood changes related to someone's menstrual cycle. READ MORE
Firstly, I think your situation warrants a comprehensive medical assessment. Hormonal imbalances/dysregulation can be a cause of mood changes related to someone's menstrual cycle. Unfortunately, this is commonly normalized because it happens frequently in women -- that does not mean it is healthy! Understanding what is happening regarding that would likely best address the feelings of depression you are experiencing.

Lavender is a powerful herb. It is studied well in certain preparations for anxiety and can be beneficial in depression as well. The essential oil topically would likely not work to the same degree as the methods that have been researched.

Is honey safe for kids?

It is advised that infants less than one year old not consume raw honey because it may contain Clostridium botulinum spores. If these are ingested, it can lead to infant botulism, READ MORE
It is advised that infants less than one year old not consume raw honey because it may contain Clostridium botulinum spores. If these are ingested, it can lead to infant botulism, which is likely why you are seeing warnings about honey. Children older than this should be able to consume raw honey safely.

What does naturopathic medicine include?

I believe naturopathic medicine would be a great option for someone experiencing migraines and psoriasis. A naturopathic doctor would likely try to understand why these are occurring READ MORE
I believe naturopathic medicine would be a great option for someone experiencing migraines and psoriasis. A naturopathic doctor would likely try to understand why these are occurring in the first place. Also, there are many alternatives to medication that can be used as interventions for those conditions.

What are precautions to take for a 14-day only water fasting?

Water fasting has some wonderful potential benefits, but it is also no small feat to undertake. If you have never done any type of fasting before, a water fast may not be a great READ MORE
Water fasting has some wonderful potential benefits, but it is also no small feat to undertake. If you have never done any type of fasting before, a water fast may not be a great first choice. Also, I would advise having a doctor medically supervise such a fast. Some of the milder potential responses during a fast might include nausea, headache, insomnia, dyspepsia, and fatigue. Other effects might be presyncope (feeling like you might faint) or hypertensive events.

Can turmeric be directly applied on a wound?

Fresh turmeric likely would not sting any more than basic contact on a fresh wound, however, it would probably be best to have something like a salve or ointment. For wounds, I READ MORE
Fresh turmeric likely would not sting any more than basic contact on a fresh wound, however, it would probably be best to have something like a salve or ointment. For wounds, I find herbs that are vulneraries to be best. So, that would include calendula, yarrow, or plantain to name a few. Such preparations can be found pre-formulated!

Are there any natural treatments to treat anxiety?

There are many natural ways to address anxiety (i.e., herbs, vitamins, biofeedback, hydrotherapy, counseling, etc.). The specifics would depend on underlying causes/triggers of READ MORE
There are many natural ways to address anxiety (i.e., herbs, vitamins, biofeedback, hydrotherapy, counseling, etc.). The specifics would depend on underlying causes/triggers of your anxiety and what kind of anxiety you have. Sometimes anxiety can also be a result of another medical condition, and it can be good for someone to be able to see the whole picture.

Is there any natural treatment for PCOD?

I'd say a condition like PCOD is where natural medicine can really shine! So, yes, there are plenty of natural treatment options. Care would typically involve comprehensive testing READ MORE
I'd say a condition like PCOD is where natural medicine can really shine! So, yes, there are plenty of natural treatment options. Care would typically involve comprehensive testing of hormones and other markers. Treatments can vary from certain herbs, nutrients, or dietary changes. Most naturopathic doctors would be familiar with the options and how to individualize care to you.

My daughter is grinding her teeth. What could be the reason behind this?

There are many potential contributors to/causes of teeth grinding (aka bruxism). It is commonly related to a concurrent sleep disorder. In children, it can also be related to enlarged READ MORE
There are many potential contributors to/causes of teeth grinding (aka bruxism). It is commonly related to a concurrent sleep disorder. In children, it can also be related to enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Even things like talking in their sleep or enuresis. Stress, anxiety, and ADHD are other possible correlations. I advise your daughter receives a medical workup to assess what may be the underlying cause of her presentation. Knowing that can help it be properly addressed.

How effective is turmeric to cure a ringworm infection?

There is some research demonstrating antifungal activity of certain concentrations of turmeric oil against dermatophytes (aka ringworm) for topical application. At this point in READ MORE
There is some research demonstrating antifungal activity of certain concentrations of turmeric oil against dermatophytes (aka ringworm) for topical application. At this point in time, I do not believe there is enough research to claim it will definitely be able to treat an infection and prevent recurrence. If you feel you need additional support in treating the ringworm infection, I advise seeing a qualified medical professional such as a Naturopathic doctor, MD, DO, etc.

How safe are natural and ayurvedic medicines to treat constipation?

There are many potential causes of constipation, and a Naturopathic Doctor would certainly be able to do a thorough workup to assess what might be the underlying cause. Regarding READ MORE
There are many potential causes of constipation, and a Naturopathic Doctor would certainly be able to do a thorough workup to assess what might be the underlying cause. Regarding treatments, there are countless natural options ranging from nutrition, herbs, supplements, etc. I advise seeing an ND or other qualified physician to get an individualized assessment so you can experience some relief.

My wife is suffering from adenomyosis. Will ayurvedic medicines be able to help her?

I do not have training in Ayurvedic medicine, but in other natural modalities, so I cannot speak for Ayurvedic medicine specifically. Regarding adenomyosis, depending on the severity, READ MORE
I do not have training in Ayurvedic medicine, but in other natural modalities, so I cannot speak for Ayurvedic medicine specifically. Regarding adenomyosis, depending on the severity, natural interventions can likely provide some relief!