Sam Botica

Naturopath · 30+ Years

Sam spent several years nursing in Wellington NZ, prior to studying at The Perth Academy of Natural Therapies. Graduating with a Diploma of Applied Science in Natural and Remedial Therapies in 1997, she also received her post graduate diploma of Acupuncture.

With almost 30 years experience in Natural Medicine, Sam understands the close relationship between digestive & mental health and autoimmunity.


Addressing these issues helps to decrease the inflammation in the body and improve skin health.

Sam treats holistically to optimise her patients health & well-being, decreasing the risk of illness and treating acute and chronic conditions using herbal medicine, nutritional medicine and lifestyle advice.

While Sam enjoys treating all conditions, her special interest is with gastro – intestinal, mental health and immune / autoimmune conditions.

Sam uses advanced pathology testing, including salivary hormone tests, iridology, hair mineral analysis and traditional blood tests to assist in diagnosis and treatment.

Sam’s philosophy is that good diet and lifestyle, along with positive mental and emotional growth, natural medicines and a desire to be well are what we need to heal ourselves, live healthy vital lives and age well.

Skin Conditions

Skin issues are often related to gut / digestive problems, food intolerances, chronic stress and autoimmunity.

This may include detoxification, clearing out pathogens, improving digestion, repair and rebalancing gut wall and microbiome, reducing high cortisol levels and improving the skin barrier.

Common Skin conditions:-

Eczema

Psoriasis

Rosacea

Boils and carbuncles

Acne

Understanding Mental Health

Physical health & mental health are strongly connected. Taking care of your physical health is scientifically shown to improve mental well-being and vice versa. If one declines, the other can be affected too.

A balanced diet, proper sleep and cutting down unhealthy habits such as smoking, alcohol and drugs are some of the key physical health factors that can promote mental well-being. Some of the things that can affect mental well-being are stress, working too much and being too inactive.

Studies are showing more and more that a holistic approach to health – linking physical, social,emotional and mental health is necessary for mental well-being.This approach also helps a great deal with managing and recovering from mental illness.

Common Issues:

Anxiety

Panic disorder

Depression

ADHD and Autism

Insomnia which can occur alongside mental health issues.

Autoimmunity and Allergies

With autoimmunity your body’s natural defences become dysregulated and your immune system can attack your skin, joints and organs. Symptoms can vary depending on what area is under attack, and can be triggered by infections, chronic stress, diet and environmental factors.

Common conditions include:-

Rheumatoid / Osteoarthritis

Sjogrens Syndrome

Graves Disease and Hashimoto’s

Ulcerative Colitis

Coeliac Disease

Type 1 Diabetes

Psoriasis

Gut Health Matters

The gastrointestinal tract (also called the GI tract) is a series of hollow organs that form a long continuous passage from our mouth to our anus. The organs that make up our GI tract are our mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus.

As more research emerges, highlighting the importance of gut health, the relationship between gut health and our general health becomes more apparent. And as people are paying closer attention to their health, this research has contributed to a dramatic increase in the number of probiotic products coming to market.

As research has shown, an unhealthy gut can have a negative impact on various other aspects of your body. For example, it can affect your mental health, weight, mood and contribute to a number of other digestive disorders. Symptoms of poor gut health can include gas, bloating, diarrhoea, lethargy & constipation.

With over 30 years experience, Sam Botica has a sound understanding of gastrointestinal issues and their links to immune & autoimmune conditions and mental health.

Common Conditions include:-

Coeliac Disease

Ulcerative Collitis

IBS, bloating constipation diarrhoea

Reflux

Inflammatory Bowel Disease