If we were to describe Kateřina Boesenberg ND in one word, her name would undoubtedly be associated with naturopathy. She received her naturopathic education in Sydney, Australia, and is a fully qualified clinical naturopath and nutritional therapist with over 15 years of experience in the field. She is also the founder and director of the School of Clinical Naturopathy. She specializes in gastrointestinal, immune, and hormonal health.
Since 2014, she has chaired the Czech Naturopathic Society. From 2018 to 2020, she chaired the European Committee of the World Naturopathic Federation (WNF). She is also dedicated to deepening cooperation among European naturopathic societies and raising awareness of clinical naturopathy, with an emphasis on quality education and therapist accreditation.
In the second part of our interview, we talk with Kateřina about clinical naturopathy, herbs, and hormonal health.
Kateřina, you are one of the leading naturopaths and nutritional therapists in the Czech Republic. What led you to this field and why did you decide to establish the School of Clinical Naturopathy?
Thank you for the compliment, Aneta :) I got into this field more than 20 years ago in Australia, where I lived at the time. I was always interested in natural medicine, and there I learned that I could study it at university, which gave it a whole new dimension for me. In Australia, this field is integrated into the healthcare system; naturopaths work side-by-side with doctors to improve people's health. The entire course of study was incredibly fulfilling for me; I realized it was my life's mission. I haven't done anything else since then.
Establishing the school in Czechia came about somewhat organically. First, I shared my knowledge through weekend courses, and a private institution hired me to teach herbs. The beginnings – let's say – were not easy – students complained terribly that I was asking too much of them :D – but I didn't know any other way. For me, it was the absolute minimum knowledge I wanted to teach them then. I think it was about 80 herbs. We naturopaths work with about 250. When I think back on it, they probably went to a weekend school to relax a bit from family, and then some Boesenberg came along and wanted them to remember the active ingredients for every herb – ha! But we got used to each other. And at the end of the school year, they came to me asking if I would teach them more, and that was essentially the beginning of the whole school. The one-year herb course gradually evolved into a 3.5-year program, which is now comparable to foreign education. To herbs, I added a similarly conceived study of nutritional medicine and subsequently created the field of clinical naturopathy with everything that belongs to this profession. We adhere to the WHO Benchmark for the performance of the naturopathy profession. I am very happy.
What captivated you about naturopathy and the use of herbs?
You know, I just enjoy helping people. That's me. Or one part of me, anyway. The other part is to pass on that information so that what is so natural to us reaches as many people as possible. I enjoy teaching.
At the same time, I should probably explain to readers that naturopathy is a profession guided by specific principles and philosophies, whose origins can be traced back to Hippocrates. It is a healing system that has been used for three millennia. Unfortunately, several hundred years ago, medicine, which until then was purely natural, split into what we now recognize as "Western" medicine and "natural" medicine. However, in the last 40 years, naturopathy has undergone a kind of renaissance and is becoming a very strong field.
It is a very complex form of addressing health problems, it is purely natural in nature and includes many aspects. This includes nutrition and nutritional dietetics, herbal medicine, specific diagnostic methods from both Eastern and Western medicine, and many other modalities including aromatherapy, Bach flower therapy, etc. And not only that. A detailed knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry is also an important part. Many subjects are the same as in Western medicine, which allows us to communicate and collaborate effectively with doctors.
So even the herbs you mention are only one part that a naturopath uses in their work. It is extremely important to also consider all aspects of being, not just our physical body, but also our mental and spiritual being.
What is the difference between Asian, American, and European herbs? Is it better to combine herbs from one place (e.g., only European herbs, or Chinese or Indian) or can we combine herbs from different countries?
There is a general opinion that we should use herbs from the region we come from. On the other hand, if a person gets a genetic profile done, they can get really interesting results. Although their family may have come from Prague, Brno, or České Budějovice several generations back, according to the results, they may not be Central European at all.
I personally use herbs from all regions, and more according to what I perceive the client needs. I try not to discriminate against them by suggesting they shouldn't take certain herbs just because they live in Europe. Quite the opposite, often Asian or South American herbs are very potent adaptogens or immune stimulants, and we use them very often nowadays. Unfortunately, European herbs, except for sea buckthorn, can't do that.
What is the best way to consume herbs – in the form of teas, tinctures, or tablets?
In all cases, it depends on the actual content of the herb, or rather the extracted active substance. Furthermore, it depends on whether the tablet is absorbable, the condition of our digestive tract, and the quality of the production itself. Many aspects play a role. All these forms you mention can have different strengths of effect. It does not necessarily mean that tea is weaker than a tablet. It is best to consult someone who really understands it.
How does naturopathy approach hormonal health? What exactly does a naturopath examine to detect hormonal imbalance?
Absolutely all processes in your body are interconnected. So hormonal imbalance also affects other aspects of health. Hormonal health includes (not exclusively, but mainly) three basic areas – ovaries, thyroid gland, and adrenal glands. If even one of these areas is out of balance, it's a problem.
It is common for a woman to come in for painful menstruation or infertility, but after consultation and possibly tests, it turns out that she has sub-optimal thyroid function, which may also be conditioned by adrenal exhaustion. See? Thus, herbs alone for ovarian regulation will not help. This clinical picture is very common.
How can information about hormonal status obtained from functional medicine tests help target the root cause of health problems related to hormonal imbalance?
The functional medicine tests you mention allow us a very detailed insight into what is happening. In the case of presented ovarian hormonal imbalance, we most often use the so-called DUTCH test, and also organic acids. These are the most sensitive tests available to us and show not only the true activity and precise values of individual hormones, but also the function of the enzymes that convert them, whether they convert them correctly, and many other aspects that allow us to precisely set up a plan for organism revitalization.
Are there any herbs that are generally safe for harmonizing hormonal imbalance, or is it always necessary to first determine what type of hormonal imbalance a woman has?
I am a proponent of knowing exactly what the issue is, and therefore, general recommendations are completely meaningless. It's a waste of money, time, and increases the client's frustration with the feeling that nothing works. And unfortunately, it diminishes the good reputation of natural medicine. Let's take heavy menstruation as an example. This is a result of so-called estrogen dominance. However, estrogen dominance does not necessarily mean you have high estrogen. Estrogen dominates progesterone in several ways – you can have normal estrogen levels relative to a lack of progesterone, or an excess of estrogen relative to normal progesterone levels. Each requires a different approach. And then you must not forget the thyroid and adrenal glands. It needs to be put together like a puzzle.
To maintain hormonal balance, is it necessary to supplement with certain minerals and vitamins alongside herbs? If so, which ones?
It depends on whether the client shows deficiencies, what their genetic profile is, the condition of their digestive tract, whether they can methylate effectively, etc. Then yes. But otherwise, I would again address supplementation only after consultation and confirmed deficiencies. Practically every person who comes to me has a cupboard full of supplements at home that someone recommended to them. Often, they don't even know what they're for. Our goal is also to educate; one of our principles is "naturopath - teacher." Our goal is not for a person to come to us every month and for us to sell them dietary supplements. The goal is to teach them how to take care of themselves. Then they come for a check-up perhaps once a year, where we fine-tune any potential imbalance or deficiency to prevent illness.
What basic changes can women make in their diet and lifestyle to support their hormonal balance?
As for diet, the absolute basic is a so-called nutrient-dense diet. This means a diet that provides you with enough nutrients – fresh vegetables, fruits, spices, quality proteins, and fats are the foundation. Ideally organic quality, i.e., without pesticides or toxic substances. Hormones and pesticides don't mix, and it often shows in the clinical picture. If this is not possible, regular detoxification is a good idea, which helps lighten the burden on the body. And please, don't let anyone tell you that we detoxify automatically and nothing else is needed. This is only true to a certain extent, but not entirely. It's also good to filter water. Subsequently, they should also have a clean, non-toxic environment at home and at work, and this applies not only to the physical (3D) world, but also to the mental and spiritual. Gradually resolve internal stresses and toxic relationships, sort out what is truly important, which people are important. Furthermore, exercise, that is extremely important for hormonal health. And don't smoke, that's a killer.
What would you say in conclusion to women suffering from hormonal imbalance?
That it's exactly as you say - an imbalance, not a disease. It's not a permanent state. Many things can be resolved. Our therapists can competently guide you in matters of diet, nutrition, herb application, and other modalities that will improve your health.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What causes hormonal imbalance?
Chronic stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, excessive exercise or, conversely, a sedentary lifestyle, environmental toxins, and age – all of these can disrupt hormonal balance.
How to recognize hormonal imbalance?
Fatigue, irregular cycles, acne, weight gain, mood swings, sleep problems, or decreased libido can be symptoms of hormonal imbalance.
How to naturally support hormonal balance?
The key is a nutrient-rich diet, regular exercise, quality sleep, stress reduction, and targeted dietary supplements. Tracking your menstrual cycle will help you identify patterns and changes.
