Naturopath-Prescribed: Wellness Tips for Winter and Beyond
Dr. Jen Stotlar, owner of Nourisherpa in Buffalo Grove, shows us her red light room.
Dr. Jen was one of the first folks I connected with as I was launching Crunchy Culture, and my visit to her natural health clinic in Buffalo Grove was my first experience with naturopathy (and red light therapy!). I learned so much from Dr. Jen at that initial meeting and the many conversations that followed. I now have a deeper understanding of naturopathic medicine, how it differs from (and complements) conventional medicine, and how our energy and stress responses contribute to our wellness, or lack thereof.
The motivation for starting Nourisherpa came from Dr. Jen’s own health journey: After decades of suffering from mysterious symptoms that conventional medicine couldn’t resolve, she took the reins and started doing her own research. Her efforts ultimately led her on a path to healing and a decision to leave her corporate career in favor of helping others navigate their health journeys.
Dr. Jen shares her story in our Q&A below; and as many of us struggle to feel our best in the thick of Chicago winter, she offers some powerful tips for thriving through the season.
Tell us about yourself and your clinic, Nourisherpa
I’m a naturopathic doctor, holistic nutritionist, and founder of Nourisherpa Natural Health Clinic in Buffalo Grove. Nourisherpa is really a reflection of how I believe healthcare should be, which is unrushed, thoughtful, and genuine. We offer naturopathic care, nutrition therapy, chiropractic, therapeutic massage, labs and functional testing, red light therapy, infrared sauna, and a few other supportive modalities, all in a calm, welcoming space. My goal is for people to feel truly heard and supported.
What motivated you to start Nourisherpa?
It was an idea long before it came into reality. From my own health journey, I saw some gaps in our conventional medical care where I was shuffled around between specialists, had a ridiculous amount of tests run, and was prescribed medication upon medication - over the span of three decades. I know what it’s like to have symptoms that don’t quite add up or to be told everything looks “ok” when you still don’t feel well.
I originally thought I would eventually retire from my accounting career and then be a health advocate to help coordinate care for people that are going through what I did. But then I took a nutrition class where I heard about naturopathic medicine for the first time, and my plans quickly evolved. I left my job and enrolled in the rigorous ND doctorate program.
Nourisherpa embodies what I had wanted during all those years of chasing health. We slow things down and look at the whole picture. Nourisherpa is the combination of "nourish" and “sherpa” which means guide. That’s how we see ourselves. We walk alongside acting as a guide back to health.
Homeopathy is one of the natural treatments offered at Nourisherpa.
What is naturopathic medicine? How does it differ from conventional, and who can benefit?
Naturopathic medicine is about supporting the body’s ability to heal itself by re-establishing the conditions for health. It addresses the terrain, root causes, and obstacles to healing. Symptoms are signals from body showing us that something is out of balance. We look for those imbalances and often address it through food, lifestyle, stress, sleep, digestion, and the nervous system. We use natural therapies thoughtfully and intentionally. Conventional medicine is fantastic for acute care and emergencies. Naturopathic medicine really shines when it comes to chronic concerns, prevention, and long-term wellness. Anyone who feels stuck, wants a more personalized whole person approach, or is looking to be proactive about their health can benefit.
What is your approach to wellness for your patients? For yourself?
With patients, I focus on foundations first. Things like nourishment, hydration, mineral balance, nervous system support, and daily rhythms matter more than people realize. I don’t believe health has to be extreme or overwhelming. There are often small, consistent changes that really add up.
For myself, I try to live that same philosophy. I prioritize sleep with an early bedtime (8:30 - 9:00 PM), whole food, mineral-rich hydration, morning light, daily movement of some type, and practices to keep my nervous system grounded in our stress-laden environment. But most important is mindset, and being around people and doing things that bring me joy. And then giving myself grace when it all goes awry.
Give us your tips for surviving (and thriving in) Chicago winter
Eat enough. Winter is not the time to under-fuel
Stay hydrated and don’t forget minerals.
Lean into warm, grounding foods like soups, stews, and roasted veggies.
When I feel the very first signs of a winter virus - like a dry or scratchy throat, a stuffy nose, or that slightly chilled, extra-tired feeling - I act right away. I’ll take a teaspoon of high-quality raw Manuka honey, apply a custom essential oil blend (with frankincense, oregano, thyme, and helichrysum) to the front of my neck, and use homeopathy matched to the symptoms. Then sleep and wake up the next morning feeling restored.
Winter is meant to be a slower, more restorative season. When we work with that rhythm instead of pushing through it, our bodies tend to do much better.
