Clinically Healthy in LA

Buying products made by a doctor often creates a consumer emotional connection. If a doctor’s opinions about health are trustworthy, it makes sense to trust their products.

It is very difficult to get an appointment with Dr. Murray Clarke, who has a background in homeopathy, naturopathy and traditional Chinese medicine. His results are matchless when it comes to treating common, stubborn maladies, like ear infections. In addition to seeing patients as an alternative health practitioner for children, Dr. Clarke made a line of nutritional supplements for babies and young children called Child Life Essentials. Child Life Essentials are sold at Whole Foods and at stores around the world. But if you are fortunate enough to be in Santa Monica, you can see him yourself.

With Dr. Robin’s sunscreen, necessity was the means of invention. Dr. Robin, a Beverly Hills based pediatric dermatologist, couldn’t in good faith recommend a sunscreen to her patients. So she made one. As the product itself says, it is “gentle, gluten-free and vegan products without unnecessary irritating chemicals, phthalates, parabens or fragrance.” My daughter sometimes looks a little ghost-like when she is covered in Dr. Robin’s sunscreen, but it is better than her being covered in questionable chemicals, or sunburned. 

During a recent trip to a new doctor’s office, I noticed a sign on the door not to wear any scents to the office. One of the nurses is extremely allergic to scents (I have never asked if they are synthetic or natural). When you call to make an appointment, you are asked not to wear any scented lotion or perfume. When your appointment is confirmed the day of, you are again reminded not to wear anything scented. LA may well be the center of green healthy living, but the ban on scents is somewhat extreme. At the same time, it may be a harbinger of the future.

To that point, Woolzies are an all-natural, scent-free solution to the dryer sheet. Handmade wool balls from New Zealand, they are as large as tennis balls but also plastic free. When placed in the dryer, they reduce static, wrinkles and drying time by 25 percent, all while being hypoallergenic and scentless.

Another scentless option are flower essences from Lotus Wei. Created by “flower whisperer” Katie Hess, the flower essences “work through the body’s acupuncture meridians,” allowing for positive transformation, as she suggests. The philosophy is to pick the flowers that speak to you, and they likely own properties that you need. Unlike essential oils, they do not have a scent. And if used regularly, “they revitalize the body, accelerate personal growth, and eliminate non-constructive patterns.” I picked red clover, pink spirea and jade succulent for fearlessness, joy and personal clarity.