Mother Holistic Dispensary & Cafe

I’m leaving this review to warn others — especially caregivers and families dealing with serious illness.

I visited Mother Nature Remedy Wellness in Sherman Oaks last week while caring for my partner, who was just diagnosed with GI cancer. I clearly disclosed this. Despite that, Dave, the store owner, strongly recommended Moringa leaf powder for appetite and weight gain, presenting it as something that “helps people with cancer,” spoken with confidence rather than caution.

After taking it as instructed, my partner experienced significant GI irritation and pain, which is exactly what someone with GI cancer is trying to avoid.

I initially called the store to report this and spoke with another employee, who was not helpful. When my partner’s symptoms did not improve over 24 hours, I called back the next morning and spoke directly with Dave.

While Dave did encourage researching other products he mentioned at the time of purchase, he was very confident about the moringa powder and did not frame that recommendation with the same caution. This is where the issue lies. There are over a hundred different types of cancer, and generalizing by saying something “helps cancer,” especially when someone has GI involvement, is misleading and potentially dangerous. He is not a medical doctor, and that matters.

What was most concerning was the response afterward: lack of empathy, minimal accountability, clear blame-shifting, the use of profanity toward me with repeated comments implying this was my fault for not researching enough — despite the Moringa being specifically recommended to me. I would not have known about the Moringa powder at all if it hadn’t been highly suggested from Dave.

The call with the owner should have been more about humility and coming to a resolution to help rectify the situation—not about gassing one's ego.

Wellness stores are not medical practices — which is exactly why staff should not be making generalized cancer-related recommendations. I’m sharing this so others can make informed decisions. If you or a loved one has a serious medical condition, please proceed with extreme caution.

If i could give this place more stars i would. This is my favorite place in LA. The selection of herbal tea is unlike any other. The owner has much experience in energy and healing and kindly answers all of my questions. They also make in house tea with herbs and flowers that keep me coming back in every day I can. The dispensary has great prices and knowledge staff. The compassion in that place makes the vibe super chill. I'm about to head that way now. See you soon