Los Angeles - February 18, 2003

Snake Oil and Dragon Quests

Herbalist Ron Teeguarden

In the land of the endless search for perfection, if it’s not your yoga instructor you’re devoted to, then it’s your therapist or your manicurist (who moonlights as your therapist). Or your lawn guy or your psychic (who says the lawn guy has bad karma).

This town brims with gurus. Another on the list? Ron Teeguarden peddles herbs, teas, and other elixirs at Dragon Herbs, his small tree house of a shop in Santa Monica. Everything is designed to promote radiant health.

Teeguarden (could that be a stage name?) was trained in China by Daoist masters and now sells panaceas like Will Power, Anti Stress, Fertility, and the very important Beautiful Hair. He also deals animalistic (how potent!) tonics, from Spring Dragon Longevity Tea to Chinese Mountain Ant Extract. And really, can anyone resist an alcohol-free drink called Foxy Lady Latte?

No need to cancel the Botox appointment or toss the Viagra. But a visit to Ron can’t hurt. After all, he does sell the most socially acceptable pills to pop.

Dragon Herbs, 315 Wilshire Boulevard, between 3rd and 4th Street (310-917-2288); and online at dragonherbs.com.

  Wellness