This podcast is now the subject of a legal complaint by Nicole Daedone, Rachel Cherwitz, OneTaste Incorporated, the Institute of OM LLC and OM IP Co.

One Taste sold itself as a wellness company – part of a multi-billion dollar industry selling everything from green smoothies to healing crystals to cryotherapy.

The wellness industry has grown massively in recent years. Wellness practices can offer hope and empowerment to people – particularly women – who are looking for connection or meaning in their lives, or who have medical concerns that they feel haven’t been taken seriously by mainstream doctors.

But wellness can be a double edged sword. While it can offer a sense of control and community, the industry isn’t regulated, which can leave consumers vulnerable.

So what makes people turn to wellness?

What are they looking for that they can’t find elsewhere?

And what are the potential dangers of wellness practices?

We find out with Dr André Spicer, professor of organisational behaviour at Cass Business School and co-author of The Wellness Syndrome, and doctor, midwife and herbalist Dr Aviva Romm.

Presenter: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far