By Jessica Else | Photo by Holly Leitner
Editor’s Note: While the brick-and-mortar version of Farmacy Boutique closed in the autumn of 2023, many of the supplements mentioned in this piece are still available to order online at farmacyboutique.com.
Dr. Malvina Weiss, DC, CCN, and owner of Farmacy Boutique in Walworth, is a big believer in building foundational wellness. “Health always starts from the inside out,” she explains. The former chiropractor and clinical nutritionist opened her Walworth shop after retiring from practice last year. Now she sells her own formulations of vitamins and herbal supplements designed to combat ailments like stress, dehydration and dull skin, in addition to a carefully curated selection of non-toxic cosmetics, body products, clothing and gifts.
She says she was inspired to develop her own physician-grade supplements to complement the many product lines she offers in order to ensure the vitamins she and her customers were putting into their bodies were free of toxins, sourced responsibly and clinically tested for efficacy. “I have four or five products I feel everyone should take to support wellness,” she explains.
The arrival of spring can bring the promise of warmer weather and more social activity, but this can also increase allergens and illnesses. Studies show that certain supplements can boost your immune system, improve your energy and decrease inflammation in the body, among other positive health outcomes. Dr. Malvina capitalizes on these natural benefits in her supplement line. She also shares the following general suggestions for maximizing health and wellness this spring:
- Heal dry skin by using products that contain calendula, an herb that helps protect skin by boosting antioxidants and minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. Aloe is also good for skin hydration and soothing, and can be taken orally and applied topically. Dr. Malvina also recommends taking probiotics, specifically the strains ST11 and La1, which hydrate the skin and scalp.
- Boost your immune system with Aronia Berry, an anti-inflammatory, which is high in vitamin C and contains many antioxidants. Elderberries, whole plant foods and healthy fats also boost the immune system. And make sure you’re getting plenty of sleep and exercise.
- Combat allergies with a supplement called Quercetin, an antioxidant battling free-radical damage, which also boosts the body’s natural allergen immune defense.
- Create foundational health with a wellness routine including vitamins that everyone should take daily, including a potent multivitamin, probiotics, vitamin D, fish oil, magnesium and a COQ10 antioxidant supplement.
