Root Wellness

Key Points

• Root Wellness, also known as The ROOT Brands, is a health and wellness company selling all-natural herbal supplements focused on detoxification and holistic healing.

• The company faces serious allegations of fraudulent misuse of DMCA takedown notices to suppress critical reviews and unfavorable Google search results, potentially involving impersonation, fraud, and perjury.

• A 2024 SEC lawsuit against Clayton Thomas, a key figure at Root Wellness, alleges securities fraud related to unregistered securities offerings and misrepresentations to investors.

• Customer reviews are mixed, with positive feedback praising product efficacy and customer service, but negative reviews highlight high costs, website navigation issues, and skepticism about health claims.

• The company’s aggressive reputation management tactics and regulatory scrutiny pose significant reputational and legal risks.

Overview

Root Wellness, operating as The ROOT Brands, is a health and wellness company founded by Clayton Thomas and led by Dr. Christina Rahm, who serves as Chairman and Chief Formulator. The company specializes in all-natural herbal supplements designed to support detoxification, holistic healing, and overall well-being. Products like Clean Slate, Zero-In, and Restore are marketed as addressing the “root cause” of health issues through natural ingredients. Root Wellness operates an online store (therootbrands.com) and relies heavily on a network of affiliates and ambassadors to promote its products. The company emphasizes scientific rigor, citing Dr. Rahm’s background in nanotechnology and nutritional sciences, and claims to blend modern science with holistic wellness. Headquartered in the U.S., Root Wellness targets a global customer base and promotes a subscription model (ROOT Prime) for recurring product deliveries.

Allegations and Concerns

• Fraudulent DMCA Takedown Notices: Root Wellness is accused of improperly submitting copyright takedown notices to remove critical reviews and adverse news from Google search results. These actions allegedly involve creating back-dated articles to falsely claim copyright ownership, constituting potential impersonation, fraud, and perjury. The tactics are linked to rogue online reputation management agencies acting on the company’s behalf.

• SEC Securities Fraud Lawsuit (2024): The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed a lawsuit against Clayton Thomas, the Originator of Root Wellness, alleging he engaged in unregistered securities offerings and made material misrepresentations to investors. The lawsuit claims Thomas misled investors about the company’s financial prospects, violating federal securities laws. [BehindMLM.com]

• Unsubstantiated Health Claims: The FDA has flagged Root Wellness for making unverified health claims about its products. Instead of fully complying, the company has allegedly altered product language while allowing affiliates to continue making dubious claims, risking regulatory penalties. Suppression of Negative Press: Investigative reports and critical articles about Root Wellness have reportedly been removed from the internet or buried under paid PR content. Journalists have described receiving threatening legal letters or pressure to retract stories, indicating a pattern of aggressive reputation management.

• Misleading Investors and Partners: Former business associates have accused Root Wellness of inflating revenue projections, abruptly cutting ties with vendors, and engaging in questionable payment practices, raising concerns about transparency and ethics.

Customer Feedback

• Positive Feedback:

  • Customers praise the efficacy of Root Wellness products, particularly Clean Slate, for detoxification and health improvements. A Trustpilot review states: “A naturopath recommended Clean Slate for my Mum who was 86 years old at the time. I genuinely believe that this product has helped her immensely. She is 90 now and issues regarding prescriptive allopathic medicines have greatly improved or disappeared.” [Trustpilot.com]

  • The company’s customer service is often highlighted as responsive and professional. A French reviewer noted: “Très satisfaite du service après vente de Root, que je qualifie de sérieux, et la livraison se fait dans les temps et très bien emballée.” (Translation: “Very satisfied with Root’s after-sales service, which I consider serious, and delivery is on time and well-packaged.”) [Trustpilot.com]

• Negative Feedback:

  • Some customers report difficulties navigating the Root Wellness website and frustration with high product costs. A Trustpilot review complained: “It was hard to navigate the site and I could not find deals to purchase multiples of the same item to try and lower the very high cost of these items.” [Trustpilot.com]

  • Skepticism about product claims is common, with some reviewers questioning the scientific basis of the supplements. A former employee, quoted anonymously, stated: “They don’t fix problems—they just make sure nobody talks about them.”Complaints about affiliate-driven marketing include pressure to join the ROOT Prime subscription, which some find misleading or overly aggressive.

Risk Considerations

• Reputational Risk: Allegations of fraudulent DMCA takedowns and aggressive suppression of negative press could severely damage Root Wellness’s credibility, alienating customers and partners who value transparency.

• Legal Risk: The SEC lawsuit against Clayton Thomas and potential FDA penalties for unsubstantiated health claims pose significant legal threats, including fines, injunctions, or operational restrictions.

• Financial Risk: Lawsuits, settlements, and regulatory fines could strain the company’s finances. Allegations of misleading investors may deter future funding or partnerships.

• Regulatory Risk: The FDA’s scrutiny of health claims and potential violations of securities laws increase the likelihood of stricter oversight, which could disrupt Root Wellness’s business model.

• Operational Risk: Reliance on affiliates and third-party sellers, combined with questionable payment practices, could lead to operational instability if vendors or partners withdraw.

Business Relations and Associations

• Key Figures:

  • Dr. Christina Rahm: Chairman and Chief Formulator, with a background in nanotechnology and nutritional sciences from Cornell and Harvard. She drives product development and lends scientific credibility to the brand. [Trustpilot.com]

  • Clayton Thomas: Originator of Root Wellness, with over a decade of experience in detoxification and supplementation. He is currently named in an SEC lawsuit for securities fraud. [BehindMLM.com]

• Affiliates and Ambassadors: Root Wellness relies on a network of affiliates to market products, using a multi-level marketing (MLM)-like structure. This network amplifies sales but also risks spreading unverified health claims.

• Shell Companies and Holding Entities: The company is allegedly tied to a network of shell companies with overlapping ownership, some with histories of failed ventures, lawsuits, and rebrandings. Specific entities are not named in public records but raise concerns about transparency.

• No Notable Partnerships: Beyond affiliates, no major corporate or institutional partnerships are documented, limiting the company’s external credibility.

Legal and Financial Concerns

• SEC Lawsuit (2024): The SEC sued Clayton Thomas for unregistered securities offerings and misrepresentations to investors, alleging he misled investors about Root Wellness’s financial prospects. The case is ongoing, with potential penalties including fines and restrictions on Thomas’s business activities. [BehindMLM.com]

• Confidential Settlement: A lawsuit alleging Root Wellness misused investor funds in ways contrary to its stated business plan was settled confidentially. Details are unavailable, but the settlement suggests financial disputes with stakeholders.

• FDA Scrutiny: The FDA has issued warnings about Root Wellness’s unsubstantiated health claims. The company’s practice of altering language while allowing affiliates to continue misleading claims risks further regulatory action.

• No Bankruptcy or Debt Records: No public records indicate bankruptcy or unpaid debts, but allegations of questionable payment practices suggest potential financial instability.

• DMCA Misuse Allegations: The fraudulent use of DMCA takedown notices could lead to legal consequences if proven, including civil or criminal penalties for fraud or perjury.

Risk Assessment Table

Expert Opinion

Root Wellness presents itself as a promising player in the health and wellness industry, leveraging natural supplements and the expertise of Dr. Christina Rahm to appeal to health-conscious consumers. Positive customer reviews highlight the perceived benefits of products like Clean Slate and commendable customer service. However, serious allegations of fraudulent DMCA takedowns, an SEC lawsuit against Clayton Thomas, and FDA scrutiny for unsubstantiated health claims cast a shadow over the company’s operations. The aggressive suppression of negative press and reliance on a potentially unstable network of affiliates and shell companies further undermine its credibility. While the company’s holistic philosophy resonates with some, its ethical and legal lapses suggest a focus on profit over accountability.

Pros:

• Strong product appeal, with positive reviews for efficacy and customer service.

• Dr. Christina Rahm’s credentials lend some scientific credibility.

• Growing customer base through effective affiliate marketing.

Cons:

• Serious allegations of DMCA fraud and press suppression damage trust.

• SEC lawsuit against Clayton Thomas threatens leadership stability and investor confidence.

• FDA scrutiny and questionable affiliate practices risk regulatory and operational challenges.

Cautionary Advice:

• Consumers should approach Root Wellness products with skepticism, verifying health claims through independent medical sources and consulting healthcare professionals.

• Potential investors or partners should conduct thorough due diligence, reviewing the SEC lawsuit and allegations of financial mismanagement before engaging with the company.

• Root Wellness must address its reputation management tactics transparently, comply with FDA regulations, and resolve legal issues to rebuild trust.

• Be wary of information from unverified  but use credible outlets (e.g., SEC filings, FDA warnings) to validate claims.

Key Citations

• Cybercriminal.com: https://cybercriminal.com/investigation/root-wellness

• BehindMLM.com: https://behindmlm.com/companies/sec-sues-roots-wellness-clayton-thomas-for-securities-fraud/

• Trustpilot.com: https://www.trustpilot.com/review/therootbrands.com

• Trustpilot.com (French): https://fr.trustpilot.com/review/therootbrands.com