Dr. Malik Cotter
Co-owner, D.Ac., D.O.M., Cert. Herbalist, Prof. T.C.M. China (Hon.)
About
Our Story
The Dragon's Den Herb Shop, located in beautiful downtown Historic Makawao, Maui, was established in 1988 by Dr.
Malik Cotter, a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
Early beginnings
With his years of travel back and forth to China studying traditional medicine, Dr. Malik Cotter realized in 1987 that if he was to present high-quality support for his patients' healing processes, he would need to have Chinese herbs available.
A small rental space adjacent to his back of the house clinic became available. It was a defunct storage space used for the once upon a time old Matsui store. He, along with his then partner Joyanna, and many supportive community members, transformed a dead space into life. It became the Dragon's Den Herb Shop.
the dragon's den
The shop's name was inspired by an old establishment in Shanghai, China, which catered to sailors during the whaling days, offering grog, herbs, and other amenities for the sailors to have a good time and spend their money.
The store initially offered bulk herbs, patent formulas, and related gift items. Over time, the inventory expanded to include hundreds of Western and Chinese herbs, nutraceutical supplements, therapeutic oils, and Bach Flower Remedies.
Then and now
Over the years, the Dragon's Den Herb Shop has become a trusted source for natural and alternative medicines in the Maui community, reflecting Dr. Cotter's dedication to integrating traditional Oriental medicine into contemporary Western practice.
Today, the Dragon's Den still serves the community, however in a very different way. This time with healing herbs, tonics, and natural medicines, offering high quality healthcare information and health-promoting products to both locals and visitors alike.
Our Values
Where Life & Health Happens
Over the years there has been a growing enthusiasm for herbs and nutritional supplements.
To us, this is a statement that acts as a reflection that we as a community are taking better care of ourselves and are committed to a greater self-responsibility for our health and well-being.
May we all continue to actualize our dreams and visions for health as we grow gardens, eat organic foods, gather herbs, drink tea and laugh together. May we all take better care of ourselves, each other, and our island home.
High-Quality Products and Research
At the Dragon's Den Herb Shop, we strive to provide the highest quality and integrity and feel that this standard is essential in keeping ourselves and our customers well-informed.
- We require third-party testing before we decide to carry herbal medicinal products, just to be sure that there are no traces of pesticides or preservatives.
- Our team takes the time to ask vendors about quality, processing, and sustainability efforts taken.
- We also do a great amount of research online with third-party and non-biased sources of information.
- Transparency is of utmost importance to us. Please feel free to ask us any questions that you may have about the products we carry!
Our Values
We believe in and enjoy what we do, therefore we generate right livelihood through dignified, respectful, honest, and playful ways for ourselves and others. We are firm in the belief to serve others with care and to share with you what we do here at the Dragon's Den.
- Community Care: We are committed to serving the health and wellness needs of our community with integrity and compassion.
- Right Livelihood: We provide meaningful employment that aligns with ethical, sustainable, and fulfilling work.
- Empowerment & Growth: We support individuals in discovering and developing their career paths.
- Universal Service: We strive to serve all with love, inclusivity, and a commitment to doing “no harm”.
- Service as a Path to Freedom: We believe that selfless service is a profound path to personal and collective transformation.
Guiding Principles
We stand strong with our mission and customer statement and these are our co-workers' guiding principles:
- Do the best you can do
- Be on time
- Be professional in all ways
- Be impeccable with your word
- Don’t take things personally
- Don’t make assumptions
- Whatever happens, always keep your heart open.
- Be present, aware of what is taking place, joyfully objective, no dramas, and avoid getting lost in a story.
- Our customers’ betterment of life is why we are here!
Our Team
All of the workers employed at The Dragon's Den Herb Shop have either completed or in the process of completing health-oriented programs in modalities such as Ayurvedic Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Massage/Bodywork, Professional Herbalist courses and more.
We also meet regularly to discuss herbs and health topics so we can provide you with the best service possible. Stop in to visit our knowledgeable workers next time you're in Makawao!
Dr. Lala Naidu
Ayurvedic Doctor, Board certified Massage Therapist
Amy Dawn Sugg
Master Herbalist & Floral Designer
Dominique Fontaine
Holistic Nurse and Nurse Coach, Certified Holistic Nurse Herbalist, Certified Clinical Acupressure Practitioner, Clinical Aromatherapy Practitioner.
Dr. Emily Lundin
Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
join our team
Open Positions
We are always accepting resumes and keep them on file in case a position opens up. All of our workers are either licensed, certified, or enrolled in a health-focused modality/program in order to provide a high quality of service.