Darcia Dillard, February 2021

This February, I am thrilled to finally say I am an East West  Intermediate student with plans to be an Advanced student this June. At the age of 16, I stepped into my first health food store.  I can still picture myself walking around that store in Chicago. I purchased three books: Rational Fasting, The Mucusless Diet, and Back to Eden. I did not know anyone who believed in any of the principles depicted in those books. So I slowly began changing my lifestyle. Then I learned about Dick Gregory, and he encouraged me to continue on a healthy living journey.  I always had a green thumb and would help bring plants back to life.

I received my B.S. in biology at the University of Illinois and my D.P.M. at Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine.

Drawn by the body’s innate ability to heal itself, I retired from a successful Podiatric Medicine and Surgery profession to explore traditional healing modalities. It was my desire for others to experience wellness and wholeness.

In 2018,  I retired from home educating my son. This second retirement allowed me time and space to fulfill my dream of opening an apothecary. My plans are to open mid-fall of 2021. The apothecary will offer nourishment for the spirit, mind, and body.  I find great joy every time I prepare a tincture or make any internal or external herbal remedy.

I enrolled in East West in 2012. Homeschooling and relocation consumed my time. However, I was able to complete a 2-year Western Herbal course and obtain many certifications.  In 2020 the Foundation seminar was online!!!!  In 2020 I was back on track with East West. I am genuinely grateful to Michael, Lesley, and all the outstanding teachers for their passion, commitment, and interest in seeing their students succeed.

I am a Master Gardener within my county. I volunteer weekly in several herbal gardens as well as grow a few herbs in my garden.

My vision and goals are to make natural wellness available in my community. My dream is to have the apothecary be part of a herbal retreat facility. In this place, a person can be one with nature and leave feeling restored.

I support individuals on their healing journey so they can experience wellness. I listen very well.  I am a certified Spiritual Director through Lipscomb University – Institute for Christian Spirituality and a Health Minister. I serve as a Teaching Director for Community Bible Study. My current menu of offerings includes Spiritual Direction, Flower Essences, Enneagram, Transformational Breathwork, and Core Synchronism.

I am also a tea and essential oil enthusiast.

If I can help somebody, as I pass along then my living shall not be in vain.  This is how I want to live my life.