Meet Dylan Coffey of Wolfsbane Apothecary in Northeast LA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dylan Coffey.

Dylan, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
It wasn’t until 2015 when I would discover just how much the world of natural healing meant to me…

I was working in the photo industry and developed a bad case of Psoriasis, leaving my body completely covered in bright red flare-ups and weakening my mental state.

I began seeing an Ayurvedic Doctor, who would later become my Nutrition and Herbology professor, and he completely changed my life. I fell in love with Ayurvedic Medicine.

​After several health scares within my own family, I was dissatisfied with the treatment methods that were being used and knew there was a natural way to promote wellness within. I left my career and dove headfirst into school, studying both Western Herbalism and Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine.

I studied Ayurvedic Medicine taught by doctors from India at the Southern California University of Health Sciences, where I also completed my Clinical Internship.

At the same time, I also finished a year-long apprenticeship in Western Herbalism with herbalist Julie James at Green Wisdom Herbal Studies in Long Beach, CA.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There have definitely been some bumps along the way! I left a field that I had been working in for over six years, which was definitely a big and scary jump. The first month was exciting, but then the reality set in: I had to start from ground zero and build myself and my new career back up.

I started working under a Doctor of Ayurvedic Medicine in my campus clinic about four months after I left my previous line of work. In that role, I was the first person that patients would see when arriving for their appointments. I checked their vitals and completed their initial intake form. I remember in my first week, a woman came in with multiple health complaints, and when she came back three weeks later for her follow up, she was glowing. She couldn’t stop smiling and told us she was feeling so much better after following our protocol.

In that moment it hit me, and I knew that all of the stress and worry about leaving a stable work situation to start new was worth it.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Wolfsbane Apothecary – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Wolfsbane Apothecary is defined by a combination of Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine and Western Herbalism. By combining these two systems of medicine, I’m able to provide a more comprehensive understanding of herbal medicine and holistic wellness.

My main focus is on the clinical side of herbalism. I offer one-on-one consultations where we will discuss everything from the patient’s chief complaint, diet & lifestyle, and any current medications or supplements being taken. I always aim to focus on addressing the core of an imbalance, rather than just the superficial effects. Seeing clients and helping them through ailments and health challenges is what truly makes me happy. I also make herbal remedies, including tinctures, oils, tea blends, and non-alcoholic extracts, which I sell on my website, as well as custom formulations through personalized consultations.

My specialties are in anxiety, psoriasis, stress/anger management and LGBTQ health. As a queer, Latinx man, I grew up feeling the anxiety and stress that can lurk within so many of us, which is what I believe ultimately led to my chronic case of Psoriasis. It’s my goal to help people in my community bring any imbalance they may have back into balance.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
In the future, I hope to open up my own school where I will teach what I have fallen so in love with, a combination of both Ayurvedic Medicine and Western Herbalism, for a hands-on, comprehensive apprenticeship program in both of these amazing systems of medicine. For the time being, my goal is to grow and expand my practice and help communities in Los Angeles through consultations, as well as take on clients from different parts of the world through online video consults.

The body is such a complex system. I see myself always being a student and continuing to expand my knowledge through more specific studies and staying up to date on the newest research available.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wolfsbanela.com/
• Email: dylancoffeywellness@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wolfsbane.la/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wolfsbane.la/

Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.