This year marks a milestone in our journey: 50 years of crafting herbal teas that support people’s wellness and deepen their relationship with plants. And at the heart of this story is one woman whose vision, intuition, and joy helped shape the herbal movement as we know it—Rosemary Gladstar.
Often called the godmother of American herbalism, Rosemary co-founded Traditional Medicinals in 1974 alongside Drake Sadler. What began as a grassroots effort in a small herb shop blossomed into a trusted name in herbal wellness, thanks in large part to her intuitive, artful approach to blending herbs. Formulas like Throat Coat®, Mother’s Milk®, and Smooth Move® were created with one goal in mind: helping her community feel better, naturally.
But these weren’t just effective, thanks to Rosemary’s unique understanding of flavor and synergy, they were also enjoyable to drink. “People were far more likely to purchase a tea for their health and wellbeing if it tasted really good,” she shared. And that’s a lesson that continues to guide us to this day.
Rosemary’s story reminds us that herbalism is as much about connection as it is about plants. As she puts it:
“Formulating herbs is, in fact, a lot like formulating people. Put the right group of people together and you can accomplish so much.”
Now, Rosemary continues to teach, inspire, and advocate for the wild gardens we all depend on. Her wisdom remains a guiding light as we carry the Traditional Medicinals mission forward, crafting teas that honor tradition, taste good, and make people feel cared for.
Watch the video: Youtube - 50 Years of Herbal Wellness with Rosemary Gladstar