A Cosmic Beginning: The Astrological Roots of Traditional Medicinals

In the late 60s, the stars aligned when herbalist Rosemary Gladstar met community activist and environmentalist Drake Sadler. Entrenched in the spirit of the age, and their pursuit of healthful alternatives to the mainstream — lifestyle, natural foods, and herbal remedies — they planted the seeds for their shared vision of a new kind of herbalism. One rooted in purpose and commitment to botanical medicine, ingredient purity, and herbal education.

In 1974, a pivotal astrological event unfolded: Uranus, the planet of innovation and revolution, entered Scorpio, a transformative sign known for its deep connections to change and renewal. This cosmic alignment was not lost on Drake and Rosemary. In fact, they chose November 21, 1974, as the founding date of Traditional Medicinals, believing the astrological timing would propel their mission forward.

Uranus in Scorpio symbolized a period of profound societal transformation, marked by breaking away from tradition and embracing new ways of thinking. For Rosemary and Drake, this celestial event reflected the revolutionary goals they had for their company. Scorpio, associated with passion and exploring the depths of the unknown, combined with Uranus’ energy of rebellion and innovation, mirrored the vision they had for their herbal business—one that would challenge the status quo and offer a new approach to wellness.

Rosemary’s expertise as a multigenerational herbalist laid the foundation for the company’s early success. Her original formulas—Throat Coat®, Mother’s Milk®, and Smooth Move®—became staples, known for their integrity, efficacy, and high-quality ingredients. These formulas continue to be beloved by customers and serve as a testament to the company’s dedication to botanical wellness.

Drake, trained in community development, brought a different perspective. Through his work with source communities, he discovered that many medicinal plants, unlike most of our food, are not cultivated but collected in the wild, often by women in low-income, rural areas. This insight became a turning point for Traditional Medicinals, which evolved to serve a dual purpose: educating consumers about plant-based medicine and supporting the herb-sourcing communities they worked with.

Even though Rosemary is no longer active in the company, her original formulations remain at the heart of Traditional Medicinals. Drake’s early commitment to sustainability and community has continued to shape the company’s ethos, ensuring that its growth is rooted in both people and the planet.

Today, Traditional Medicinals stays true to its founding principles and continues to lead the way in botanical wellness. As the #1 organic bagged tea brand in North America we offer medicinal teas with pharmacopeial-grade herbs, helping people address a range of health conditions—from acute issues to everyday wellness. And as we celebrate five decades of innovation and purpose, we honor the cosmic origins that continue to guide our journey.