Our Story

Since 1974, we’ve been passionate about connecting people with the power of plants.

Traditional Medicinals is an independent company that embraces sustainability, ingredient purity, and social and environmental activism. A Certified B Corporation and California Certified Green Business, we’re the leading seller of wellness tea in the U.S. and the pioneer of the wellness tea category in the U.S. and Canada.

Our roots go back to a third generation herbalist named Rosemary Gladstar, who was raised close to the earth in the farmlands of Northern California. In the late 1960s, while living in the coastal redwood forest, she met community activist and environmentalist Drake Sadler. The young couple was part of a movement of back-to-the-land baby boomers seeking an alternative lifestyle, including natural foods and herbal remedies. Together, they shared a vision for the rebirth of herbalism in North America, and in 1974 they co-founded Traditional Medicinals.

Today, Rosemary is often referred to as the god mother of modern herbalism. She is a well-respected teacher and author who also founded The California School of Herbal Studies and the nonprofit United Plant Savers. Although no longer active in the company, Rosemary’s original herbal formulas (including Throat Coat, Mother’s Milk and Smooth Move) continue to fulfill the promise of quality and integrity.

After decades of leadership, Drake transitioned away from company management and is now focused (with support from Traditional Medicinals Foundation) on working with and empowering the mostly indigenous and impoverished communities around the world that collect and cultivate medicinal plants. These investments in supplier community well-being provide food and water security, access to health care, education and training, economic development, and gender equality.

As Rosemary has a continued commitment to herbal education, Drake remains passionate about environmental stewardship and social equity. Forever kindred spirits, their founding values are infused into the core principles of the company and serve as a model for responsible business.