The Herbal Renaissance: A Journey from the '70s to Today
The 1970s were a time of great upheaval and change, from bell-bottom jeans to disco fever. Amidst this vibrant backdrop, a quieter revolution was taking place—an herbal renaissance that reconnected people with ancient healing traditions. This movement didn't just sprout up overnight; it had roots deeply entwined with midwifery practices and women's wisdom.
Back to Our Roots: The 1970s Herbal Revival
Picture this: the '70s were in full swing, and people were yearning for a return to natural living. This decade saw a surge in interest in holistic health, driven by a desire to break free from the confines of conventional medicine. The herbal renaissance was like a breath of fresh air, inviting everyone to embrace the healing power of plants.
At the heart of this movement were midwives—guardians of traditional knowledge who had been using herbs for centuries to support women's health. These wise women knew that nature had a remedy for almost every ailment.
Catherine Hunziker during the back-to-the-land era, embracing tipi living and exploring the vibrant world of botanicals that thrive among us.
The Herbal Stars of the '70s: Brands That Paved the Way
As Catherine grew WishGarden from seed, several herbal brands emerged during this time, capturing the spirit of the era and planting seeds that would grow into today's thriving herbal industry. Let's give a shout out to a few pioneers who are still going strong:
- WishGarden Herbs: With deep roots in midwifery, WishGarden has been a pioneer in creating herbal blends with names that are easy to understand and relate to. These accessible formulations have made herbal remedies approachable for everyone, supporting women getting back to themselves after pregnancy as well as supporting the health of the whole family with trusted, effective plant-based solutions.
- Traditional Medicinals: Founded in 1974 by Rosemary Gladstar and Drake Sadler, Traditional Medicinals has been a beacon of herbal tea goodness for decades. Their commitment to high-quality, sustainably sourced herbs has made them a household name.
- Herb Pharm: Since 1979, Herb Pharm has been crafting herbal extracts with a focus on purity and potency. Their dedication to organic farming and wildcrafting practices has set a gold standard in the herbal world.
- Mountain Rose Herbs: Starting in the late '80s, Mountain Rose Herbs quickly became a favorite among herbal enthusiasts. Known for their extensive selection of organic herbs, spices, and essential oils, they continue to inspire a love for all things botanical.
From left: Catherine and the other founding board of directors for the Rocky Mountain Center for Botanical Studies (now known as the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism). Master Herbalists Dr.Chris Hobbs, Feather Jones, and Catherine capture a moment together. Catherine selling WishGarden Herbs tinctures at the Boulder Farmers Market back in the day.
Midwifery and Herbalism: A Symbiotic Relationship
The connection between midwifery and herbalism is a tale as old as time. Long before the advent of modern medicine, midwives were the primary healthcare providers for women, particularly in childbirth. They relied on their deep understanding of herbs to support pregnant women, ease labor pains, and promote postpartum recovery.
These herbal allies weren't just for childbirth, though. Midwives use herbs to address a wide range of women's health issues, from menstrual discomfort to menopausal symptoms. Their holistic approach emphasized the importance of treating the whole person, not just the symptoms—a philosophy that resonates strongly with today's holistic health movement.
Catherine’s Story of Activism, Herbalism, and Midwifery
Before Catherine was a midwife and herbalist, she was first an activist. Her passion for social justice and environmental stewardship was the driving force behind her pioneering journey with WishGarden. Catherine was not just an environmental crusader and women’s rights champion; she was a visionary who recognized the profound need to reclaim women’s health and wellness through natural means.
In the 1970s, as the back-to-the-land movement gained momentum, Catherine saw an opportunity to merge her activism with her commitment to women’s health. She was deeply inspired by the idea of self-sufficiency and the wisdom of traditional herbalism. This led her to bring the power of herbal remedies into the midwifery community, believing that every woman had the right to access natural, plant-based solutions.
Her activism wasn’t just about advocating for women’s rights—it was about creating a movement that reconnected women with the earth and its healing gifts. Catherine’s work bridged the gap between herbalism and midwifery, laying the foundation for a thriving community that continues to flourish today. She believed that by empowering women with knowledge and tools for natural health, she could help foster a holistic approach to wellness that honored both the body and the environment.
Catherine passionately stands as an environmental protestor in Colorado, arrested during her activism against the nuclear power plant at Rocky Flats, for which she received six months of home arrest.
This movement, born from Catherine’s activist spirit, has not only endured but has grown, inspiring countless others to embrace herbalism as a vital part of midwifery and women’s health. Here are some of Catherine’s day-one midwifery formulas that still thrive to this day:
- AfterEase: Crafted to soothe postpartum discomfort, AfterEase blends traditional herbs, like black haw and crampbark, known for their ability to ease afterbirth contractions, helping new mothers find comfort and balance.
- ReBalance: Designed to support hormonal balance, Rebalance uses a combination of herbs such as vitex and burdock that have been cherished for their ability to help women navigate the physical and emotional shifts after childbirth.
- Milk Rich: This formula is rich in galactagogue herbs like fenugreek and goat’s rue, traditionally used to support healthy milk production, providing nourishment and encouragement to breastfeeding mothers.
These formulas contain herbs with a rich indigenous history of helping women reconnect with their bodies after pregnancy. A woman shouldn’t lose herself in this beautiful journey, but rather, feel more like herself than ever. With the support of these time-honored herbal blends, women can embrace their new role while staying true to their well-being.
The Legacy Lives On: Today's Herbal Renaissance
Fast forward to today, and the spirit of the '70s herbal renaissance is alive and well. The seeds planted by midwives and herbal pioneers have blossomed into a vibrant community of herbalists, naturopaths, and wellness enthusiasts. With a renewed focus on sustainability, ethical sourcing, and scientific validation, modern herbalism is bridging the gap between tradition and innovation.
WishGarden and brands alike continue to honor this legacy by crafting expertly formulated herbal blends that support health and wellness. Our commitment to quality and education ensures that the wisdom of the past is accessible to everyone.
By weaving the past with the present, we can appreciate how the herbal renaissance of the '70s laid the groundwork for the thriving herbal industry we know today. Whether you're a seasoned herbalist or just beginning your journey, there's a whole world of plant magic waiting to be explored. So, go on, dive in, and let the wisdom of the herbs guide you to a healthier, more natural way of living!
From the left: Catherine and co-formulator Sindy Wise collaborating at WishGarden Herbs, and Catherine accepting the 2023 Nutrition Business Journal’s Supply Chain Integrity Award for WishGarden Herbs.
Rebecca Younger is passionate about herbs and women's health. She aspires to plant seeds of inspiration within her community about plant medicine and healthier ways of life. She studied Herbal Medicine at Herbalism Roots in Denver and is a certified Doula through the Matrona Foundation. She is the customer journey lead at WishGarden Herbs.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or sell any product.
