The 1970s were a time of great upheaval and change, from wide-leg jeans to disco fever. Against this vibrant backdrop, a quieter revolution took place: an herbal renaissance that reconnected people with ancient healing traditions. This movement didn’t just happen overnight; it had roots deeply intertwined with midwifery practices and the wisdom of women.
Back to our roots: the herbal revival of the seventies
Picture this: the 1970s were in full swing and people were longing for a return to natural life. This decade saw a surge in interest in holistic healthcare, driven by the 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 core of this movement were midwives – guardians of traditional knowledge who had used herbs to support women’s health for centuries. These wise women knew that nature had a cure for almost every ailment.
Catherine Hunziker during the back-to-the-land era, where she embraced tepee life and explored the vibrant world of botanicals that flourish among us.
The herbal stars of the ’70s: brands that paved the way
As Catherine grew WishGarden from seed, several herb brands emerged during this period, capturing the spirit of the times and planting seeds that would grow into the thriving herb industry of today. Let’s shout out a few pioneers who are still going strong:
- WishGarden herbs: With deep roots in obstetrics, WishGarden has been a pioneer in creating herbal blends with names that are easy to understand and recognize. These accessible formulations have made herbal medicine accessible to everyone, helping women regain their full self after pregnancy and supporting the health of the entire family with trusted, effective plant-based solutions.
- Traditional medicines: Founded in 1974 by Rosemary Gladstar and Drake Sadler, Traditional Medicinals has been a beacon of herbal teas for decades. Their dedication to high-quality, sustainably sourced herbs has made them a household name.
- Herb Farm: Since 1979, Herb Pharm has been making herbal extracts with an emphasis on purity and potency. Their dedication to organic farming and wildcrafting practices has set a gold standard in the herbal world.
- Mountain rose herbs: Beginning in the late 1980s, Mountain Rose Herbs quickly became a favorite among herb 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 members of 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 used to sell WishGarden Herbs tinctures at the Boulder Farmers Market.
Obstetrics and herbal medicine: a symbiotic relationship
The connection between obstetrics and herbal medicine is a story as old as time. Long before the advent of modern medicine, midwives were the primary health care providers for women, especially during childbirth. They relied on their in-depth knowledge of herbs to support pregnant women, ease contractions and promote postpartum recovery.
However, these herbal allies weren’t just for childbirth. Midwives use herbs to address a wide range of women’s health problems, from menstrual complaints 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, herbal medicine and midwifery
Before Catherine became a midwife and herbalist, she was an activist. Her passion for social justice and environmental stewardship was the driving force behind her pioneering journey with WishGarden. Catherine was not only an environmental crusader and champion of women’s rights; she was a visionary who saw the deep need to reclaim women’s health and wellness naturally.
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 herbal medicine. This led her to bring the power of herbal medicine to 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 to the earth and its healing gifts. Catherine’s work bridged the gap between herbal medicine and midwifery and laid the foundation for a thriving community that continues to thrive today. She believed that by empowering women with knowledge and tools for natural health, she could help promote a holistic approach to wellness that respected both the body and the environment.
Catherine passionately acts as an environmental protester in Colorado, arrested during her activism against the Rocky Flats nuclear power plant, for which she was placed under house arrest for six months.
This movement, born from Catherine’s activist spirit, has not only endured, but has grown and inspired countless others to embrace herbal medicine as an essential part of midwifery and women’s health. Here are some of Catherine’s obstetric formulas that are still successful to this day:
- NaGemak: Created to soothe postpartum discomfort, AfterEase combines traditional herbs, such as black hawthorn and cramp bark, known for their ability to ease postpartum 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 are cherished for their ability to help women navigate the physical and emotional shifts after childbirth.
- Milk rich: This formula is rich in galactagogue herbs such as fenugreek and goat rue, which are traditionally used to support healthy milk production and provide 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 should not lose herself in this beautiful journey, but feel more herself than ever. With the support of these ancient herbal blends, women can embrace their new roles 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 grown into a vibrant community of herbalists, naturopaths and wellness enthusiasts. With a renewed focus on sustainability, ethical sourcing and scientific validation, modern herbal medicine is bridging the gap between tradition and innovation.
Both WishGarden and brands continue to honor this legacy by creating 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 understand how the spice renaissance of the 1970s laid the foundation for the thriving spice 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 discovered. So go ahead, dive in and let the wisdom of the herbs guide you to a healthier, more natural way of life!
From left: Catherine and co-formulator Sindy Wise work together at WishGarden Herbs, and Catherine accepts Nutrition Business Journal’s 2023 Supply Chain Integrity Award for WishGarden Herbs.
Rebecca Younger is passionate about herbs and women’s health. She strives to plant seeds of inspiration within her community about plant medicine and healthier ways of living. She studied herbal medicine at Herbalism Roots in Denver and is a certified Doula through the Matrona Foundation. She is the customer journey leader 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 to sell any product.
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