Rosemary Gladstar

Rosemary Gladstar is an influential American herbalist, author, and educator, widely acknowledged as the "godmother of modern herbalism." Her extensive career began in California, where she founded the California School of Herbal Studies in 1978, which remains the oldest continuously operating herb school in the United States. She later co-founded the New England Women's Herbal Conference in the 1980s.

Relocating to Vermont in 1987, Gladstar co-established Sage Mountain Herbal Retreat Center and Botanical Sanctuary, a significant botanical preserve. Her commitment to herbal education expanded with the creation of home study and online courses, notably the "Science and Art of Herbalism," which has reached students globally. She also played a key role in founding the Northeast Herb Association. Concerned about the sustainability of the herb trade, Gladstar established United Plant Savers in 1994, serving as its Founding President, and later founded the International Herb Symposium in 1998, a biennial gathering for the global herbal community. Her contributions have been recognized with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the National University of Natural Medicine.

Rosemary Gladstar is a pivotal figure in contemporary herbalism, often referred to as its "godmother." Her journey began in California, leading to the establishment of the California School of Herbal Studies in 1978, a pioneering institution that continues to operate. This foundational work set the stage for her broader influence. In the 1980s, she co-initiated the New England Women's Herbal Conference, further expanding the reach and community of herbal practitioners. Her move to Vermont in 1987 marked another significant chapter with the co-founding of Sage Mountain Herbal Retreat Center and Botanical Sanctuary, a vast natural preserve dedicated to botanical studies and conservation. These initiatives underscore her dedication to cultivating knowledge and preserving the practice of herbalism.

Gladstar's commitment to disseminating herbal knowledge is evident in her development of comprehensive educational programs. She launched a home study herbal course in the 1990s, which evolved into the widely accessible online course, "Science and Art of Herbalism," attracting hundreds of students worldwide. Her influence extended to organizational development with the founding of the Northeast Herb Association in 1991. A significant aspect of her work involves ecological stewardship; in 1994, she founded United Plant Savers out of concern for the sustainability of medicinal herbs. As Founding President of its Board, she has guided the organization in its conservation mission. Furthermore, she established the International Herb Symposium in 1998, a vital biennial event fostering global exchange among herbalists.

As an author, Rosemary Gladstar has authored numerous books that serve as essential guides for understanding and utilizing herbs for health and well-being. Her extensive teaching career has spanned across the United States, and she is a frequent speaker at prominent herbal conferences, sharing her expertise on a wide range of topics. Her engagements include events like the Southwest Conference, Medicines from the Earth, and the Green Nations Gathering. Gladstar also leads international herbal travel adventures, offering immersive experiences in different global landscapes. Her academic contributions are further recognized through her faculty position at the Association for the Advancement of Restorative Medicine. In 2017, her significant impact on natural medicine was honored with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the National University of Natural Medicine.