Lucy, I'm not saying that elevated blood sugar isn't a risk factor for lots of problems - clearly it is. My point was that if someone tries diet and exercise for three months and their blood sugar changes from 239 to 238 or 251, then a medication may be in order because what they tried obviously didn't work. If they try something and their blood sugar goes from 239 to 101 or 110 or 135, they didn't meet the target, but they ARE getting things under control. Hitting 100 in 3 months is an arbitrary target. Even if we accept the 100 as a hard break point (which is questionable), why 3 months and not 2 months or 4 months or 6? Where are the guidelines on exactly how fast something has to be brought under control? Are there any? The RDA for many vitamins have changed more than a few times in my life - generally they have been increased. Optimal blood pressures, Body Mass Index, cholesterols and other values have also changed (mostly they've been lowered). These guidelines are not gospel written in stone - they are generally a good idea, they are our best estimates of risk, our current picture of optimal health. They are very useful in distinguishing white from black, not so precise when comparing two similar shades of grey.

First, I'd like to say Thank You for the compliments! Second, in answer to the original question, I used to enjoy coming in here because like others, I like to share my knowledge, and often learn, too. I've always found herbs fascinating, and there's always something new to learn. Third, one of the reasons I stopped posting here was because of the bias in attitude of some contributors. While it IS a herbalism forum, there are very few here who are qualified to give treatment advice. I found this to be of great concern. Anyone who has read any of my posts will know that I am an advocate of herbal medicine. They will also have realised that I do not hesitate to recommend seeking more conventional medical help in serious, or chronic, cases. I believe that there should be a balanced approach, and to be fiercely blinded to one or the other form of treatment is downright dangerous. I found the bias towards alternative medicine here to be a little TOO strong. To me, it is as if some people have completely shut their minds to the fact that herbal medicine is not always the magic wand they want it to be. There are several reasons for this - herbal medicine is not an exact science when it comes to dosages; it usually takes longer for results to show; some conditions are so serious or life-threatening that herbal medicine just won't do the job required; and worst of all (to my way of thinking) there is an immense risk in using herbs for conditions which are self-diagnosed. Sadly, many herbalists are able to prescribe a particular herb for a particular condition, but they are lacking in the ability to diagnose in the first place. That is why I advise people to take advantage of practitioners on both sides of the fence. Get your diagnosis, then get informed about the alternatives you have, then make an informed choice. In answering specific questions, I can (often) say that X herb is good for X condition. I cannot tell you for sure if you have X condition, or something else. I cannot tell you the correct dosage for YOU (though I can (often) tell you the usual dosage for Mr or Mrs Average). I will, whenever relevant, mention that herbs have a down-side as well as an up-side. Some people object to that, demanding that we only tell them what they want to hear - the good side. Some people also object to the very idea of conventional treatments - where, in my view, conventional and herbal treatments can go very well hand-in-hand. I still browse through here from time to time. I haven't replied to questions recently because I'm rather too wrapped up in my own health problems (I've been ill for about 18 months with only one end in sight) to be concerned about the health problems of others. Call that selfish if you will, but that's how it is. It doesn't stop me talking about herbs in general over on the Herbs Forum. Meantime, I urge all participants in this Herbalism Forum to keep an open, balanced mind, and to be courteous to each other and respecting of views other than their own. Remember, too, that some people come in here in desperation, looking for a miracle. Be gentle with them.

I have Crocus Rose. I think it is its 4th year now. It really had a bunch of flowers this year. It has taken at least 3 years to get going. This rose is mostly a cream color with some yellow in it. Mine is right about 4 ft in height and about 3.5 ft wide. It needs spraying attention regularly because it will blackspot badly if you ignore it. The foliage on mine is rather small in spite of its diet. The flowers are not as big as I would like, but they do smell good despite not being strongly scented, and they do have some lasting power. This rose was one of the few in my garden that was as good as untouched by the horrendous Easter freeze we had last year. It just seemed to pick itself up and get going. It bloomed reasonably well last year and has gotten off to a better start this year. At first I thought it might be a tossable, but since it is now doing better I will keep this one. It now outblooms some of my other roses.

Can't seem to get my post to appear here. Try one more time. Most sincere apologies for being so late in my thank-you's for the Secret Santa Swap. I think I have safely waited long enough to claim the prize of coming in last. But if anyone else is still out there procrastinating and feeling guilty but afraid it is too late, go ahead and make the last bid. If I can do it, so can you. I just couldn't bring myself to start sprouting these wonderful seeds without saying "Thank You" first. The surprising thing for a newcomer to this swap is how much response and joy it has created. I am a simple dirt digger, and I suspected this swap was going to be a long way around the barn just to get a few seeds. What I discovered is that it was a lot of fun for an adult guy to watch for the postman to come every day (maybe we could space out the mailings a little to make it last longer). And surprised at what a virtual community has sprung up around this swap. Certainly not cut-and-dried seed swapping, but now I get it - that is the whole point! I will be sad to see it all end...but we will meet again another time another swap. Maybe next year? Kym, I can sense that we participants were not the only ones who got a kick out of this swap. You obviously enjoyed hosting this, spreading joy and seeing you guests having fun. For a gal who can't garden herself, please know that about 100 people all over the country will be growing flowers and veggies with you in mind. (I will put up a seed stick with your name on it at the garden gate.) So really you are gardening big time. Thanks for your dedication and gifts to all of us in this holiday season. I was surprised at how many cards I received, and what wonderful seeds. Many thanks go out to - Faye from TN for the nice card and calendula seeds. ( Is there a picture of you posted? I mean, nottougly does stir one's curiosity...) Tanya of CA (habitat gardener) for the hilarious card (LOL) and emerald okra. Will be sprouting it soon. Any chance you are a naturist who is into permaculture and sustainable landscapes? (My neighbor next door is Alexis Zeigler. We both talk to our plants, but mostly listen.) Happy solstice back atcha. Vina from NY (flowergirl34) for the Texas card and white millet. Never tried that one before. Any hints on growing and harvesting it? What's a cowgirl like you doing in NY anyway? Odin and Thor of PA (Oh, also Lois and Jeff the humans - aka "Lois") for the beautiful traditional nativity card and lemon balm. Did you post a picture of the hairy guys on GW yet? I would like to see who really sent me the card! Annie out in Trabuco Canyon (canyonwind) for a card very reminiscent of the desert and for dill, anise, and kale. How do you get anything besides cactus to grow out there? Lots of stars at night, though. Wish I had a poetic screen name like that... Alyssa another Lone Star girl (dbannie04) for the beautiful crabapple and wren card and for the marigolds, dill, okra and coneflowers. I have a bird feeder right outside my living room window, but I don't get to see any of the migratory west coast birds the way you do. Will love growing your seeds, thanks. Margie in OH (onedaylily) for the gorgeous saw-whet owls (Sierra Club does the coolest cards!) and for the calendula and three distinctly different basil varieties. I will enjoy cooking with each one of them, can't wait. Also, I used to visit the Dawes Arboretum when I was a grad student. Lovely, isn't it? Wrapping up now, special thanks and mention to the following - Janine in CT (jaynine) for the cute card and the kale, calendula and hyssop. Very nice! Janine, your footprints are all over this swap and others. Thanks for returning the favor of the pumpkin stick seeds from the Canadian swap (hope there were some left for you). I'm sure we will meet again. Grace in Jamaica NY (celeegra) for the beautiful art print card by Trento Longaretti, the famous Italian painter (I hope to frame it) and for the okra and lemon balm. And the coolest "forever stamp" I have ever seen. Auguri -- buon natale, buone feste! Muchas gracias y felicidades! Heidi out in Cornhusker Land (xiangirl), who is an artist in her own right. I won't mention how special your card was, 'cuz I'm sure you couldn't have done this for everyone (or else you buy exacto blades by the case). But it was amazing ... I have it penned up on my bulletin board to remind me to do this again next year. Oh, and your seed packets are way better'n Burpeys. You are a commercial artist, right? Finally, I have to mention actually receiving a card of thanks from Charles in WA (comfrey comfort), a fellow herbalist. I'll bet that fascinating postcard must have been from your visit to Italy and Sicily. What an architect's paradise, no? Not to mention art and music lovers. So to you, too - Buon natale! Buone feste! I will be sending you an email with suggestions for planting, harvesting, and medical use of the Passiflora incarnata I sent you. (P.S. I sent Passiflora to several people. If anyone else would like the instructions, just send me an email.) Guess I got a little long here, so I will wrap up. Thanks to everyone for such enthusiasm and generosity. What an online party this was! Kym Amaral, we love you, we appreciate you, and we behold the Spirit of Christmas in you! Rick Bayless