Do you have any documentation on the herbal medical tradition starting around the same time as closer habitation?? You honestly believe herbs shortened peoples lives? Why are you on a herbalism forum again? To answer your question "do you have any source for the implied idea that native americans and polynesians were particularly healthy?" Captain Cook's log books, as well as those of other European seamen document the health and happiness of Pacific Islanders. I recommend if you are really interested to read some of those. You can find them at the library. On Hawaiians: "The traditional Hawaiian subsistence way of life was a physically active lifestyle with a simple nutritious diet that maintained a robust and healthy population." http://www.nativehawaiianhealth.net/history.cfm "Drinking seawater followed by fresh water was considered a universal remedy. Various native plants were used as compresses for relieving pain or injury, and the leaves of plants were brewed in teas and used for healing purposes. Piper methysticum (the source of the intoxicating awa or kava) was used in many ways. Today, this species is a sedative given in mild form to infants during teething and is used in commercial diuretics. Seasonal changes and extremes of humidity and dryness produced many respiratory problems among native Hawaiians. There were as many as 58 herbal remedies for asthma, many of which have been studied or adapted by modern medical science." http://www.everyculture.com/multi/Ha-La/Hawaiians.html Columbus's own journals remark upon the incredible health of the natives. But here's one educational exerpt: "The existence of an extensive Native American pharmacopeia provides testimony to the presence of diseases to be treated. Many natural products traditionally used to treat diseases in the New World are now known to be effective pharmaceuticals. These include various anesthetics, astringents, antiseptics, antibiotics, cathartics, anti-malarials, vermifuges (to kill intestinal parasites), and obstetric-gynecologic preparations. A variety of natural psychoactive compounds were also known and may have been useful in the healing process. Clearly, elements of Native American health care must have been effective at minimizing the effects of the diseases that were known to the New World. Having an effective social system for rendering care when needed, and living in harmony with the environment in a way that helped people remain healthy, were important aspects of health status in the New World." http://www.millersville.edu/~columbus/data/art/MICOZZI1.ART But we could all quote sources all day, couldn't we? I think this says it best..."The physical health and wellness of indigenous people is tied to the health and wellness of their environment, their spirit and their ability to define their destiny within their own values." My reference to the cotton and hemp is that for a long time it was mandated to grow hemp in America, tinctures of cannabis were used on people of all ages with no health problems... forests were not stripped for pulp... and then what happened? That is the parallel between pharmaceuticals/herbal remedies and hemp/cotton. Money money money. Those with the money, drive the studies.

I received this big box this afternoon, from cassiet. Thank you so much. Yes, you did put in the package of coffee cake mix in. I almost made it tonight, but decided to wait, then found out that it was sent by mistake. That is fine, it is all natural ing. and that is what we use. Sounds like a good mix also. In the box is: a cute water can with garden tools and gloves inside. I may use it to plant a flower inside, it is so cute. She sent a huge container of bubble bath, something to soak in after a long day in the garden. Smells lovely also. There is a nice bluebird thermometer that one sticks to the window. I love bird items, and we have 52 bird houses outside, and have been busy watching them use up all the string and white cotton stuffing inside of vitamin bottles, it is gone in a flash. She sent a dwarf canna, one plant that I have never grown at all. Plus a whole lot of seed packages, all flowers, some are new to me. I suppose I should tell you cassiet that the p.o. has a special box for $7.00 and you can put a lot in it, over that amount in weight, and most of the time you will save postage, think you will have saved $3.00 if you used that special box. Maybe the other girls can chime in and say what they think of the box. I want to thank you for the efforts, and care, and special items you have sent. Will plant some of the flower seeds tomorrow, as it should be close to 69 out. When they bloom, I will think of you. You have a good day tomorrow. Darlene

OH....belated Happy B'day Suzanne! I've been 'off board' and will be more or less over the next couple of weeks with my job. Thanks Patti for the addresses. I will be working on my cards soon - yippeeeee! I know not everyone reads on Sunday so I will write all my news on notepad and post it all tomorrow! Keeping myself more than busy these days and starting a few new ventures. Today is rec room clear out/Peggy's craft/sewing center setup. I can't work anymore with my stuff everywhere and this house looks like a football team ran through it with piles of stuff here and there - AGAIN! AAAAauuuuggghhhhh! So getting it all in a designated zone - off the kitchen table area, away from my couch area where I sit and out of the bedroom where I throw stuff I have bought for projects...it should make a huge difference and much easier to clean up around here. Also mentally make me feel a world better. Clutter is depressing. We moved the 2 large dressers waiting for pick up from my Mom's estate to the workshop and I've emailed everyone to let them know since they have not picked them up they are moved outside into the workshop until someone comes and gets them. I also clearly noted that I am not responsible for any water/humidity damage that may occur if they are not picked up. I would not put it past a 'dear' sibling to pull this one over nothing at all given the opportunity. So that is that and the other huge couch-chair was hauled to the charity shop yesterday with another 2 huge bags of stuff. Now I just have to dismantle a dilapidated old pull out couch for the garbage but that will be another weekend. I'm happy with the space at present. So that's me. I'm off to go play in my new space - er - fold up, box up, put away the stuff in there PROPERLY and set up for my projects. Stay tuned, more news tomorrow! Lots of love to all of my pals here - I miss ya when I am not here everyday...not enough hours right now. Peggy

I am glad you enjoyed the reading. It sure was a wonderful trip. I am now trying to get all the pics offf my cell phone...sigh ...no memory card...and then I will get the whole thing put together. Will keep me busy for weeks ! c