Alternative Health and Healing

My fantasy novels, Ilona The Hun series

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 13:10:00 +0000

Erika M Szabo PhD,

I was born and raised in Hungary. I chose the Land Of The Free to be my home.

My English is fairly good, and my accent is very pleasant-so people tell me. The way I pronounce words and form sentences is a little different, but it adds a unique flavor to my stories-so my friends say. When I finished the story of Ilona, I was ready to send it for some editing. My friends begged me not to do it. They said, my personality and my unique way of talking would be lost, and the book would become just another novel. I took their advice. Therefore, if you're looking for a perfectly written literary masterpiece, you might be disappointed. If you want to enjoy a good story, you will love my book which was intended to be a light, fun reading on the beach, in the bathtub, or wherever you like to relax and enjoy a good story. I'm a book lover, I read plenty of educational material and books, which cater to my intellectual appetite. Sometimes, I justwant to read and be absorbed in the story, without having to use a dictionary.

The history of the Huns had always fascinated me. Perhaps because it is mostly speculations and theories, there are only a few written facts about us, besides our legends. I can't stand unexplained things, therefore I used my fertile imagination to fill some of these historical voids. My imagination went a little wild, and the story became a historical-fantasy-romance kind of book.

I decided to introduce the ancient Hun writing in my book. It is called, Rovasiras. The letters were carved, at least the very few written artifacts which survived were written in that fashion. Unfortunately, the letters did not convert correctly in the book. In my opinion-although I might be bias on the subject-it is beautiful. In my story, Ilona is a True Hun. She's a doctor in an Emergency room. She can heal people. Duh, no surprise there! What if I tell you that she can see your insides, and she can heal you with a touch of her hands? It is her birthright and inheritance. It is her destiny,besides other abilities she yet to discover. Ilona is a well-liked person but somewhat secretive, and unapproachable. She appears to have an impenetrable bubble around her. She's not a snob by any means. She's a Hun, who can't read non-Hun’s feelings and signals too well. The man she's been in love with all her life, is her best friend. He is not a True Hun, and he is totally oblivious to her feelings. Ilona is alone. She repressed her feelings for so long, she settled into a life without returned love. Perhaps, she can find happiness...? Her life turns upside down after her 29th birthday. She gets a glimpse at her birthright, she has to accept it if she wants to save herself and the future of the Huns. The True Huns-in my imaginary world- is an ancient, secretive and complex society. Their strict rules are fiercely enforced by a select group. Moreover,nobody is allowed to know about the rules, until they come to age. Ilona is resourceful, and determined enough to find and break these rules. Inevitably, she has to suffer the consequences for her actions.

This is not a history book by aNY means. It is a romantic fantasy story, spiced with magic, and bits of historical facts. I added a pinch of Hun mystery, a dash of Hun magic, a spoonful of imagination spiced with a sprinkle of iniquity, and voila...I had a tale filled with heartbreak, sacrifice and evil, sweetened with romance and happiness. After all,…It could have happened the way I imagined it.The story is written by my main character Ilona, therefore her feelings and thoughts are more pronounced then the surroundings.

Book one BIRTHRIGHT and book two PASSION are published, and I am working on book three, chapter two is finished. I have so much fun writing it, I can't even express it.

paperback ebook

AMAZON AMAZON

ebook, coming soon in paperback

AMAZON

Flu and cold remedy

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 15:04:00 +0000

Erika Szabo ND

http://www.try-alternative-healing.com

Attention!

Only use the herbal remedy if you're not diagnosed with any disease, and you're not taking any medication. If you're taking medications, ask advice from someone who is familiar with the effect, and interaction of both herbs and medications.

This mix of herbs reduce the flu and cold symptoms as well as fight bacterial and viral infections.

Take

1 part peppermint leaves

1 part elder flowers

1 part lemon balm leaves

1 part yarrow flower

Measure each herb by the amount and not weight with spoon or cup. Mix well, store it in a jar.

To make 1 cup of tea:

Boil 1 cup of water, remove from heat. Put 1 teaspoon of the mixed herbs in the hot water, let it sit for 10 minutes. Strain, flavor with lemon and honey.

PMS symptom relief naturally

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 14:10:00 +0000

Erika Szabo ND

http://www.try-alternative-healing.com

http://www.doktorszaboerika.com

To reduce PMS symptoms:

Try taking calcium and magnesium supplements regularly.

Reduce sugar and salt couple days before your cycle.

Increase fish and beans in your diet.

Eat yams-sweet potatoes and dates regularly.

Try royal jelly 2-3 times a week.

Use couple of leafs of dandelion in your salad daily or take it in capsule 2-3 days before your period, stop on the second day.

In severe cases, Evening Primrose oil helps with the symptoms, but it might have side effects such as mild diarrhea if you have sensitive digestive system or migraine, if you’re prone to it.

Holistic menopause treatment

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 07:55:00 +0000

Erika szabo ND

http://www.try-alternative-healing.com

http://www.doktorszaboerika.com

To reduce menopause symptoms, increase the following:

Best estrogen containing animal and plant and herb origin foods to reduce menopause symptoms:

Meat, milk, egg, anise, apple, yeast, carrot, beet, cherry, beans, asparagus, cucumber, date, eggplant, olive, papaya, pea, green pepper, plum, potato, pumpkin, brown rice, sesame seed, sunflower seed, tomato, watermelon, strawberry, yam (the most estrogen), clover, alfalfa, licorice, hop, parsley, whole wheat.

Soy also high in estrogen, but because its cancer causing effect is under investigation, I don’t recommend it.

Black cohosh (cimicifuga racemosa) is very good for hot flashes, but don’t use it with synthetic hormone therapy.

Red clover is an other herb that can help with the hot flashes and night sweats.

Estrogen blocking foods could increase menopause symptoms decrease the following:

Berries, cauliflower, cabbage, citrus fruits, corn, fig, grape, green bean, onion, pear, pineapple, white rice, white flour, cinnamon, ginger, hot pepper, alcohol.

Sometimes, it's enough to reduce symptoms if you introduce couple dates (no, not that one silly, the fruit) to your diet.

The small miracles of Christmas

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 11:21:00 +0000

The small miracles of Christmas

I was browsing my hometown's website and I came upon this hearthwarming celebration of Christmas. A group of mentally and phisically challenged people played a Christmas story to a church group. It was short, and not very well choreographed, but it sent a powerful message. In the story, Mr Panov, an old shoemaker dreamed that Jesuswill visit him on Christmas day. He wanted to give him a present, and he made him a pair of beautiful shoes. He was waiting excitedly on Christmas morning, but he was afraid that he won't recognise Jesus when he arrived. He ran to the door every time he heard someone walking by. Early morning, he saw a man sweeping the side walks, it was very cold, so Mr Panov invited him in for some hot tea. Later, he offered food to homeless people, and when he saw a poor child walking in the snow wearing only slippers, his heart went out for him, and he gave him the shoes he made for Jesus. The night came and Mr Panov was very dissapointed. Jesus didn't come to visit him. He fell asleep,and he saw all those people in his dream which he helped that day.And he heard the voice of Jesus.

„ I was hungry, you fed me. I was thirsty you gave me a drink. I was cold and lonely, you took me in and you gave me warm shoes. When you helped those in need, you did that to me.”

I was clicking on the pictures, and I saw love, acceptance and joy onpeople's faces in the audience. It was the small miracle of Christmas. I didn't see pity which I usually see on people's faces when it comes to mentally of phisically challenged people. The audience was deeply moved by not only the story. They seemed to reflect and think about the goodness in us which we hide under our daily mask of pretending to be good, understanding and giving. A few tears were shed, I wonder if those who wiped their eyes were thinking about forgotten loved ones, or a friend who layed in the hospital bed alone, and they just couldn't find the time to visit. Maybe, they were thinking about the dirty looking drug addict on the street, who was holding a cup for some spare change. They might have felt pity for him, but didn't give that dime thinking that he needed the money for drugs. Now they wondered if he was hungry. Perhaps they were thinking about the sily fight over nothing they had twenty years ago with their brother or sister, and they haven't spoken to each other ever since. Or, they might have thought about the poor dog they kicked in anger, who was just too eager to show his love for them.Maybe the cat who they forgot to feed in a hurry to get to work.Perhaps a child who needed love and comfort, but was pushed away because things had to be done instead.

Christmas is celebrated as the day of the Birth of Christ into this world, yet it also symbolizes a very deeply significant truth of our spiritual life. Jesus Christ was born at a time of ignorance, superstition,greed, hatred and hypocrisy . Purity was forgotten and morality was neglected. His teachings remind us that there is good and pure in people. We can love and be compassionate, we can accept and love people who are different, we can forgive the ones who hurt us. We can help others in need, and we can be grateful for what we have. I wish that we could live like it was Christmas, every day.

May the miracle of Christmas fill your heart with warmth and love.Christmas is the time of giving and sharing. It is the time of loving and forgiving.

Merry Christmas to Everyone!

Organic, chemical free flea repellent for dogs

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 21:08:00 +0000

Erika Szabo ND

http://www.try-alternative-healing.com

http://www.doktorszaboerika.com

Do you have a flea problem in your home?

Most of us who have pets, do. You tried all kinds of flea repellents and treatments and most of them worked. Yes, but at what price? Would youlike to try my natural, herbal flea repellent for your dog?

My natural flea repellent is diluted to the level of not to harm your dogs, but still remain effective. Visit my webstore at www.try-alternative-healing.com but first read about a few facts.

About fleas:

Fleas,like cockroaches become more immune to the popular commercial flea control chemicals with each generation.

Every flea found on your dog or cat may mean that there approximately 30 more living in your home.

A single flea can lay as many as 60 eggs per day. The lifespan of a flea is about 90 days, but the hibernating cocoon can survive for a year without feeding.

Controlling fleas does requiresome effort, but there are safer and effective ways to control fleas than chemical-based commercial flea control products.

Controlling fleas on your pets:

Warning and precautionary statements on flea repellents and treatments:

"Avoid contact with eyes, skin or clothing.

Keep out of reach of children.

Dust released by collar is a cholinesterase inhibitor.This produces paralysis and then death in insects"

Most American families are using some kind of flea and tick repellent, exposing their pets and children to toxic chemicals. Thousands of pets get sick or die as a result of chronic, low dose exposure to insecticides. Although there are countless pets and even people suffer the ill effect of flea treatments, finding alternative methods can be very difficult.

There are many natural flea repellents and treatment on the market. Herbal flea collars, shampoos and sprays. Most of them are harmless to your pets, but some might not be.

Toxic products masquerading as natural:

Even if all the ingredients in a flea repellent product are natural, this doesn't ensure that they won't be toxic to your pet. For example,d'Limonene, which is derived from citrus peels and found in many natural anti-flea products, can be highly toxic to cats.

Herbal flea collars, though they don't contain the poisons that conventional flea collars do, come with the same warning: do not let children play with the collar. If it's not good for your child, why would it be good for your pet?

Some natural flea sprays and dips contains synthetic Pyrethrin, an insecticides derived from the African chrysanthemum. Pyrethroids are synthetic derivatives of pyrethrins. Both are commonly used in conventional preparations which make the product sound innocent because it's derived from a flower. But pyrethrins alone can be toxicto the animal.

Other natural ingredients known to cause allergic reactions or have toxiceffects in some animals including Tea Tree, peppermint, eucalyptus and Pennyroyal oil.

Cats do not metabolize essential oils well and their use can lead to symptoms of toxicity. In addition to essential oils, cats have known metabolic sensitivities to certain herbal preparations. Because the cat's body does not efficiently excrete essential oils, they can build up to toxic levels. Symptoms of toxicity include vomiting,dizziness, clumsiness, lack of appetite, lack of energy and shock. In addition, cats have very thin, delicate skin. Essential oils are absorbed rapidly into their skin and enter the bloodstream,overwhelming their systems. Cats dislike strong odors and generally keep away from strong scents, even some of the highly diluted essential oils. For cats, I would use baths, grooming, diet and environmental flea control instead of chemicals and even natural essential oil flea repellents.

What can you do to control the flea population in your home, without using dangerous chemicals?

Read about the simple and safe methods I use, on my website. You ccan order flea control for your dog in my web store as well.

www.try-alternative-healing.com

Medication-herb interaction

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 13:12:00 +0000

Erika Szabo ND

http://www.try-alternative-healing.com

http://www.doktorszaboerika.com

Being familiar with both traditional and alternative medicine, I can see the danger of combining them. Just like drug to drug or food to drug, herb to drug interactions can be dangerous or even in some cases, lethal. Some herbal medicines-although very useful-can enhance, alter or cancel the effect of prescription medications. Not knowing them could put people in danger. Part of the problem is that many people don’t even consider telling their doctor about the supplements they’re taking. Some might view herbs as harmless and tasty teas, others read about their effect or get advice from the nature store’s clerk. Over all, most people neglect to research the effect, side effects and potential interactions with their diet, or prescription medications. About twenty years ago, the use of herbal medicine begun rising, and the past ten years it became very popular. Nowadays, people are taking herbal remedies for a wide variety of illnesses and symptoms. From migraine to cough or upset stomach, from depression to sleep disorders or joint pain. There are a lot of information out there about herbs, on the internet, in books, but few contains the side effects or their interactions with prescription medications. I could write a book on this subject, but due to limited space in this article, I will point out some of the dangerous interactions only. Hopefully, they will peak your interest, and you will do some research before considering taking supplements. Hopefully, you will encourage your family to do so as well.

First, let me tell you just one of my many stories I come across on a daily bases. I was shopping in a health food store, when I overheard the teenage clerk giving advice to this thin, frail, older lady. “You should take Black licorice. It’s very good for cold and cough.” he said and walked away. The lady tried, but gave up on reading the fine print on the bottle and put it in her basket. Looking at her, I noticed the tell tale bruises of Coumadin, and I just had a hunch that she might be in chronic Afib. I asked her, and she confirmed my suspicion, telling me that she’s taking Digoxin, Coumadin and Lopressor. I advised her not to take the Licorice because it contains the ingredient glycyrhizin. Taking it with Digoxin together can produce dangerously irregular heart rhythms and even in extreme cases, cardiac arrest. The combination can also cause dangerously low potassium levels, resulting numbing weakness, muscle pain and even paralysis. Licorice can also interact with blood pressure medication or any beta and calcium channel blockers. She was horrified, thanked me, and placed the bottle back on the shelf quickly. I found the young clerk and when I told him about the interaction, he turned pale. “I didn’t know, I‘m so sorry.” he mumbled. “I will never, ever give advice to anyone again. I will send them to their doctor.” he promised. I sent a long email to the store, they ignored it. The next time, I didn’t see the young clerk when I went shopping. There are a lot of herb-medication interactions that we are not aware of. The reason for that is not enough research and not enough education. I’d like to point out some of them:

Goldenseal: is used for coughs, stomach upsets, menstrual problems and even arthritis. However, the plant's active ingredient will raise blood pressure, complicating treatment for those taking antihypertensive medications, especially beta-blockers. For patients taking medication to control diabetes or kidney disease, this herb can cause dangerous electrolyte imbalance.

Ginkgo: increases blood flow and circulation throughout the body, it can also help to improve memory. However, it interacts with anti-coagulant medications, causing the blood to thin too much, provoking a serious bleeding disorder.

St. John's Wort: is a popular herb used for the treatment of mild depression. The active ingredient of St. John's Wort is hypericin that is believed to have a similar influence on the brain as the monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. This herb, taken with MAO inhibitors and SSRIs can lead to serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome range from shivering and diarrhea to severe symptoms such as muscle rigidity, fever and seizures. Severe serotonin syndrome can be fatal if it isn't treated. St John’s Wort taken with Digoxin reduces the serum concentration, decreasing the therapeutic effect. It may prolong the effect of anesthetic drugs. Decreases cyclosporin level, might cause transplanted organ rejection. It also reduces iron absorption because of its tannic acid content. It can alter INR, requiring increased dosage of Coumadin.

Ginseng: used to help reduce stress, boost energy and improve stamina, and may also help lower cholesterol. Ginseng can increase blood pressure, making it dangerous for those trying to keep their blood pressure under control. Ginseng, garlic or supplements containing ginger, when taken with Coumadin, can cause bleeding episodes. Coumadin dosing leaves little room for error, and patients taking it should never take any medication or supplemets before consulting a qualified health professional. In rare cases, ginseng may cause over stimulation, resulting in insomnia. Consuming caffeine with ginseng increases the risk of over stimulation and gastrointestinal upset. Long tern use of ginseng may cause menstrual abnormalities and breast tenderness in some women.

Primrose and Gingko: both lower seizure threshold, should be avoided when taking anti-seizure medications.

Echinacea: mostly taken as an immune boost to prevent cold and flu. However, taken for more then a few days can cause hepatoxicity, therefore should not be used with drugs known to elevate liver enzymes. Taken with Coumadin increases bleeding time without an increased INR. It can counteract immunosuppressant drugs as well.

Kelp: contains high amount of iodine, which may result in excess thyroid hormone levels if taken with hormone replacement medication.

Need advice taking herbs if you're taking medications as well? Visit my website at www.try-alternative-healing.com and ask for a consultation

User guide for our body

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 12:42:00 +0000

Erika Szabo ND

http://www.try-alternative-healing.com

http://www.doktorszaboerika.com

Just imagine, how much easier our lives would be if we were born with a “user guide”.

We buy a TV or washing machine, they come with instructions as to what to plug in and where, and we get instructions with our cars on what kind of gasoline or oils to use. What if we would know what to eat and how to live from the moment we were born in order to be healthy?

We each were born with a unique blueprint which dictates our physical shape, psychological character and our specific needs to stay healthy.

Nature has built a “user guide” into each of us to know what is good and what is bad for us, but we lose this information as we develop and grow to outside influences. Newborns and kids refuse certain types of foods, milk, certain vegetables and fruits by instinct. We explain this by “he’s just not used to it yet” and we keep giving it to them until they get “used to it” or eat it just to please us. We force the kids to lose their instincts because that’s what we learned and that’s what our specialists dictate to us. If we pay attention to these likes and dislikes, we discover a connection between different types of foods and different types of children.

In considerations of physical and mental abilities, we can define three basic types of people.

One type is stocky in build, dependable, and calm in nature. Usually they develop circulatory and respiratory illnesses.

The other type is athletic, logical and usually develops digestive problems.

The third is the artistic wanderer who is prone to among other things, depression.

Can we learn to use our abilities and weaknesses to our advantage? We certainly can. The abilities are built into us, we just have to discover them and use them. We can learn how to develop and increase our positive traits and lessen the negative ones. We can learn from our ancestor’s observations to find out who we are, what we need to do to achieve optimal health, prevent certain diseases and live happy and satisfied lives.

I published my User guide in Hungarian, a shorter English version available at Amazon. com

Side effects of Herbs

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 12:10:00 +0000

Erika Szabo ND

http://www.try-alternative-healing.com

http://www.doktorszaboerika.com

We are well aware of medication side effects, which are listed by the pharmacy where we fill a prescription. What about herbs? We drink herbal teas, take herbal capsules on regular bases for various ailments and symptoms. Very few of them contains a warning about interaction with medications, or with other herbs. Herb has side effects just like medications, and they can be as dangerous as medication side effects. Some examples:

Alfalfa

Widely used to prevent blood clotting, as an energy booster, appetite promoter and anti inflammatory for gout or arthritis.

Alfalfa seeds contain stachydrine and homostachydrine, which promote menstruation and in some cases can lead to miscarriage.

Since alfalfa contains vitamin K, if you have heart or blood disorders or are taking a medication such as Warfarin, avoid using it.

May cause stomach upset and diarrhea. Taking large quantities of alfalfa seeds over a long period of time, may lead to pancytopenia, which is a blood disorder that causes the deterioration of both platelets, responsible for blood clotting, and white blood cells, which fight infections.

Alfalfa contains saponins which is believed to destroy red blood cells. Anyone suffering from anemia should use alfalfa only under the strict direction of a licensed healthcare professional.

Alfalfa has been known to aggravate lupus and other autoimmune disorders.

Aloe

Known to be used for everything, the false information circulates that it cures all kind of diseases.

May result in allergic reactions, cramps or diarrhea. Used as a purgative, may cause hemorrhage, ulcers and irritated bowels.

May cause aloe induced hepatoxicity. (when the herb stopped, the liver function usually returns to normal, depending on the severity).

Angelica

Used for anemia, migraine and irregular menses.

Do not take arnica internally, it is poisonous and not for self-medication, as the plant may be toxic and cause skin irritations. Unless your doctor advises you otherwise.

Internal consumption can cause vomiting, weakness, high blood pressure, increased heart rate and nervous disturbances.

Astralagus

Used to treat night sweats, mucus membrane infections as well as energy tonic and immune stimulant for the treatment of cold and flu.

Caution should be used when taking astragalus at the same time as diabetic, high blood pressure, anti-viral, or blood-thinning medications because of the potential for increased effects.

Astragalus may interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Barberry

Side-effects can result from high dosages and may include gastrointestinal discomfort, dyspnea, lowered blood pressure, flu-like symptoms, and cardiac damage. Barberry usage should be avoided in pregnancy, due to potential for causing uterine contractions and miscarriage, and in jaundiced neonates because of its bilirubin displacement properties.

Bayberry

May cause allergic reaction similar to hay fever.

Black cohosh

Is one of the most popular herbal therapies for premenstrual discomfort, hot flushes and menopausal symptoms. Mostly, it is tolerated well. However, there are some serious adverse effects such as coagulation activation, fluid retention and transient autoimmune hepatitis most likely triggered by the use of black cohosh. Adverse reactions such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, mastalgia, and weight gain have been observed. Overdoses may produce nausea, vomiting, and dizziness, and may slow the heart rate or cause sweating, tremors, hypotension or joint pains. Normal dose may cause mild, transient stomach upset.

Black currant

Black currant seed oil has the ability to reduce prostaglandin production. Significant reductions in blood pressure was observed in trials, however, in high doses may cause stomach upset and severe headache. It may increase absorption of aluminum and it may lower seizure threshold.

Celery

Known to contain psoralens, a group of substances that cause a toxic dermal reaction on exposure to ultraviolet A rays (UVA).

Before you consider taking herbs, please do an extensive research of their effects, side effects and interactions with medications or ask the experts advice.

Consultation is available on my website, www.try-alternative-healing.com

Gene responsible for high calorie food craving

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 12:02:00 +0000

Erika Szabo ND

http://www.try-alternative-healing.com

http://www.doktorszaboerika.com

Interesting fact how each of us prefer different kind of foods. Some of us eat large amount of low calorie food, others small amount of high calorie food in order to maintain body weight.

Weight gain occur usually when the second group starts consuming larger and larger amount of the high calorie food and doing less and less physical activity to burn it.

The preference of high calorie food can be explained genetically, researchers discovered the gene responsible for craving of high calorie foods. People who have this gene are not satisfied or dislike the low calorie foods. It won?t cause any problem until the amount is under control and they physically active enough to burn the extra calories.

Our lifestyle differs from our ancestors; today we don?t really do hard labor in our everyday life such as hauling water from the stream, washing and hanging clothes by hand, cutting trees and splitting logs to heat the house, feeding animals or work in the fields and so on. Most everyday physical work is done by machines. We don?t need the high calorie food to keep us going, it stores in fat on our body.

There is no chance yet to turn off the gene but we can learn how to replace the craved high calorie foods and still be satisfied.

You can order the weight loss plan that includes these advices at www.try-alternative-healing.com website