How I Took Remedy
When I received this assignment, I felt some dizziness, perspiration, and slight nausea. The search on ABC Homeopathy revealed that Ailanthus fits my symptoms (see Appendix 1). I ordered it from the same website and took in the form of pills once a day as the company representative recommended it. I took Ailanthus with some water during my breakfast for two weeks.
Effectiveness
Literature Review
This plant is widely distributed in western Asia and North America. It is not used in traditional medicine because of its poisonous nature if taken in a high dosage, but the roots, fruits, and leaves of this tree are used in homeopathy quite successfully. Introduced into the homeopathic practice by Göring and Lippe, Ailanthus is used to facilitate severe conditions with delirium, reddening of the skin, and the rash’s appearance. Hering (2016) emphasizes that typhus, streptococcal infection, severe forms of scarlet fever, measles, diphtheria, and follicular angina are the diseases, the symptoms of which can be relived with the help of Ailanthus. The main indications involve the nervous system, confusion of consciousness, perspiration, dizziness, headaches, etc.
At the same time, Posadzki, Alotaibi, and Ernst (2012) argue about the adverse impact of homeopathy and Ailanthus in particular. Conducting the systematic review, they claim that the contraindications and side effects of this plant may be rather dangerous for one’s health. For example, remedies and decoctions of Ailanthus are contraindicated in case of individual intolerance to plant components, allergies to plants, pregnancy, lactation, and childhood. Seeds and bark and leaf infusions of this tree are poisonous in large quantities that make it critical to observe the recommended dosage. More to the point, Posadzki et al. (2012) consider that there is no extensive research that proves the effectiveness of Ailanthus. From the point of modern medicine, it is impossible to discuss the effectiveness of any diagnosis and treatment method without the evidence base. Clinical studies, preferably multicenter, randomized, and placebo-controlled, should be provided, and a systematic review and meta-analysis are to be conducted on them (Posadzki et al., 2012). After that, one can assert that this or that method of treatment, in particular, Ailanthus is effective.
Personal Views
Taking the given remedy for two weeks, I felt some relief. My dizziness became almost imperceptible, and there was no perspiration after one week of treatment with Ailanthus. However, I would like to note that I tried to be relaxed and walk for hours to improve my health. I believe that it was a complex of measures that helped me to feel better. I partially agree with both Posadzki et al. (2012) and Hering (2016). Ailanthus may be effective in proper dosage and potency, yet its effectiveness is not proven clinically and, therefore, it cannot be regarded as fully effective.
My Friend’s Experience
My female friend also felt some dizziness and headache and took Ailanthus in pills for two weeks. She noted that not only the mentioned symptoms were eliminated, but also her mood became more positive. In her opinion, the latter is also the impact of Ailanthus as he did not take any other remedy. This is consistent with Raja (2015), who reflects on the importance of herbal medicine regarding woman body. My friend stated that she would recommend Ailanthus to her aunt, who suffers from migraine for a long time, and her grandfather, who experiences excessive sweating.