Thuja Thuja occidentalis
- Common Names
- Thuja oil , Arborvitae, tree of life, white cedar, yellow cedar, American cedar
- Botanical Name
- Thuja occidentalis
- Family
- CUPRESSACEAE
Medicinal Uses & Benefits of Thuja Oil
How to Use|
Side Effects |
Plant & Garden|
Aromatherapy Oil |
- Medicinal Uses: * Amenorrhea
* Athletes Foot/Ringworm
* Bronchitis
* Psoriasis
* Rheumatoid_arthritis
* Scabies
- Properties: * Abortifacient * Antibacterial * Antirheumatic * Aromatic * Astringent * Coagulant/Hemostatic * Depurative * Diaphoretic * Expectorant * Nervine * Refrigerant * Styptic * Vermifuge
- Parts Used: Leaves and young twigs
- Constituents: volatile oil (comprising up to 65% thujone, also fenchone, borneol, limonene, pinene, camphor, myrcene), flavonoids, glycoside, mucilage,tannin
How to Use: Thuja
The tips of the leaves of cedar, Thuja occidentalis, are useful in skin washes and baths to address skin problems like psoriasis and infectious skin diseases such as scabies. Thuja may also be used in hot compresses and steam baths to ease rheumatism, arthritis, and achy muscles. A tea made from the leaves is used as a stimulating expectorant that is useful for treating bronchitis, colds, and other respiratory problems, 1but is not the first choice on the herbalist's shelf because of possible toxic and allergic reactions. Thuja essential oil has an even greater concentration of thujone and many aromatherapists prefer to substitute juniper berry or cypress oil, which have similar benefits and properties, in skin care applications.
Preparation Methods & Dosage :The leaves have an aromatic flavor and scent, and may be used with caution as a tea and skin wash.
Thuja Remedies
Thuja : Essential Oil Profile
Thuja oil has a camphoraceous, fruity aroma that gives a lift to the emotions and clears stale air when used in room diffusers. The oil has antibacterial and constricting properties when used externally on skin, and may be a skin irritant. Thuja oil should not be used in during pregnancy.
Thuja Side Effects: Not to be used in pregnancy. The oil contains thujone, which has a high toxicity,so the herb should only be taken in small doses for short periods of time. Thuja should be used as prescribed by a qualified practitioner.
Plant Description
- Plant Class:Evergreen Tree
- Leaves: The scale leaves are arranged in alternating decussate pairs in four rows along the twigs
- Cones: overlapping, thin, leathery scales, each scale bearing 1 - 2 small seeds with a pair of narrow lateral wings.
- Distribution:North America, Eastern Asia. Thuja's common names white cedar, yellow cedar, cedar leaf oil, cause confusion because it is not a cedar, but a conifer member of the Cupressaceae or cypress family.
Regional Traditions :North America *
History and Traditions & Folklore
The name Thuja is a latinized form of a Greek word meaning 'to fumigate,' or thuo ('to sacrifice'), for the fragrant wood was burnt by the ancients with sacrifices. The tree was described as 'arbor vita ' by Clusius, who saw it in the royal garden of Fontainebleau after its importation from Canada. It was introduced into Britain about 1566. 1
Works CitedAromatic, astringent, diuretic. The decoction has been used in intermittent fevers, rheumatism, dropsy, coughs, scurvy, and as an emmenagogue. The leaves, made into an ointment with fat, are a helpful local application in rheumatism.
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