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Information About The Herb Cedar/Thuja
Botanical Name: Thuja occidentalis, Thuja orientalis
Plant Family: Coniferae
Common Names: Arbor Vitae, False White Cedar, Thuia du Canada, Tree of Life, White Cedar, Yellow Cedar
Origin: It is found in swampy areas and along river banks from Quebec to Manitoba, south to Illinois and North Carolina and Pennsylvania in North America
History: The name Thuja comes from a Greek word 'to fumigate' or thuo, 'to sacrifice'.
The Native North American Indians used the herb to:
- promote menstruation
- reduce swelling
- relieve headache
- relieve heart pain
Tradition:
- The fragrant wood was burnt by the ancients with sacrifices
Contains:
- gelatinous matter
- Pinipicrin, bitter principle
- resin
- sugar
- tannic acid
- Thujin, yellow crystalline coloring matter
- volatile oil
- wax
The leaves and twigs produce a camphor like essential oil that contains:
- carvone
- fenchon
- pinen
- thujone
Medicinal Parts Used: Leafy young twigs, leaves, tops, oil
Thuja has been used for:
Female Conditions
- amenorrhea (absence of menstruation)
- Genitourinary Conditions
- dropsy
- gout
Respiratory Tract Conditions
- chronic coughs
- colds
- shortness of breath
Inflammatory Conditions
- rheumatism
Others
- intermittent fevers
- scurvy
Externally it may be used as an ointment for:
- rheumatism
- venereal warts
and Oil for:
- fungal growths
- muscular aches and pains
- removing warts
- rheumatism
- skin afflictions
Other Uses:
- cosmetics
- perfume
- scenting soaps
- the wood is used for light roofing timber, palings, fencing, etc.
Action:
- anthelmintic [an agent that destroys or expels intestinal worms and/or parasites; vermicide; vermifuge]
- aromatic [a substance having an agreeable odor and stimulating qualities]
- astringent [a binding agent that contracts organic tissue, reducing secretions or discharges of mucous and fluid from the body]
- diaphoretic [an agent that promotes perspiration]
- diuretic [an agent that increases the volume and flow of urine which cleanses the urinary system]
- emmenagogue [an agent that promotes menstrual flow]
- expectorant [an agent that promotes the discharge of mucous and secretions from the respiratory passages]
- heart stimulant [an agent that excites or quickens the functional activity of the tissues giving more energy]
- irritant [an agent that causes inflammation or irritation of the skin or internal tissue]
- vermifuge [an agent to expel parasitic worms, especially of the intestines]
Caution:
- The oil is highly toxic and should not be taken internally
- Should not be taken by pregnant women as it may cause miscarriage
Global Herbal Supplies has Cedar (also known as Thuja) available in the following forms
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
