Thuja’s main action is related to its content of stimulating volatile oil. In bronchial catarrh, thuja promotes expectoration and provides systemic stimulation that is especially beneficial when heart weakness is also part of the picture. However, thuja should be avoided in cases in which cough is due to overstimulation (for example, dry, irritable coughs).
Thuja has a specific reflex action on the uterus and may help with delayed menstruation. Because of this property, however, the herb is best avoided during pregnancy. Thuja may also be used for ordinary incontinence due to loss of muscle tone. It has a role to play in the treatment of psoriasis and rheumatism when used internally.
Externally, it may be effective against warts and demonstrates a marked antifungal activity against ringworm and thrush.
Botanical Name
Thuja Occidentalis
Part Used
Leaf
Common Names
A’Fus, American Arbor Vitae, Tree of life, Arbor Vitae, Arborvitae, American Arborvitae, Bati Mazizi, Eastern Arborvitae, False White Cedar, Hackmatack, Mazi Aghaji, Mazu, Northern White-Cedar, Po, Tree Of Life, Umur Aghaji, Western Arbor Vitae, Yellow Cedar, American White Cedar, Northern white cedar, Tuja, livsträd, vanlig tuja (Swedish); Austamerikansk tuja (Norwegian); Almindelig Thuja (Danish); Kanadalainen elämänpuu (Finnish); Abendländischer Lebensbaum (German); Thuja de Canada, Arbre de vie, Arbre de paradis (French); Tuja, Albero della vita (Italian); O mur ag (Turkish)
Brief History
The botanical name of Thuja is derived from a Greek word meaning to fumigate. In pre-Christian times it was customary to burn sweet-scented thuja wood during sacrificial rites and to ward off evil spirits. The tree was introduced into France from Canada and planted in the grounds of the royal palace at Fontainebleau.
Many Native American peoples prized thuja as a medicine for fever, headaches, coughs, swollen hands, and rheumatic problems. The 19th-century Eclectic herbalists used it as a remedy for bronchitis, rheumatism, and uterine cancer. It has also been used to treat the side effects of the smallpox vaccination.
Constituents
Thujone, flavonoids
Therapeutic Properties
Nerve stimulant. Stimulates uterus and heart muscles. Expectorant. Diuretic. Astringent. Counter irritant.
Vitalist Properties
Temperature: Cool
Moisture: Dry
Therapeutic Indications
Bronchitis with cardiac weakness. Warts. oral and topical use. Reported to be of value as an anti-carcinomatous agent. Counteracts ill effects of smallpox vaccination.
Primary Uses
Anti-viral, Warts, Cancer.
Thuja has an established antiviral activity. It is most often used to treat warts and polyps, being prescribed both internally and externally for these conditions. It is also
used as part of a regime for treating cancer – especially cancer of the uterus.
Respiratory Infections
Thuja makes an effective expectorant and decongestant remedy and may be used to treat acute bronchitis and other respiratory infections.
Dosage (Divided Daily)
• Dried Herb: 3,000 – 6,000mg
• Liquid Extract: 3 – 6mL (1:10 liquid extract)
Contraindications
In pregnancy may cause abortion by reflex uterine contractions. Do not use if breastfeeding.
Side effects
Not for long-term use
Interactions with other drugs
None known
Bibliography
- Bone, K. (2003). A clinical guide to blending liquid herbs: Herbal formulations for the individual patient. St. Louis, MI: Churchill Livingstone.
-
Chevallier, A. (2000) Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine.
-
Herbalpedia (2013)
- BHMA (1983) British Herbal Pharmacopeia.
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