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Wiki
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| Common Names |
| Thuja , Arborvitae, tree of life, white cedar, yellow cedar, American cedar |
| Botanical Name |
| Thuja occidentalis |
| Family |
| CUPRESSACEAE Cypress Family |
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A tea made from the leaves is used as a stimulating expectorant that is useful for treating bronchitis, colds and other respiratory problems. Externally the infusion is used as a skin wash for skin diseases like psoriasis, and fungal infections. Thuja may also be used in hot compresses and steam baths to ease rheumatism, arthritis, and achy muscles. |
Prep Methods :Tea, incense, in ceremony, in sachets, and as an extract.
The leaves have an aromatic flavor and scent, and may be used with caution as a tea. The extract has antibacterial and constricting properties when used externally on skin, and may be a skin irritant.
Mountain Rose Herbs
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Thuja oil has a camphoraceous, fruity aroma
Thuja oil should not be used in aromatherapy, except by a qualified practitioner, and never for use during pregnancy. |
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| Skin infections, warts | | Externally, herbalists use an infusion of thuja as a wash for infectious skin diseases such as impetigo or scabies. An ointment is a reputed cure for warts. A hot compress eases rheumatic pains. 1286
(Mabey, Richard p56) | |
| 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. |
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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.
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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. Grieve, Maude Modern Herbal (1931) |
Common Misspellings:
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