Thuja occidentals, is an evergreen coniferous tree, in the cypress family Cupressaceous, which is native to the northeast of the United States and the southeast of Canada, but widely cultivated as an ornamental plant. The species was first described by Carol us Linnaeus in 1753, and the binomial remains current.

Thuja is a tree. The leaves and leaf oil are used as a medicine. Thuja is used for respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis, bacterial skin infections and cold sores. It is also used for painful conditions including osteoarthritis and nerve disorder that affects the face called trigeminal neuralgia.
Some people use Thuja to loosen phlegm (as an expectorant), to boost the immune system and to increase urine flow (as a diuretic). It has also been used to cause abortions.

Thuja is sometimes applied directly to the skin for joint pain, osteoarthritis and muscle pain. Thuja oil is also used for skin diseases, warts and cancer and as an insect repellent. In foods and beverages, Thuja is used as a flavoring agent. In manufacturing, Thuja is used as a fragrance in cosmetics and soaps.

This native of North America is a slow growing, narrow conifer with orange-brown bark and tiny, scale-like leaves that turn bronze in winter and have an apple scent when crushed.

Flowers consist of minute black male cones and erect yellow-green ovoid female cones that turn brown and pendulous when ripe. Thuja was used as incense by ancient civilizations. A decoction of the leaves has been used for coughs, fever, intestinal parasites, venereal diseases and cystitis, while an ointment made of it has been used for rheumatism, gout and warts.

Thuja oil contains thujone which is toxic and constitutes a neurotoxin which can lead to spasms, convulsions, diarrhea and gastro-enteritis. An herbal infusion of the twigs may produce abortion by reflex action on the uterus from severe gastro-intestinal irritation.

Benefit & Uses: Thuja essential oil is widely known for its efficacy. It is extracted from coniferous trees and is usually found in gardens and parks. It is a decorative plant and has been used since times immemorial for its fruity aroma and the curing of convulsions, spasms and gastrointestinal tract.

Thuja essential oil in all its forms, it can help you fight arthritis, rheumatism and gout in the most effective of ways. The uric acid that is there in the muscles and joints because of the ailments gets detoxified. It helps in the blood circulation and gets the much needed oxygen to the tissues and organs.

Thuja essential oil is that it strengthens hair and avoids hair loss. The use of the Thuja essential oil allows the right kind of astringent qualities and allows the blood to flow into the scalp which makes it far stronger. This stimulates the follicles which allow the hair to have more strength and not fall.

Thuja essential oil also helps to reduce weight and the formation of kidney stones. The use of Thuja essential oil is used as a detoxifier which enables the body to eliminate the toxins in the form of urine. This helps in the stopping of the formation of calculi and kidney stones. It also treats in regulating the menstrual cycle. The use of Thuja essential oil allows the secretion of estrogen in the right way and helps the uterus to be healthy. This will result in periodic menstruation. It can also control cough as the use of Thuja essential oil is able to dislodge the phlegm in the chest. It clears the air passages and brings on a better breathing.

Thuja essential oil can go on to improve indigestion. It acts as a stimulant and makes the digestive juices and enzymes more active. It also kills the worms in the gut. This is one unique health benefits of Thuja essential oil that allows it to kill parasites in the stomach and body.

 

Thuja essential oil is not to be used by lactating and pregnant women. The high ketenes that are present in the oil can lead to uterine contractions which might result in an abortion.