Thuja

Arbor vitae / Tree of Life / White Cedar

Thuja occidentalis

Arbor vitae was used by American Indians as a source of hard-wearing wood and of herbal medicine for fever, coughs, menstrual problems, headaches, and muscle and joint pain. European settlers later incorporated it into their herbal lore, and Thuja has also become a popular ornamental tree in European gardens. The remedy Thuja was proved by Hahnemann, and published in his Materia Medica Pura (1821-34).

Serious, sensitive people who are easily upset and feel that they are unlovable respond best to Thuja. They may try to present a pleasing image to the world but, if reactions are negative, they neglect their appearance, becoming secretive and depressed. Delusions about the body may be evident, as may fanatical ideas or paranoia, with a feeling that others are trying to manipulate them. They tend to sleep badly.

Thuja is used for skin and urogenital disorders, headaches, and respiratory or menstrual problems. Typically there is localized pain, exhaustion, and rapid weight loss. Symptoms may be due to health changes following a vaccination, or date back to a bout of gonorrhea.

Uses

Native Americans used the leaves and twigs to treat malaria, coughs, gout, and rheumatism, extracts of the tree have never been used in orthodox medicine. In aromatherapy, the essential oil of Thuja occidentalis is used to treat hair loss and acne.
As well as being a key remedy for warts, Thuja is used for other skin complaints, such as oily skin and to treat weak nails.
Physical symptoms it is given for include: offensive smelling perspiration; headaches brought on by stress, too much excitement or exhaustion; tooth decay and swollen gums; chronic greenish yellow or green phlegm; and loss of appetite in the morning. Thuja is also effective for menstrual cramps.

Skin conditions - large, "cauliflower" warts, and warts that weep, sting, or are on stalks. There may be scaly patches on covered body areas, itchy skin complaints, brown "age spots," and ridged, weak, or deformed nails. Thuja is widely used as an ointment for warts and verrucas.

Urogenital problems - swollen, inflamed urethra, with urine stream split and weak, and frequent strong urges to urinate, perhaps with trickling incontinence. In men, urethral infection is common, usually with a discharge and possibly affecting the prostate gland. In women, there may be vaginal infection, often with profuse discharge. Inflammation may spread through the pelvic area. Genital warts and herpes may develop, as may ulcers and uterine polyps. Thuja may also be given to treat suppressed gonorrhea.

Catarrh and sinusitis - chronic sinus or respiratory problems, usually with foul-smelling, green or yellow-green catarrh. Asthma may respond to Thuja, as may nasal polyps with thick, green, bloody mucus containing pus.

Menstrual problems - early or scant menstrual periods. There may be menstrual pain that is localized over the left ovary. Ovarian cysts may also respond to Thuja.