- Region
- North America
- Origin
- North America
- Other names
- Ceder
North America · Herb · № 190
Thuja occidentalis
Herb · North America
Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis
Traditionally attributed effects: expels worms, astringent, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, stimulates muscles, antiseptic.
Safety notes
Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose. Not in pregnancy. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist. Avoid thuja oil: this essential oil is one of those best left out of homemade remedies entirely.
Cautions by tradition (2)
- Western herbalism: Not in pregnancy. Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
- Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) medicine: Contains thujone: not internally and not in pregnancy.
Preparation
Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
Use in traditions
In 1536 St. Lawrence Iroquoians, relatives of the Haudenosaunee, cured Jacques Cartier's crew of scurvy with a tea of the annedda, probably this tree; it is therefore called arbor vitae, 'tree of life'. The Haudenosaunee use the branches for steam baths against rheumatism. The Ojibwe use cedar as one of the four sacred medicines for purification. Eclectic physicians used it externally on warts. In herbal magic associated with healing, spirituality, purification and protection.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Expels worms, astringent, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, stimulates muscles, antiseptic.
Preparation and amount
Leaf tips.
Western herbalism
Attributed effects
Cleansing, stimulating, expectorant, astringent, antifungal, anti-inflammatory; loosens mucus (sinusitis, colds), for cystitis, warts and fungal infections; traditionally for tumours.
Preparation and amount
Traditionally used forms: tea, tincture.
Caution: Not in pregnancy. Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) medicine
Attributed effects
For rheumatism; to wash cuts, bruises and sprains.
Preparation and amount
Boil the branches for a steam or foot bath; the decoction as a wash.
Caution: Contains thujone: not internally and not in pregnancy.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Healing, spirituality, purification, protection, prosperity, harmony.
Home, kitchen and folk use
Attributed effects
Repels insects and vermin.
Preparation and amount
Fragrant wood as an offering; yellow cedar for hedges.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)DecoctionTinctureSteam and bath