How to Use Thuja: Medicinal Uses, Benefits, and Risks

How to Use Thuja: Medicinal Uses, Benefits, and Risks
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Thuja and Its Uses

Thuja is an evergreen conifer in the Cupressaceae family, along with juniper and redwood trees. The young twigs are an effective herbal remedy for a number of ailments, as they are rich in stimulating volatile oils, such as thujone. The medicinal uses of thuja are also due to flavonoid glycosides, mucilage, and tannins, making this versatile herb an expectorant, a smooth muscle stimulant, a diuretic, astringent, diaphoretic, and alternative. The primary thuja uses are due to its stimulating and cleansing volatile oils. This herb sets off a reflex in the uterus, making it a useful treatment for delayed menstruation. At the same time, thuja should be completely avoided during pregnancy as it could potentially encourage premature contractions.

It is also beneficial for bronchial problems, congestion, and coughs as it encourages the removal of excess mucous from the respiratory system. As a potent alternative, thuja allows the body to restore balance naturally when ill by helping eliminate toxins, through the skin by sweating, and from the blood. In this way, one can learn how to use thuja to treat fevers, acne, psoriasis, eczema, and rheumatism.

Thuja also has external uses. It is an ideal herbal remedy for warts. The viral infection is generally swiftly taken care of by dabbing on a thuja tincture several times a day.

How to Use Thuja

Knowing how to use thuja is much like understanding how to utilize other healing herbs. Thuja can be made into an herbal infusion. Pour one cup of boiling water over one teaspoonful of the dried thuja twigs. Cover and let sit for about ten minutes. When treating pulmonary conditions, thuja can be combined with other herbs such as senega or lobelia. For eczema, psoriasis, acne, and rheumatism, blend other blood cleansers such as red clover or burdock root with thuja, if desired. Drink from one to three cups daily.

An alternative to thuja tea is to use the herb in tincture form. Mix one dropperful of a thuja tincture with a glass of juice. Take this in the morning and in the evening.

Although this herb is not advised for pregnant women, knowing how to use thuja for other common ailments can increase vitality and combat these chronic disorders.

Sources:

Hoffmann, David. “The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal.” (Element Books, 1996).

photo credit: Ndrwfgg

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