Biological Name: Thuja occidentalis

Family: Cupressaceae

Other Names: Thuja, Western Hemlock

Elements Applied: Young twigs are commonly applied in herbal medicine.

Active Components: Volatile oil which contains tannin, thujone; mucilage; and flavonoid glycoside.

Used For: The plant is known to induce expectoration, boost metabolic rates, induce urination, and treat bacterial infections.

Thuja’s positive effects on one’s health originate from its volatile oil. Treating bronchial inflammations, Thuja executes a stimulating action upon your heart, if it has weakened with the disease, in addition to promoting expectoration. Thuja is not recommended in cases where coughs are accompanied by hyperstimulation, and irritation.

Thuja is capable of effecting uterine tissues, for which reason it may induce menstruation if necessary, but should thus be avoided by pregnant women. Thuja is also recommended for enuresis, associated with lack of muscle tone. Additionally, it can be applied to relieve rheumatism and psoriasis. As a topical remedy it will help heal warts. It relieves fungal infections, particularly if applied externally for thrush and ringworm.

Warning! Pregnant women are not recommended to use Western Hemlock.

According to David Hoffman, Western Hemlock can be applied in the following cases: as a topical remedy for cancer pains and cancer itself. There are several anecdotal reports concerning its efficacy with regard to these conditions. Thuja is also a stimulating remedy for glands, including their structure and activity. It hasn’t yet been discovered what action lies behind this positive effect, but the herb should be necessarily used in cases, associated with gland dysfunctions, as it is safe to employ in any condition, related to body glands, in addition to acting in a direct character.

Thuja is primarily used to boost metabolic rates, and is beneficial in treating diathetic diseases of the blood. It is also stated to produce a direct action, when it comes to abnormal growing structures, like certain skin diseases related to its cell structure and other similar conditions. For this reason the herb is prescribed for treating tumors in the mucous membranes or skin. Additionally, the herb affects inflammatory discharges, which are produced by inflamed glands under any condition. It is particularly applied for urinary tract irritation in children and older people. It stimulates the bladder and the sphincter.

Applied as a topical remedy Thuja produces a feeling of tingling and smarting, especially when spread over open wounds or sores, and is commonly aided by water, in a proportion of 1:2 or 1:4, or by a non-alcoholic extract, intended to act as an ointment, in the similar proportions. The remedy can be applied as an antiseptic and stimulating ointment to gangrenous, phagedenic or indolent ulcers. It can be effectively used in open ulcers, like bed sores, depending on the level of general or local nerve exhaustion. It is also beneficial for recurrent skin conditions of special or common character. It is added to remedies for nasal polypi and nasal inflammations in general. An inconsiderable quantity taken internally four of five times per day will help reduce and heal abnormal structures completely. It can be used for treating phagenena or sloughing wounds. It may also be employed to treat ganrene specific of the old age. It provides dryness in the gangrenous surfaces, without leading to hemorrhage, as well as eliminates unpleasant smell.

The herb is particularly useful in curing urinary conditions in young and senile people. It is especially valuable in treating nocturnal enuresis, induced by impaired functionality of the urinary organs. It may be applied in case of feeble sphincter as a result of paralysis, mostly in senile patients, in addition to enuresis, particularly accompanied by loss of control when sneezing and coughing. In acute conditions of nocturnal enuresis, it is used together with Rhus aromatica and belladonna. Western Hemlock is commonly prescribed to old men with recurrent prostatitis. It strengthens the neck of the bladder. It strengthens the muscles of the bladder and acts positively on the mucous membranes of the urinary system. Additionally, it promotes secretion in kidney tubules, acting on the epithetical cells found there.

Western Hemlock is also applied for treating the conditions of bronchial tubes, particularly their mucous membranes. It is valuable for the sore throats accompanied by ulcers, which produce bad-smelling secretions. It may be used as an inhalant in chronic nasal inflammations, bronchitis accompanied by offensive excretions, bronchorrhea, and recurrent bronchitis. The herb may also relieve bleeding, occurring in the above mentioned conditions. There are anecdotal reports of positive effect on spermatorrhea. Western Hemlock is also prescribed for balanitis associated with cystitis. It is also used in case of burning in the urinary passage, as well as local sores in the neck of the bladder or the urethra, or in case the bladder can only hold little urine in it, triggering frequent micturation at night. It may be effectively used for verucca on the rectum or genital organs, especially of combined with a gently-acting escharotic. Rectum prolapse, particularly associated with paralysis, can also be treat using herb injections. Having recovery properties this herb will restore the tissues.

Preparation and Intake: To prepare an infusion, take a teaspoon of dry herb extract for a cup of boiling water and steep for ten to fifteen minutes. The result is taken thrice per day. In form of tincture the herb is applied thrice per day.

Safety: Warning! The herb should be avoided by pregnant women. There is no further data concerning the plant’s safety level. It is possible that the herb interacts with the medicine you use. Speak to your health-care provider before using the remedy.