Thuja is a type of evergreen tree that is native to eastern North America. The aerialaerialplant parts appearing above ground (above ground) parts of the tree are used in herbal medicine. The leaves of the thuja tree contain an active ingredient called thujone.
Oral thuja is traditionally used in herbal medicine as an expectorantexpectorantan agent that thins mucus (phlegm) so that it can be absorbed or coughed up (a medication that helps clear mucusmucusa moist and sticky substance produced by the mucous membranes from the airways).
Topical thuja is used in traditional herbal medicine to remove warts on the hands and feet or to help treat fungal infections (e.g., ringworm).
Thuja has been used for many other conditions, including bronchitis, coughs, bacterial and viral infections (e.g., strep throat, herpes simplex virus), muscle pain, osteoarthritis, and trigeminal neuralgia (chronic and severe pain affecting a large nerve in the head). It can also be used as a diureticdiuretican agent that increases urine flow (increases urination) and to induce abortions.
However, thuja has not been shown to effectively treat the conditions it has been used for and additional studies are needed to confirm its benefits.
Your health care provider may have recommended this product for other conditions. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.
Oral thuja is traditionally used in herbal medicine as an expectorantexpectorantan agent that thins mucus (phlegm) so that it can be absorbed or coughed up (a medication that helps clear mucusmucusa moist and sticky substance produced by the mucous membranes from the airways).
Topical thuja is used in traditional herbal medicine to remove warts on the hands and feet or to help treat fungal infections (e.g., ringworm).
Thuja has been used for many other conditions, including bronchitis, coughs, bacterial and viral infections (e.g., strep throat, herpes simplex virus), muscle pain, osteoarthritis, and trigeminal neuralgia (chronic and severe pain affecting a large nerve in the head). It can also be used as a diureticdiuretican agent that increases urine flow (increases urination) and to induce abortions.
However, thuja has not been shown to effectively treat the conditions it has been used for and additional studies are needed to confirm its benefits.
Your health care provider may have recommended this product for other conditions. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.
Although thuja appears to be safe when used in small amounts that are sometimes found in foods (it is sometimes used as a flavouring agent), it may not be safe to use as a medication or supplement, since very little is known about it.
Large doses of thuja have caused side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gut irritation, and bleeding from membranes lining the body (e.g., the skin lining the inside of the mouth). There have also been reports of asthma attack, liver and kidney damage, seizures, and death from taking more than the recommended amount of thuja.
Do not use thuja if you have gastrointestinal problems such as intestinal ulcers and stomach inflammation.
If the symptoms being treated with thuja persist or become worse, consult a health care provider.
Do not use thuja if you are pregnant. See your doctor first before using thuja if you are breast-feeding.
Thuja leaves contain an oil called thujone, which may cause convulsions, liver and kidney damage, muscle spasms, and hallucinations if taken orallyorallyto be taken by mouth (swallowed). If you are taking other herbs or natural products that have thujone, talk to your health care provider before using thuja. Herbs that may contain thujone include:
See your doctor if you have diabetes or poor blood circulation before applying thuja on the skin.
Do not take thuja if you have epilepsy or are taking anticonvulsant medications (i.e., medication that prevents seizures).
Do not take thuja if you are taking medications that may lower your seizure threshold (i.e., medications that increase your risk of having a seizure). Medications that can lower the seizure threshold include:
Before taking any new medications, including natural health products, speak to your physician, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Tell your health care provider about any natural health products you may be taking.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2020. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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