Thuja occidentalis

An evergreen conifer native to North America, now established in Europe, belongs to the cypress family. Maximum height 15-20 m, small scale-like, evergreen leaves with resin glands on the underside.

Twig tips from 2 to 3 m high bushes from controlled cultivation are used phytotherapeutically.

Numerous studies have shown an antiviral and immunostimulating effect such as stimulation of the production of cytokines (especially TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1 activity in serum) and antibodies, activation of macrophages, proliferation of granulocytes, stimulation of CD 4 - positive lymphocytes. It should be noted that the studies always examined combination preparations with other immunostimulating plants.

HMPC: not processed

ESCOP: not processed

Commission E: not processed

Empirical medicine: bronchial catarrh, enuresis, cystitis, psoriasis, uterine carcinomas, amenorrhea and rheumatism - warts

Evidence-based phytotherapy in combination with other immunomodulating plants (Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea pallida, Baptisia tinctoria) for acute and chronic infections of the upper respiratory tract. Adjuvant to antibiotics for severe bronchitis, pharyngitis, otitis media, sinusitis. These studies showed an antiviral and immunostimulating effect such as stimulation of the production of cytokines (especially TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1 activity in serum) and antibodies, activation of macrophages, proliferation of granulocytes.

Homeopathically in dilutions internally and externally.

In the cosmetics industry: see under Thuja occidentalis extract (INCI)

Essential oils, including camphene, borneol, thujone, lime. Also coumarins and flavonoids.

Thuja is used internally and externally for viral warts. Casuistics report good results, well-founded studies have not been able to confirm any significant healing to date, further studies must be awaited.

In empirical medicine: bronchial catarrh, enuresis, cystitis, psoriasis, uterine carcinomas, amenorrhea and rheumatism. Formerly also used in overdose as a contraceptive and abortifacient.

Mucous membrane irritation, abdominal pain, vomiting, isolated cases: rheumatic symptoms. In case of overdose: metabolic disorders, liver and kidney damage with lethal outcome, chronic CNS disorders.

Low doses (1.5 to 3.85 mg) show no, respectively very low side effects.

The EMA has recommended the daily dose of thujone, which is contained in several plants, to a maximum of 3.5 mg.

Pregnancy and lactation; allergy to thuja or any ingredient.

DHU Thuja mother tincture, mixed preparation: ^Esberitox®

Thuja ^oligoplex®

1. Naser B et al. (2005) Thuja occidentalis (Arbor vitae): A Review of its Pharmaceutical, Pharmacological and Clinical Properties. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2(1):69-78. doi: 10.1093/ecam/neh065. Epub 2005 Feb 9. PMID: 15841280; PMCID: PMC1062158.
2. Joseph R et al. (2013) Successful treatment of verruca vulgaris with Thuja occidentalis in a renal allograft recipient. Indian J Nephrol. 23:362-364. doi: 10.4103/0971-4065.116316. PMID: 24049274; PMCID: PMC3764712.
3. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/mrl-report/thuja-occidentalis-summary-report-committee-veterinary-medicinal-products_en.pdf
4. https://www.deutsche-apotheker-zeitung.de/daz-az/2006/daz-30-2006/uid-16260
5. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/public-statement/draft-public-statement-use-herbal-medicinal-products-containing-thujone_en.pdf
6. https://heilkraeuter.de/lexikon/lebensbaum.htm