Thuja, scientific name Thuja Occidentalis, is a coniferous tree. It is widely seen in parks and gardens as a decorative plant. Thuja also has various therapeutic uses. Ancient people used to burn aromatic woods of thuja along with sacrifices. The oil of thuja has a fruity aroma and contains thujone that is highly toxic when inhaled in excess. It can lead to convulsion, spasms, irritation in the gastrointestinal tracts, etc.
Benefits of Thuja Essential Oil:
Carolus Clusius, noted botanist, called thuja the ‘tree of life’. Native Americans used to make baskets, perfumes, canoes with the thuja plant.
Listed below are some health benefits of Thuja essential oil:
- Relief Against Arthritis, Rheumatism and Gout: Deposition of uric acid in the muscles and joints together with insufficient blood circulation can lead to arthritis and rheumatism. The essential oil of thuja can help treat both conditions – by detoxifying the body and improving blood circulation. As a diuretic agent, the thuja essential oil can remove uric acid, toxic substances, excess water and salts from the body through the urine, thus detoxifiying the system. As a stimulant, it can improve blood circulation so that there is adequate supply of oxygen to the tissues and organs.
- Prevents Hair Loss, Strenghthens the Hold of Gums, etc: The essential oil of Thuja has astringic property. This means after mixing with the blood, the thuja oil can cause contraction of muscles, nerves, hair roots and blood vessels. The contractions can help the gums to have a firmer hold on teeth, muscles becoming firm. In addition, it can stimulate the hair follicles by giving a lift to the skin, thus preventing hair loss.
- Weight Reduction, Prevents Kidney Stones, Calculi: As a detoxifier, the essential oil of thuja can cause weight loss by removing excess fat and water from the body through urination. This can help in curing edema, swelling, etc. It can also lead to removal of calcium from the kidneys and the bladder. Thus preventing the formation of kidney stones and calculi.
- Treats Delayed Menstruation: As a stimulant, the essential oil of Thuja can promote the secretion of estrogen and progesteron in the uterus. Secretion of these female hormones can cure delayed menstruation and helps in maintaining a healthy uterus.
- Relief From Cough: The essential oil of Thuja can help in removing phlegm by relieving spasms and relaxing the walls of the respiratory tract muscles and the lungs. This can clear the chest and improve breathing.
- Improves Digestion: As a stimulant, the essential oil of Thuja can help in the secretion of digestive juices and enzymes into the stomach, leading to improved digestion.
- Helps Killing Worms Inside our Body: The presence of thujone in the Thuja essential oil can be highly toxic or destructive to worms such as tape worms, round worms, etc. residing in our body.
The thuja essential oil is not considered safe for lactating or for pregnant mothers as it can lead to abortion caused by reflex uterine contractions. The presence of three ketones – thujone, fenchone and camphor present in the essential oil makes it highly toxic. The essential oil of thuja should be used after being prescribed by a doctor.
» Filed Under Uncategorised
Leave a Reply
