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Thuja Herb - Uses And Side Effects

Some people believe thuja tree extracts may be a cancer remedy. Active components of thuja come from the needles and young twigs of the white cedar, Thuja occidentalis. This common, cone-bearing evergreen is native to eastern North America.

Common doses of Thuja

Thuja comes as liquid extract and tincture. Some experts recommend the following doses:

• As an infusion, place 1 teaspoon of dried herb in 1 cup of boiling water. Let stand 10 to 15 minutes and take orally three times daily.
• As a tincture, 1 to 2 milliliters taken orally three times daily.

Uses of Thuja herb

Specifically, thuja may help to :-

• AIDS
• As an antiseptic
• Cancer
• Fluid retention
• To help expel mucus from the lungs

Side effects of Thuja

Call your health care practitioner if you experience any of these possible side effects of thuja:

• asthma
• intestinal gas
• digestive upset
• seizures
• excitability
• stomach irritation.

Thuja also can stimulate the uterus, possibly leading to miscarriage.

Interactions

Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Tell your health care practitioner about any prescription or nonprescription drugs you're taking, especially caffeine or other stimulants.

Don't use thuja if you take drugs to treat seizures.

Important points to remember

• Don't use thuja if you're pregnant-it may cause miscarriage.
• Avoid thuja if you're breastfeeding.
• Be aware that thuja may increase the risk of seizures if taken with a drug used to control seizures.
• Don't use thuja if you have ulcers or gastritis (irritation of the stomach lining).

What the research shows

Scientific evidence doesn't back up medicinal claims for thuja. More studies must be done to evaluate the herb's effects in people with cancer and AIDS. As for thuja's traditional uses as a diuretic and an expectorant, medical experts point out that safer alternatives are available.