There are many different uses of thuja in homeopathy, though the plant extract is perhaps most commonly used as a treatment for skin problems, issues with the female reproductive system and menstruation, and as a non-invasive treatment for a range of respiratory concerns. It is sometimes also recommended as something of an antidote for the harsh treatments undergone by many cancer patients, and might also help reduce the negative side effects of many vaccines, particularly in children. Many practitioners see it as something of a cure-all, and it has historically been used for almost every sort of complaint. Common conditions like headaches, toothaches, acne, bacterial infections, and hair loss may benefit from the use of thuja, and mental health problems like depression and stress can also be treated with it. A lot depends on the practitioner, the patient, and the range of other options available.
Medicinal Basics and History
Thuja is the name of a genus of evergreen tree native to North America. It is in the cypress family, and often goes by the name “white cedar.” The homeopathic remedy that carries the “thuja” name is usually made from the twigs and needles of that tree. Sometimes these are brewed fresh into a tea or other medicinal tincture, or they might be ground or extracted chemically and put into pill or capsule form.
Native Americans in the United States and in Canada are thought to have been the first to use extracts from this tree to help improve health and relieve the symptoms of many different illnesses, including coughing, menstrual problems, malaria, and headaches. When settlers came from Europe, they began to utilize the medicinal properties of the white cedar as well.
Skin Conditions
One of the most common uses of thuja in homeopathy is to treat skin ailments. In these cases, the extract is most commonly used in conjunction with lotions or creams, and is rubbed directly on the skin. It is used by many people to get rid of several different types of warts, for instance; age spots, which appear as brown patches on the skin, are also often treated with this type of homeopathic remedy. Dry skin conditions like eczema might also benefit from thuja application.
Female Reproductive Issues
When brewed as a tea, thuja is a common remedy for a range of problems with a woman’s menstrual cycle. Periods that come early, too frequently, or otherwise irregularly can often be normalized with regular treatments, and the tincture can sometimes also help relieve cramps and bloating. Some women have taken thuja to treat and get rid of cysts that have developed on their ovaries, too.
Some of the urogential issues that can be treated with thuja may include urinary infections, swollen urethras, and vaginal infections. This remedy may also be used to treat certain sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and herpes.
Respiratory Problems
Respiratory problems like sinusitis and bronchitis are also good candidates for homeopathic thuja treatments. It’s often most effective with respiratory issues that are chronic, and its anti-inflammatory properties frequently make it a good choice for people who suffer from asthma. Sometimes teas are used for these purposes, particularly if the condition is accompanied by a cough — the hot steam from tea can often be a soothing part of the remedy. It’s also common for homeopathic practitioners to prescribe capsules or powdered supplements for patients with respiratory ailments, since these often provide higher concentrations and can begin working more quickly.
To Counteract Other Treatments
It’s also relatively common for homeopathic practitioners to recommend this supplement to people who are going through other aggressive medical treatments, particularly those associated with cancer. Thuja is believed to decrease the side effects that are often associated with chemotherapy and radiation, for instance. There is some evidence linking it to the relief of mental health issues, too, and as such it may also be able to help cancer patients who are struggling with depression.
Some homeopathic physicians might also recommend giving a dose of thuja to children who are going to be vaccinated. In these cases the treatment is intended to prevent any bad side effects, like fever or swelling, that might occur because of the vaccine. There isn’t usually a risk of the supplement interacting with the active ingredients in the inoculation, though parents are usually wise to check with the vaccine administrator before dosing their child to avoid any unforeseen risks.