The Amazing Benefits of Thuja Oil: A New Perspective on an Ancient Wonder
Welcome back to our series exploring the fascinating world of botanical extracts! Today, we will uncover the therapeutic benefits of Thuja (Thuja occidentalis or standishii). In this blog, we’ll take a look at the history of Thuja Oil and then we’ll see what experts say about its impact on well-being.
A Glimpse into Antiquity: Thuja
Thuja, is known by the scientific name Thuja occidentalis or standishii, dates back to 5000 BC, where it was mentioned on pre-historic stone tablets, as well as evidence of Egyptians use of Thuja for embalming during mummification processes due to their strong antimicrobial properties. Thuja plant species, classified under the broader cypress/cedar family (such as Thuja orientalis) was used in their practices and was considered sacred to ancient Egyptians, Romans and Greeks. It is native to the African region. The oil of Thuja is known for its natural pine fresh fragrance, antioxidant properties, nutrients, lubricate/emollient properties, and as an important active ingredient in today’s soap and cosmetic industries. It is also used for an excellent garden and Décor plant for borders, rock gardens and topiary shapes.
Description
Thuja (Thuja occidentalis or standishii) is a genus of coniferous trees or shrubs in the cypress family, Cupressaceae. There are five species, two native to North America and three native to Africa and eastern Asia. Thuja genus is most closely related to Thujopsis. Members are commonly known as arborvitaes (from the Latin term for ‘tree of life’), Thujas, or New world cedars. Thuja is an evergreen tree growing from 10 to 200 ft (3 to 61 m) tall, with stingy- textured reddish-brown bark. The shoots are flat, with side shoots only in a single plane. The leaves are scale-like and 1 to 10 mm long. It has male and female cones located at the tips of the twigs.
History of Thuja
As mentioned above, Thuja has been documented over 5,000 years ago. Thuja, (also spelled Thuya and Tjuyu), was the name of a famous 18th Dynasty Egyptian noblewoman, the mother of Queen Tiye and great grandmother of Tutankhamun. Thuja symbolizes birth, motherhood, and the concept of the Tree of Life. In lieu of ancient Egyptians, Roman and Greeks – they associated Thuja with sacred rituals. Traditionally, Thuja was also used to treat nutritional deficiencies, such as Scurvy (due to the high vitamin C content), respiratory infections, headaches, fevers, rheumatism and the wood for building.
Nutritional Benefits
The Thuja plant is known for it high concentration of vitamin C. Traditional cedar needle tea drunk by Indigenous peoples contain trace amounts of vitamin C (roughly 50mg per 100 grams). Thuja Oil helps to combat free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and may alleviate inflammatory issues like rheumatoid arthritis. Thuja is used for respiratory tracy infections such as bronchitis, bacterial skin infections and cold sores. The rich vitamin content and fatty acids keep skin hydrated, promotes wound healing of acne prone skin, skin irritants, insect bites (insect repellent), as well as reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Some studies shows that Thuja is used for painful conditions including osteoarthritis and nerve disorders that affect the face called trigeminal neuralgia. Thuja, when sometimes applied to the skin for joint pain, osteoarthritis, muscle pain, reduces inflammation. It is particularly rich in terpenoids, polyphenols, flavonoides (isoquercitrin, myricitrin, quercitrin, kaempferol, and amentoflavone), which helps neutralize free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Thuja Oil is also used for skin diseases, warts, skin tags, and cancerous tissues due to its cellular protection properties and bioactivity.
Skincare
Thuja and its active compounds offer powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties that help balance natural oil production, clear acne and/or blemishes, soothe irritation, reduces inflammation, redness, helps to clear to minor skin growths (skin tags), and promote healthy skin regeneration. Thuja Essential Oil helps protect the skin cells from harmful UV-induced damage, and prevents premature aging.
Hair Growth
Thuja Essential Oil offers powerful compounds which benefits hair care by stimulating blood flow to the scalp, reducing inflammation, and fighting microbes. Studies show it can help encourage hair re-growth and thickness – performing similarly to low strength minoxidil- while easing dry flaky scalp and/or dandruff. It increases circulation to the hair roots, providing more nutrients to the hair follicles. Reduces inflammation to the follicles, preventing less hair shedding or fall out. Protects from pollution, fungi, UV rays and free radicals while adding shine and luster!
Important Considerations
While Thuja Essential Oil story of use, modern clinical research is still in its early stages. The effects of Thuja Essential Oil can vary depending on the individual and the quality of the oil. Be sure to consult with a healthcare professional before using Thuja Essential Oil, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications. The legal status of Thuja Essential Oil varies from region to region. Be sure to check your local laws before purchasing or using this product.
Final Thoughts
Learning about Thuja Essential Oil offers a fascinating glimpse into the ancient world and its understanding of botanical medicine. While modern science is still exploring its full potential, the oil’s rich history and promising chemical composition suggest that it holds valuable benefits for the mind and body.
We hope you enjoyed this exploration of the ancient and wonderful Thuja Plant. Stay tuned for our next installment, where we’ll delve into another remarkable botanical extract!
Thuja Essential Oil is one of the fine ingredients found in the following Seeds of Life Elixirs:
Acne and Blemish Treatment Elixir
Beard and Mustache Conditioning Elixir
Hair Growth and Strengthening Elixir
Disclaimer
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always do a 30 minute patch test before applying any new oil to your skin. If you have any underlying skin conditions, consult with a dermatologist before using Thuja Essential Oil.
About the Author:
Hello, Bon Jour, Hola, Ciao, Halo, Namaste, Konnichiwa, Ola, Nin hao, Shikamoo, Guten Tag, Asalaam alaikum, Goddag, Yassas, Merhaba, Anyoung haseyo, Selamat siang Everyone! My name is Sheila Howard, Sr. Blog Specialist. I am thrilled to be embarking on this new chapter as a blogger for Seeds of Life Elixirs. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share my passion for natural wellness and delve into the fascinating world of botanical oils. I’m on a mission to rediscover the wisdom of our ancestors and I’m so excited to continue exploring the wonders of botanical oils with you. Stay tuned for future blog posts on other incredible oils and their amazing benefits.
