Thuja Essential OilBotanical Nomenclature: Thuja occidentalis Characteristics of Thuja OilEssential oil made from thuja should be nearly clear with only hints of yellow to it. Thuja oil has a sharp camphorous scent not unlike oils made from other conifers.Psychological AromatherapyBecause of its thujone content, which can approach 80%, thuja essential oil is not considered safe for use in aromatherapy. When consumed, thuja oil acts as a neurotoxin.Traditional Uses for ThujaTraditionally, thuja infusions have been both as a medicine and as a wash for wounds. There is some evidence that some Native Americans used thuja teas to address gout, headache a variety of infections. As a wash, thuja infusions were used to treat warts, ringworms and rashes.Serious Medical Studies on Thuja OilVarious preparations made from, or containing, thuja have been looked at scientifically and a number of these studies have suggested that thuja may have some immune stimulating actions.Unfortunately, in preparation for this article, we could find no studies specifically looking at thuja oil for any specific medical condition. However, one study of note found that thuja oil may have potent antibacterial and anti-yeast actions. This 2001 study, which was not performed on humans, found that thuja oil made from a related species, T. plicata, demonstrated anti-microbial actions when tested against some of the most common infections, including Candida albicans.
Safety IssuesThuja oil contains three ketones known to be toxic to humans. These are thujone, fenchone and camphor. The presence of these chemicals have led to thuja oil being placed on "hazardous" lists of several prominent aromatherapists.In 2007, a 7-month-old infant was treated for seizures after his parents gave him a homeopathic remedy containing thuja to calm him during his immunizations. The report of this child's seizure supports the findings of a 1981 study which also identified thuja and thuja oil as having what that study's authors called "convulsant properties" and "neurotoxicity".
References: Battaglia, S. (2003). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. Naser, B., et al. (2005). Thuja occidentalis (Arbor vitae): A Review of its Pharmaceutical, Pharmacological and Clinical Properties. Johnston, W. (2001). Antimicrobial activity of some Pacific Northwest woods against anaerobic bacteria and yeast. Stafstorm, C. (2007). Seizures in a 7-month-old child after exposure to the essential plant oil thuja. Millet, Y., et al. (1981). Toxicity of some essential plant oils. Clinical and experimental study. Leave Thuja Essential Oil & return to Hazardous Oils page.
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