Thuja

Thuja

(Thuja occidentalis)

This evergreen member of the cypress family with the botanic name Thuja also grows in North America. It is the dried tips and leaves of one- to two-year-old shoots that are used. Thuja has antiviral effects and is used to treat acute and chronic respiratory illnesses.

Thuja (Thuja occidentalis)

Botany

The parent plant, Thuja occidentalis L., belongs to the family Cupressaceae (cypress). The woody plant is native to North America, where it can grow up to 30 m tall. In Germany, however, it typically reaches a height of 6-10 m. The twigs are flat, compressed and highly branched. The young twigs and twig tips are used, both fresh and dried. The harvest time is in June/July, as this is when the active substance content is at its peak.

Thuja (Thuja occidentalis)

History of the medicinal plant

Thuja was used as a remedy as early as the 16th century. In 1534, during an expedition to the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, a decision was made to overwinter in Canada. Out of a crew of 110, 25 died of scurvy. The survivors were so weak that they simply buried their comrades in the snow. At this point, the expedition leader encountered indigenous people who told him about an extremely effective remedy against the terrible disease. They explained to him that the bark and leaves of a forest tree (arborvitae or "tree of life") would need to be made into a decoction. The remedy was tried out immediately on two of his sailors: both recovered within a week. The rest of the crew was also saved.

 

Thuja (arborvitae):

Mode of action

Thuja has been and continues to be used medicinally, primarily in homeopathy for the treatment of flu, neuralgia and rheumatic conditions.

Recent studies have shown that it is actually the proteins in the TPSg fraction that stimulate specific immunocompetent cells in humans.

Baptisia

Baptisia (wild indigo) has a long tradition of use as a medicinal plant: more than 2,000 years ago, it was already being administered by indigenous peoples at the first signs of illness.

Baptisia (wild indigo)
Ivy

Ivy is a plant with a history: even in ancient times, it was dedicated to the gods of wine and fertility. Later, its healing properties became increasingly recognised.

Ivy (Hedera helix)
Echinacea

Echinacea belongs to the daisy family. The name "echinacea" is derived from the ancient Greek word "echinos", meaning sea urchin, referring to the spiky, pointed bracts of the flower head. It is native to eastern and central North America.

Echinacea (coneflower)
Thuja

The healing power of thuja was historically prized by the indigenous peoples of North America. The parts of the thuja plant used for medicinal purposes are the twig tips and the younger shoots of the tree.

Thuja (arborvitae)
Sage

Sage (salvia) is a member of the mint family. It is one of the most species-rich genera. When boiled and steeped, sage has anti-inflammatory properties.

Ginger

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and also stimulates blood flow. Ginger also imparts a pleasant warming sensation from within.

Peppermint

Peppermint has anti-inflammatory properties and is used both internally and externally. It also soothes the mucous membranes of the nose when you have a cold.

Rhodiola rosea

Rhodiola rosea, also known as roseroot, has a long tradition as a medicinal plant in Northern Europe. It is used traditionally to combat stress and enhance performance.