I had red that thuja occ. has toxic essential oils (I think it refers mainly, but not only, to thujone, which are not only toxic after taking oraly, but also after inhalation). It has been adviced to get rid of those plants from the garden, since they secrete oils nearby them. My question is - is this true? Is secretion of plant high enough to couse problems? I assume one small plant would be ok, but since their often grow as high, thick and long hedge, there must be high concentration of essential oils around them and polluted air will be transferred by windows to the house. It has been also said that bees, birds and animals don't like thuja occ., but it is liked by ticks.
Hi @Szomik welcome to GS and nice to have you with us...I don't know much regarding Thuja but have read it helps body issues and immune system but it can affect the brain as the link below shows. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1117/thuja
I would find a licensed Herbalist and ask them about it. We are gardeners and like you, we can do an internet search for information to pass along to you, but sometimes that information is not easy to understand unless you are trained in the use of Herbs. If you are in the U.S. you can also find the phone number of your local Country Extension Office (they are in each state and connected with local Universities) And yes, Thuja occidentalis is an Herb, the same as any other plant with leaves, seeds, or flowers used for flavoring, food, medicine, or perfume.
Hi @Szomik you really need to see an herbalist about this before even thinking of using it..it's good for many health issues but doesn't suite everyone which I've read besides side affects to it, that's why seeing an herbalist first is recommended plus even though it's an herb they can counter react with meds otherwise besides. It is advisable to use thuja only if it has been prescribed by your homeopathic doctor since it is extremely potent in its non-diluted form and might not agree with all individuals. If you have not been taking homeopathic medication, it is best not to self-medicate as it could be detrimental to your well being...I suggest you read this link below. http://www.diethealthclub.com/dietary-supplements/thuja.html Side Effects of Thuja Alternative medication is an upcoming trend in most Western countries; however, continents such as Asia are not alien to it. Most people who are familiar with alternative medication might even swear by its curative abilities. Nevertheless, it is in one’s best interest to consult your health care expert because there could be side effects, especially if your body is not familiar with certain herbs or plant extracts. As in the case of thuja, there could be a few side effects such as the following: Thuja is toxic if ingested in large doses. It could be poisonous resulting in vomiting, headaches, diarrhea, convulsions, and nervousness and so on. Researchers have warned about the component in thuja called Thujone. Thujone acts as a neurotoxin and can cause muscle spasms, seizures and hallucinations if ingested. If the twigs or the plant leaves are ingested it could cause seizures, as well as damage to the kidneys and the liver, owing to thujone. In extreme cases, deaths have been reported. There have been reports of asthma, poisoning and rashes in people who work with the wood of the thuja tree. Thuja intoxication symptoms include gastroenteritis, diarrhea, stomach aches, etc. This will be followed by renal toxicity, yellow liver atrophy, arrhythmias, myocardial bleeding in extreme cases. Women who are pregnant and those breastfeeding should not be given thuja orally. If you happen to suffer from an overdose of thuja, call 911 immediately; inform them about your thuja poisoning. This must be done immediately, especially if you detect irregular heartbeats or if you start vomiting, or if you experience any of the above mentioned symptoms. Multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are all auto immune diseases. If you suffer from one or more of these conditions, thuja is something that you must stay away from. This is because thuja is known to be a stimulant; it may cause the immune system to become active and this will consequently increase the symptoms of these auto-immune diseases. Another important thing to keep in mind is that thuja must not be taken along with other medications that could increase your chances of having a seizure.
