Thuja oil is one of those essential oils that might not be as well known, but it has many impressive benefits when added to your daily routine. Thuja oil is created from a tree with species native to North America and East Asia, and it has a distinctive woodsy and piney aroma.
This essential oil has often been used in traditional medicine, and the use of thuja leaves has been noted for centuries. Our article gives you an overview of thuja oil and provides you with details on the many benefits of this impressive oil.
What Is Thuja Oil?
Thuja oil, also known as white cedar oil, is a type of coniferous tree. Thuja bears the nickname of arborvitae, tree of life, due to the many benefits it brings in topical use and traditional medicine, and its high vitamin C content.
Around the 16th century, the leaves of this tree were commonly used to treat scurvy, and the tree has a historical role in Native American communities for the same purpose.
Thuja oil is an essential oil that has been created via steam distillation, and it is the leaves of this tree that are turned into essential oil. The aroma of thuja oil is very herbaceous, woodsy, and piney, and it is often used for its unique fragrance in addition to the many benefits it can bring when used topically or as part of aromatherapy.
Benefits of Thuja Oil
Thuja oil has a number of notable benefits when used topically or when incorporated into an aromatherapy routine. We list the most popular benefits of this essential oil below so you can learn how thuja oil might help you.
Antimicrobial
Compounds in thuja oil have antimicrobial properties, allowing the oil to be effective when applied topically to the skin. You can use thuja oil as part of a cream or oil to treat skin conditions such as acne and eczema, and it may be useful in fighting certain types of skin infections. Historically, thuja oil has been applied to the skin to remove warts.
Anti-Inflammatory
Thuja oil has anti-inflammatory effects, and this allows the oil to reduce swelling, treat redness or itchiness, and soothe skin when used topically. You can blend thuja oil into a carrier oil or lotion, or utilize it as part of a facial toner to help treat skin, keep skin clear, and reduce any inflammation.
Decongestion
Thuja has a distinctive aroma, and this oil is commonly used to treat respiratory issues, clear congestion, and encourage easy breathing. The best way to use thuja oil as a decongestant and for respiratory issues is to diffuse the essential oil. You can breathe in the fragrance of this essential oil and allow it to work to loosen up phlegm and ease your breathing.
Another easy way to use this essential oil is by adding a few drops to the bottom of your shower and allowing the steam of a hot shower to boost the fragrance and soothe your breathing.
Immune System Boost
Thuja leaves are known for their high vitamin C content, and thuja oil can act as an immune system stimulant, boosting your immune system and allowing you to fight off colds or minor illnesses more easily.
The best way to benefit from thuja oil for your immune system is to diffuse it regularly around your room, such as when you wake up or at nighttime to encourage an overall boost.
Topical Pain Relief
When applied to the skin as part of a carrier oil or lotion blend, thuja oil can help to relieve muscle aches, joint pain, or the pain from arthritis.
You can massage thuja oil onto the spots that are sore or aching a few times a day, making sure that the oil is properly diluted in your favorite carrier oil. You can add other pain-relieving essential oils for maximum benefits, such as camphor essential oil.
Insect Repellent
Some studies suggest that thuja oil can repel certain types of insects, such as mosquitoes and flies. You can utilize thuja oil as part of a homemade bug repellent by mixing several drops with water and an emulsifier before blending well. Spray your homemade insect repellent across your skin or clothing before going outdoors to defend yourself against bugs.
You may also want to add other essential oils that repel pests and add a pleasant fragrance, such as rosemary or lavender essential oils.
How Do I Properly Use Thuja Oil?
Thuja oil must be diluted before you use it, as using essential oils without dilution on the skin can be too harsh and result in irritation. Always combine thuja oil with your favorite carrier oil or lotion before use and perform a patch test on a small part of your skin before applying it everywhere. Do not consume thuja essential oil.
Always be sure to purchase thuja oil from a reliable shop that tests their oils for best results.
Store your essential oils like castor oil and thuja oil in a room temperature space away from direct sunlight. Don’t be afraid to combine thuja oil with other complementary essential oils to create an ideal massage or aromatherapy blend that meets all of your needs.
Incorporating Thuja Oil in Your Daily Routine
Thuja oil might not be the most well-known essential oil, but it does have plenty of benefits and a unique woodsy aroma. To benefit from this herbaceous essential oil, use it topically in your favorite carrier oil or diffuse it around your home to breathe in the refreshing scent and benefit from it on the daily.
Image: Shutterstock