Thuja, echinacea and wild indigo extract shortened cold symptoms vs placebo; thuja not tested alone
Naser 2005, Phytomedicine · Source
Northern White Cedar
Thuja occidentalis · homeopathic 12X
Known as arborvitae, the "tree of life," this cedar of eastern North America was used by Native peoples and Eclectic physicians on irritated skin, and is a staple of homeopathic practice.
Arborvitaeits common name, the "tree of life"
12Xa very gentle homeopathic dilution
91people in a cold trial of a thuja, echinacea and wild indigo blend
Why we love it
Eclectic medical texts describe thuja's local use on irritated skin and mucous membranes, and homeopathic texts list it for chronic and recurring complaints. It's in our suppository as part of that tradition.
What does the research show?
Traditional use
Felter's 1922 Eclectic Materia Medica describes thuja used locally as "stimulant, subastringent, deodorant, and antiseptic," and for itching of mucous membranes.
Combination products
In a 2005 randomized trial of 91 people with colds, an herbal extract combining thuja, echinacea and wild indigo shortened symptoms compared with placebo. Thuja wasn't tested alone.
Studies
Human study tested in people Lab study a starting point, not proof
Local use on skin and mucous membranes; itching of mucous membranes
Felter 1922, Eclectic Materia Medica · Source
Thuja seed extracts were active against standard test strains, including Candida albicans
Eltayeb 2017, Int J Pharm Pharm Sci · Source
Thuja oil was selectively active against Candida parapsilosis, a yeast linked to recurring infections
Dănilă 2026, Molecules · Source
Thuja oil and extract inhibited E. coli, even at low concentrations
Kovalenko 2024, Proc Natl Acad Sci Belarus · Source
Thuja polysaccharides activated human immune cells and their signaling proteins
Offergeld 1992, Leukemia · Source
Wart area shrank within both Thuja groups; no difference between groups
Giles 1995, Technikon Natal · Source
Homeopathic combination with Thuja no better than placebo for foot warts
Labrecque 1992, CMAJ · Source
How has it been used traditionally?
Health Canada lists thuja as a traditional herbal medicine for oral use as an expectorant.
Is northern white cedar safe in the Suppository?
Undiluted thuja contains thujone, which regulators limit in herbal medicines because large oral doses are toxic. At 12X the amount is negligible. Talk with your clinician before using any thuja product while pregnant.
Last reviewed: November 2026.
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Reviewed by the Momotaro Apotheca medical team, including OB-GYNs and naturopathic doctors. Educational information, not medical advice. All ingredient research