Thuja occidentalis, commonly known as Northern White Cedar or Eastern Arborvitae, is a species of evergreen coniferous tree that belongs to the cypress family. It is indigenous to eastern North America, where it grows in cool and moist environments, such as swamps, bogs, and lowlands. Thuja occidentalis is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall and has a tapered, narrow crown that is conical in shape. Its bark is reddish-brown and has a fibrous texture that peels off in thin layers.
Thuja occidentalis has scale-like leaves that are evergreen and arranged in opposite pairs or whorls of three, depending on the variety. The leaves are flat, ovate to oblong in shape, and about 2-4 millimeters long. When crushed, Thuja leaves emit a sweet, sharp, woodsy aroma that is reminiscent of crushed Eucalyptus leaves but with a sweeter scent. This aroma comes from some of the constituents of its essential oil, which mainly consist of terpineol, fenchone, delta sabinene, camphene, camphene, bornyl acetate, beta thujone, alpha thujone, and alpha-pinene. This essential oil is produced by steam distillation from its twigs and leaves.
The essential oil of white cedar has been used for centuries for its therapeutic properties. Its sweet, sharp, woodsy aroma is known to cleanse and disinfect, enhance conscious thought, calm and ease inflammation, clarify congested respiratory systems, and repel insects. Native American Indians have revered it as a sacred tree and used it during sacred ceremonies and for medicinal purposes, which is why it is sometimes known as 'Grandmother Cedar'.
According to Diana Beresford-Kroeger, a writer from Arboretum America, the scaly leaves and small branchlets of this tree have tear-shaped glands that hold a small teardrop of light yellow essential oil with an opaque appearance. These glands are just visible to the naked eye and track the upper and underside of the fronds like tiny footprints. With the aid of a hand-lens, the glands can be easily seen. When these glands are injured with a thumbnail, they release a strong and pleasant odor of sage mixed with camphor and a touch of lavender. This is the essential oil of white cedar, which is just a part of the tree's living pharmacy.
In addition to its therapeutic properties, Cedar Leaf, White Thuja essential oil has been used to address various health concerns such as coughs, cystitis, warts, moles, and other skin eruptions like skin tags, abnormal cellular growths, some forms of skin cancers, and polyps. Its antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties make it a potent and versatile essential oil that has many uses and benefits. It is also used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve mental clarity. The essential oil of white cedar is a valuable and precious gift from nature that has been cherished and used for centuries for its many therapeutic properties.