Thuja
Feb 17, 2025
Thuja
Thuja occidentalis, commonly known as Arbor Vitae, is a medicinal plant that is used as phytotherapy for acute and chronic infections of the upper respiratory tract. It has also been used as an adjuvant to antibiotics for severe bacterial infections..
Mechanism of Action:
Thuja is able to stimulate and costimulate cytokine and antibody production as well as activate macrophages and other immunocompetent cells.
Dosage:
The recommended daily dose of 36 mg is in the non-critical range.
Evidence:
A 12 mg daily dose given simultaneously with antibiotic therapy for chronic bronchitis showed a faster improvement in that group when compared to a placebo. Patients with a common cold taking 6 mg of Thuja three times daily demonstrated a therapeutic benefit for decreasing the duration of cold symp toms if taken as early as possible with symptom onset. A single dose of up to 75 mg or 1.25 mg per kilogram of bodyweight is considered safe in humans.
Precautions:
This herb has not shown to cause any adverse side effects; however, symp-toms of intoxication include gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These extreme doses can lead to symptoms of liver and renal toxicity.
Interactions:
Taking Thuja along with medications that increase the chance of having a seizure can increase the risk of seizure. Anticonvulsants taken with Thuja can increase the risk of seizure due to decreased effectiveness. Thuja can decrease the effectiveness of medications taken to suppress the immune system.
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