Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Oriental arborvitae (Platycladus orientalis, also known as Thuja orientalis) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In TCM, the leaves and seeds of the plant (called ce bai ye) are often used to support lung health, address coughs, and treat congestion-related symptoms. The traditional rationale is that arborvitae acts to clear heat and phlegm from the lungs, thereby alleviating symptoms such as cough and congestion. Historical texts and modern herbal compendiums describe its use in formulations intended to treat respiratory conditions, especially those associated with thick, yellow phlegm, which is categorized as “phlegm-heat” in TCM theory.

However, direct scientific evidence supporting the use of oriental arborvitae for lung congestion is limited. A few laboratory and animal studies have suggested anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects of extracts from the plant, and these actions could theoretically support respiratory health. Nevertheless, there are no high-quality clinical trials specifically validating its use for congestion in humans. Thus, the evidence supporting its use is primarily traditional, with only limited preliminary scientific rationale. Despite this, oriental arborvitae remains a common ingredient in traditional herbal formulas for respiratory ailments in East Asian medicine.

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