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). It is commonly used for various ailments, including infections and skin conditions. In the context of herpes, especially herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, traditional medical texts mention the use of its seeds and leaves—often in combination with other herbs—to "clear heat" and address sores or lesions attributed to viral infections. However, the rationale for its use is based primarily on traditional theories rather than modern scientific understanding of viral pathogenesis or immunology.

There is limited laboratory evidence suggesting that extracts from P. orientalis may possess antiviral or immunomodulatory effects, but specific research directly linking oriental arborvitae to inhibition or treatment of HSV is sparse and mostly preliminary. No high-quality clinical trials have established its efficacy or safety for herpes infections in humans. Therefore, its use for herpes is justified more by traditional practice than by robust scientific evidence. Overall, while it remains an ingredient in some traditional remedies for herpes or cold sores, the evidence supporting its effectiveness is weak by modern standards, and more rigorous scientific studies are needed to validate these traditional claims.

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