Evidence supporting the use of: Thuja
For the health condition: Scratches and Abrasions
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Thuja, particularly Thuja occidentalis (also known as white cedar or arborvitae), has a long history of use in traditional herbal and homeopathic medicine, especially among indigenous peoples of North America and later in European herbal traditions. It has been employed topically for various skin ailments, including warts, fungal infections, and minor wounds like scratches and abrasions. The use of Thuja in these contexts is largely based on its purported antiseptic and astringent properties, as well as anecdotal evidence from traditional healers.
However, scientific validation for Thuja’s efficacy in treating scratches and abrasions is limited. There are some in vitro studies suggesting Thuja extracts possess antimicrobial activity, but these findings have not been robustly translated into clinical trials for wound healing, especially for minor skin injuries. Most modern uses for Thuja in this context persist in homeopathic and alternative medicine, where it is used more for its perceived ability to stimulate the body’s healing processes than for direct, proven effects.
In summary, the use of Thuja for scratches and abrasions is primarily justified by traditional knowledge and historical use, with limited scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for this particular application.
Other ingredients used for Scratches and Abrasions
aloe verabayberry
beeswax
bisabolol
black walnut
chamomile
turmeric
dyer’s woad root
iodine
Japanese sophora
lauric acid
mucin
protease
slippery elm bark
vitamin C
zinc
parthenium
chickweed
paederia foetida
lilac
yarrow
moss
oriental arborvitae
tartarian aster
camphor oil
cleavers
wood betony
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
arnica
Asclepias cordifolia
acacia
Agrimony
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Anserina
Anemone
Aquilegia formosa
Allantoin
Alkanet
Acemannan
Abuta
Alkanna
Bee Propolis
Babchi
Bai Ji
Baliospermum
Black spruce
Blackthorn
Bleeding Heart
Bridges' Penstemon
Black-Eyed Susan
Blackbrush
Brazillian peppertree
Bisabolene
Bloodroot
Benzoin
Begonia fimbristipula
Black Poplar
Bletilla
Barbary matrimony vine
Bush Monkey Flower
Babassu
Black root
Bittersweet
Calochortus
Comfrey
Candleberry
Calotropis gigantea
Cattail
Columbine
Cornflower
Common Thatching grass
Common Zinnia
Cynoglossum grande
Cedar
Campylandra fimbriata
Campsiandra angustifolia
Cranesbill
Chinese Thoroughwax
Carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
Ceanothus integerrimus
Cyanthillium cinereum
Castile Soap
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Copaiba Oil
Calyptridium umbellatum
Dragon's Blood
Devil's Club
Dwarf Nettle
Davilla rugosa
Deerbrush
Erigeron
Elephant Vine
European hazel
English Elm
Emu Oil
Elkweed
Eupatorium
Elemi
Oak
Polyvinyl alcohol
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Other health conditions supported by Thuja
AbscessesAdenitis
Boils
Bronchitis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cuts
Fungal Infections
Gas and Bloating
Glands (swollen lymph)
Herpes
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Lesions
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Psoriasis
Rashes and Hives
Scabies
Scratches and Abrasions
Ulcerations (external)
Wounds and Sores