The Thuja, colloquially also called tree of life, belongs to the cypress family (Cupressaceae) within the group of pines (Pinales). Around the evergreen tree entwine numerous myths and tales, which he owes not least to its robustness, its pleasant fragrance and its healing properties.
Occurrence and cultivation of the tree of life
The essential oils found mainly in the tips of the branches and in young shoots contain thujone (composed of α- and β-thujone), which is not harmless. Thuja owes its nickname to the name “Arbor vitae”, which can be translated as tree of life, commonly used in the 18th century. It is likely that the fresh-looking green leaves and its vigorous growth were key factors in the naming. Trees of life are divided into five species: Korean Tree of Life, Occidental Tree of Life, Giant Tree of Life, Japanese Tree of Life and Sichuan Tree of Life. In Germany and Europe, the Occidental tree of life is the most widespread. It originated in eastern North America and was introduced to Europe in the 16th century. Today it is one of the native trees there. All species of arborvitae have a distinctive, fragrant scent of the leaves in common. The different subspecies can be distinguished by variations in the smell of the crushed leaves. The straight and pyramidal tree can grow up to 20 meters high. The trunk often appears branched near the ground, its bark is rusty brown. Tree-of-life leaves cover the tree in a cross-opposite arrangement. Leaf color ranges from dark green to gray-green to yellowish color variations. A tree of life develops both male and female flowers, which can be distinguished by their color. The pretty trees of life are often cultivated as ornamental plants in gardens, parks or cemeteries. As an ornamental plant, they enjoy great popularity because they are excellent for pruning and are also quite undemanding and hardy. A moist soil and cool climate allow thuja to thrive magnificently and although they like direct sunlight, they also grow easily in partial or full shade. Thujen also occur as wild plants. Especially in their native USA and in Canada, thuja trees are among the most common forest trees. The wood of the trees of life has been valued for centuries for its long durability and is considered very valuable. North American thujas are used in forestry and sold commercially under the names Red Cedar and White Cedar, among others. After World War II, many wooden shingles made of Thuja wood were imported from the USA to Germany to replace the domestic, less weather-resistant larch wood shingles.
Effect and application
Life trees were already attributed a purifying effect in ancient times. Burning the branches released their essential oils and used them in ceremonies and sacrificial rituals. The essential oils found mainly in the tips of the twigs and in young shoots contain thujone (composed of α- and β-thujone), which is not harmless. Leaves, wood, and fruiting bodies of the arbor vitae are toxic in pure form due to thujone and can cause stomach pain, nausea, liver dysfunction, and digestive problems when consumed. Consumption of larger amounts of components of thuja can even lead to death. Sensitive people can get skin irritations just by touching the branches of the tree of life. Therefore, gloves are highly recommended when cutting thuja. The tree of life is also poisonous to many animals, especially horses are very sensitive. When consumed improperly, the poisonous thujone accumulates in the liver and causes damage there. An increased urine volume with simultaneous urinary excretion is the result. Like many other essential oils, the oil of the tree of life can be used in very small quantities for health complaints, despite its toxicity. Here the tips of the tree of life are particularly important. These are also called tree of life tips, thuja shoot tips, tree of life shoot tips, or tree of life herb. The medical and pharmaceutical term for this part of the plant is Thujae summitates.
Health significance, treatment and prevention.
The tips of the tree of life branches and their active components are still thoroughly studied today.Its ingredients are used in various forms to treat some diseases and ailments. In addition to α- and β-thujone, tree-of-life tips contain tannins, flavonoids, proteins, lignans and various sugar compounds. In homeopathy, an essence of thuja branch tips is often used. This is used externally for rheumatism and gout, eye or ear infections, and internally for stomach catarrh and nerve pain. In the past, the thujone of the tree of life was added to wormwood liquor and administered orally. Native Americans in the Americas used the tree not only for structural purposes, but also as a diuretic and diaphoretic. However, since only a minimal amount is sufficient in medicinal use and overdose involves severe poisoning, health damage from abuse was not uncommon. Tree of life tops are also said to help against viruses and strengthen the immune system. When used externally, they are further said to have good results in the treatment of warts on the skin. The treatment is carried out with freshly prepared tinctures, or with commercially available ready-made ointments and creams. In the past, the tips of arborvitae leaves or young shoots were often applied directly to the areas to be treated and massaged in. The quality and medicinal effects of thuja and arborvitae tips were reported in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia (HAB). School medicine books and other pharmacopoeias have not addressed the tree of life and its components to date.
