Thuja is a North American evergreen in the cypress family that is also known as Eastern White Cedar, Northern White Cedar and Swamp Cedar. Upon learning from Native Americans how to use the foliage to combat scurvy, the 16th century French explorer Jacques Cartier gave thuja the nickname of “tree of life.”
The leaves of the tree as well as its timber are fragrant. In fact, its genus name is adapted from a Greek word that means “to fumigate.” The wood, which is rot and pest-resistant, was burned by the ancient Greeks as an offering to the Gods.
Thuja contains compounds that provide astringent properties when applied topically. Use the dried leaf to prepare skin washes, salves, ointments and other body care products.
