Thuja (Thuja occidentalis) is an evergreen conifer in the cypress family (Cupressaceae) native to eastern North America. It forms flattened sprays of scale-like aromatic foliage and small cones, and the leafy branchlets are the plant parts most often referenced in traditional herbal preparations.
In older Western herbal practice, thuja was used very cautiously in concentrated tinctures and external applications. Because the plant contains potent volatile compounds, it is not considered a casual household herb and modern use is typically approached with restraint.
