Extracted from a tree known as “Giant cedar” is an essential oil known as Thuja Plicata Oil. This oil is derived from an “evergreen coniferous tree” belonging to the “Thuja occidentalis” species in the plant kingdom. Furthermore, this oil is obtained from the leaves, branches, and wood of the tree using the “steam distillation” process. In addition, this oil comprises of an extremely pleasant aroma. This oil is mainly used in the manufacturing of pest repellants, shoe polish, perfumes, and furniture polish.
A. Chemical constituents of Thuja Oil:
This oil was extracted from a “coniferous tree” belonging to the belonging to the “Thuja occidentalis” species in the plant kingdom. Furthermore, this oil comprises of organic compounds such as alpha pinene, alpha thujone, beta thujone, bornyl acetate, camphene, camphone, delta sabinene, fenchone and terpinenol.
B. The uses and benefits of Thuja Oil:
There are a number of benefits that one can gain by using this essential oil. However, one should also consider the adverse reactions or side effects reported from its use:
1. Anti-rheumatic:
This oil when used helps in suppressing “rheumatoid arthritis”, and thereby serving as an anti-rheumatic.
2. Astringent:
This oil when used exerts a cooling effect on the body by contracting muscles, nerves, and blood vessels, and serves as an astringent.
3. Diuretic:
This oil also serves as a “diuretic” by flushing waste product such as kidney stone from the urinary system by stimulating urination.
4. Expectorant:
This oil also consists of an “expectorant” property, and helps in the expulsion of sputum from the air passage in the respiratory system.
5. Stimulant:
This oil when used also helps in stimulating blood circulation, secretion of hormones, nerves, brain, and heart, and thereby serving as a stimulant.
C. The adverse effects of Thuja Oil:
There are a couple of adverse effects that one may encounter on using this oil. They are as follows:
- The excessive use of this oil could prove toxic to digestive, reproductive, and urinary systems, and hence must be used carefully.
The use of this oil could severely affect pregnancy, and hence pregnant women must avoid using it.
