Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Thuja plicata, commonly known as Western Red Cedar, has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly among Indigenous peoples of North America. Its leaves and extracts have been employed for a variety of ailments, including skin lesions such as warts, fungal infections, and other minor skin conditions. The use of Thuja for lesions is primarily based on traditional and folk medicine practices rather than modern scientific validation. The closely related species, Thuja occidentalis, is more commonly cited in homeopathic and herbal literature for treating warts and skin growths, but Thuja plicata is sometimes used interchangeably in traditional contexts.

Scientific studies directly evaluating the efficacy and safety of Thuja plicata for the treatment of skin lesions are limited. Some in vitro studies suggest that extracts from Thuja species may possess antiviral or immunomodulatory properties, which could theoretically justify their traditional use for viral skin lesions such as warts. However, well-designed clinical trials in humans are lacking. Documented risks include potential toxicity, especially if ingested, due to thujone content. As such, the evidence supporting the use of Thuja plicata for lesions is primarily traditional, with anecdotal efficacy and limited scientific backing, resulting in a low evidence rating.

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