Synopsis

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

Thuja plicata (Western Red Cedar) has been traditionally used by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest for a range of medicinal purposes, including as a topical treatment for skin ailments and external ulcerations. Historical ethnobotanical records indicate that poultices or decoctions made from the leaves, bark, or twigs were applied externally to wounds, cuts, and ulcerative lesions to promote healing and reduce infection. The rationale behind these uses likely stems from the plant’s aromatic resins and essential oils, which possess mild antiseptic properties. However, while these traditional applications are well-documented in ethnobotanical literature, there is a lack of robust scientific studies or clinical trials specifically validating the efficacy of Thuja plicata for treating external ulcerations. Most modern scientific attention has focused on Thuja occidentalis, a related species, and even there, evidence is limited and primarily in vitro. As such, while the external use of Thuja plicata for ulcerations is justified by traditional knowledge, it is not well-supported by contemporary biomedical research, and care should be taken due to the plant's potential for skin irritation or sensitization in some individuals.

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