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Expectorant, anti-microbial, diuretic, astringent, alterative.
Thuja's main action is due to its stimulating and alterative
volatile oil. In bronchial catarrh Thuja combines expectoration
with a systemic stimulation beneficial if there is also heart
weakness. Thuja should be avoided where the cough is due to
over stimulation, as in dry irritable coughs.
Thuja has a specific reflex action on the uterus and may
help in delayed menstruation, but because of this action is
should be avoided in pregnancy. Where ordinary incontinence
occurs due to loss of muscle tone, Thuja may be used. Also
used in the treatment of psoriasis and rheumatism. Externally
it may be used to treat warts. A marked anti-fungal effect
is found if used externally for ringworm and thrush.
CAUTION: Avoid during pregnancy.
David Hoffman describes the use of this herb thus: "Thuja
is given internally for cancer and for the pains of cancer
it is applied externally, when possible, occasionally with
good results. Thuja certainly exercises a direct influence
upon the glandular structures and function. In what manner
this influence is exercised is unknown, but in any disease
that involves the gland, this remedy must be considered, and
if there are no contraindications it can be tried and in many
cases as with the ductless glands, it seems to act in a direct
manner.
Thuja is directly indicated, first, s a peculiar alterative,
in improving diathetic conditions of the blood. Again, it
acts directly upon abnormal growths - perversions, such as
peculiar conditions of the cell structure of the skin and
other external structure. It is thus indicated in all abnormal
growths of the skin or mucous membranes. It exercises a specific
influence upon catarrhal discharges, correcting the glandular
faults that are to blame for such a condition wherever they
may be. It is specific to urinary irritation in aged people
especially; also in childhood. It strengthens the sphincter
of the bladder.
As an external application Thuja produces at first a sensation
of smarting or tingling when applied to open sores or wounds
and it is usually best to dilute it with on, two or four parts
of water, or to combine the non-alcoholic extract with an
ointment base in the above proportion. This constitutes an
excellent mildly antiseptic and actively stimulating dressing
to indolent, phagedenic or gangrenous ulcers. It is of much
service in bed sores and in other open ulcers dependent upon
local or general nerve exhaustion. In chronic skin diseases
of either a non-specific or specific character, it is a useful
remedy. Vegetations of all kinds, especially those upon mucous
surfaces, will yield to it readily. It is a useful agent in
the treatment of post-nasal catarrh and nasal polypi. A small
dose internally 4 or 5 times daily, with the application of
fluid hydrastis in a spray, will quickly retard or remove
such abnormal growths. It is also applicable to sloughing
wounds and to phagedena or the venereal organs. It is a positive
remedy in the treatment of senile gangrene. It causes gangrenous
surfaces to dry without hemorrhage or other discharge, destroys
offensive odors and influences granulation.
The agent is especially advised in the treatment of urinary
disorders of the aged and young. It gives satisfaction in
the treatment of nocturnal enuresis when the difficulty is
of functional origin. It is also valuable when there is dribbling
of urine, loss of control from paralysis of the sphincter,
perhaps, in the aged, where urinary incontinence is present,
with severe coughs, lack of control when coughing or sneezing.
Sometimes in severe cases of nocturnal enuresis, it is accompanied
with belladonna, or Rhus aromatica with good results. In old
men with chronic prostatitis, with constant dribbling of the
urine, this agent is valuable. It relieves the weakness at
the neck of the bladder. It tones the muscular structure of
the bladder and exercises a desirable influence over the mucous
structures of the entire urinary apparatus. It also stimulates
secretion within the kidney tubules by its direct influence
upon the epithelial cells.
The remedy is valuable in the treatment of disorders of the
mucous lining of the bronchial tubes. It is beneficial in
ulcerative forms of sore throat, where the secretions are
fetid in character. It may be inhaled in chronic bronchitis,
bronchorrhea; bronchitis, with offensive discharge; chronic
nasal catarrh. Hemorrhage from these organs is beneficially
influenced by its use. A number of cases of spermatorrhea
have been cured since our previous report on this remedy.
The balanitis from cystitis with frequent urination, indicates
this remedy. It is beneficial when the urine seems to burn
or scald in the passing, when there is local soreness in the
urethra or neck of the bladder, when the bladder tolerates
but little urine at a time and the patient must rise frequently
during the night. In cases or verucca on the genitalia or
rectum, this agent is advantageously used, especially if preceded
by a mild escharotic. In prolapsus of the rectum, especially
in cases depending upon paralysis, this agent may be diluted
and injected. It has stimulating properties, which restore
the vitality of the part. It is good for fissure of the rectum
with piles."
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