Biota

Thuja orientalis

Physical Characteristics

Thuja orientalis is an evergreen Tree growing to 15 m (49ft) by 5 m (16ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Distribution

E. Asia - W. China, N. Korea. A small wild population is also found in N.E. Iran.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Seed - after removing the bitterness[105, 179]. No more details are given, but the bitterness in seeds is usually removed either by leaching them in water or by thoroughly cooking them[K].

Medicinal Uses

Antiasthmatic Antibacterial Antipyretic Antitussive Aperient Astringent Diuretic Dysentery Emmenagogue Emollient Expectorant Haemostatic Lenitive Parasiticide Sedative Skin Stomachic This plant is commonly used in Chinese herbalism, where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs[218]. Both the leaves and the seeds contain an essential oil consisting of borneol, bornyl acetate, thujone, camphor and sesquiterpenes[283]. The leaves also contain rhodoxanthin, amentoflavone, quercetin, myricetin, carotene, xanthophyll and ascorbic acid[283]. The leaves are antibacterial, antipyretic, antitussive, astringent, diuretic, emmenagogue, emollient, expectorant, febrifuge, haemostatic, refrigerant and stomachic[147, 176, 218, 238]. Their use is said to improve the growth of hair[147, 176, 238]. They are used internally in the treatment of coughs, haemorrhages, excessive menstruation, bronchitis, asthma, skin infections, mumps, bacterial dysentery, arthritic pain and premature baldness[238]. The leaves are harvested for use as required and can be used fresh or dried[238]. This remedy should not be prescribed to pregnant women[238]. The seed is aperient, lenitive and sedative[147, 176, 218]. It is used internally in the treatment of palpitations, insomnia, nervous disorders and constipation in the elderly[238]. The root bark is used in the treatment of burns and scalds[218]. The stems are used in the treatment of coughs, colds, dysentery, rheumatism and parasitic skin diseases[218].

Known Hazards

The leaves are toxic if eaten[238]. The plant can also cause skin allergies in sensitive people[238].