CEDAR - White Cedar Leaf (Thuja occidentalis) - DRIED (not fresh)

We harvest our White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) with a great deal of love and respect locally from pristine old growth areas on land owned and well cared for by one of our harvesters. We tend the Cedar carefully and slow dry it in our special drying unit over several weeks so that the resins do not rise to surface from being over heated, and instead remain deep in the leaf until it reaches a perfect crispness, all of which helps to maintain its deep green colour, ensure maximum potency, and a long shelf life,. We built and customized a special drying unit on site at Turtle Lodge Trading Post specifically for this purpose.

RED CEDAR (Thuja plicata) vs WHITE CEDAR (Thuja occidentalis)?

A lot of folks ask which Cedar is better, red, or white? The answer is, "both". They both have very potent medicine value and many similar uses (though each has its own specialties too). As a wood, Red Cedar has fewer knots, and is known for being perhaps a bit stronger, whereas many carpenters say that what White Cedar has stronger oils and doesn't rot as fast.  

All of our herbs come from certified organic sources or trusted wildcrafters.

ALSO KNOWN AS:  Eastern white cedar, swamp cedar, American arborvitae, and eastern arborvitae 

PLANT FAMILY:  Cyprus family Cupressaceae 

PART(S) USED: Dried aerial parts 

OVERVIEW: Known as the Tree of Life, Cedar is revered by many cultures around the world and is considered a symbol of strength and revitalization. Cedar, along with White Sage, Sweetgrass, and Semah (Tobacco), are considered the four most sacred plants to many of the Indigenous tribes on Turtle Island.  

Cedar has a long history of and continues to be used to make canoes, paddles clothing, baskets, totem pokes, masks, nets, fishing lines and cooking utensils. Cedar is known to be high in vitamin C and is said to be extremely rot and insect resistant. Cedar can live for thousands of years, and dead Cedar trees become “nurse trees” for new Cedar growth. 

Cedar is commonly burned in cleansing ceremonies for purification and has a long history of use in indigenous Sweat Lodge ceremonies. It is also used to cleanse the home, especially when first moving in, to invite unwanted spirits to leave, and to protecting a person, place, or object from unwanted influences. 

TRADITIONAL USES: For thousands of years, Indigenous healers have used cedar in baths, teas, and smudges to treat headaches, chronic cough, fever, gout, heart problems, menstrual issues, rheumatism, and to dress wounds. It has also been used as an insect repellent. 

Today's herbalists also use Cedar formulations as an expectorant (to loosen phlegm), to boost the immune system, as a diuretic (to increase urine flow), as an astringent, anti–inflammatory,  antiviral, detoxifier, and as a topical treatment for bacterial skin infections, such as cold sores and warts. Other uses have included the treatment of respiratory tract infections, such as bronchitis, sinusitis, and congestion, as well as the treatment of osteoarthritis and trigeminal neuralgia, a nerve disorder that affects the face. 

Other traditional uses include burning Cedar to cleanse the air and calm the spirit. When using Cedar as a smudge, exercise caution when smoke is produced. If any adverse symptoms occur (coughing or eye-watering, etc.), extinguish the product immediately and make sure the area is well-ventilated. 

STORAGE: Keep dry. Store in an airtight container in a dry cupboard away from light. 

PRECAUTIONS & CONTRAINDICATIONS:  

• Use at your own risk.  
• Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have an existing medical condition, have allergies, or are on any medications.  

• Avoid self-prescribing, especially when there is an existing medical condition. 
• Cedar is a strong astringent. Make sure to drink plenty of water while using Cedar as part of your health protocol. 
• Excess consumption of cedar formulations has been found to cause queasiness, vomiting, painful diarrhea, asthma, seizures, and, in extreme cases, even death. 
• Cedar formulations may also cause low blood pressure. Do not take if you have a history of seizures or are on medication for low blood pressure. 
• Cedar formulations can increase the activity of the immune system, which can worsen the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. Taking cedar formulations along with some medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) may decrease these medications' effectiveness. Speak with your health provider to check your medications and let them know if you plan to take a cedar formulation. 
• Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have an existing medical condition, have allergies, or are on any medications.  

WARNING: This information is for educational purposes only, has not been evaluated by Health Canada, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. 

HEALTH CANADA REFERENCE:  https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/atReq.do?atid=thuja.oral.thuya.orale