Thuja oil: benefits, uses, and how to make it at home

Thuja, also known as the «tree of life», is a popular ornamental conifer with powerful healing properties widely recognized in traditional medicine. Extracts, decoctions, and essential oil derived from this plant have a profoundly positive effect on human health. Thuja essential oil supports the respiratory system, promotes liver regeneration, and offers anti-inflammatory, drying, and antiseptic properties.

Historically, Native American healers used thuja oil to treat what medieval Europe called «mental afflictions». Aromatherapy with this oil helps calm the nerves, reduce stress, and relieve migraines.

Benefits and uses of thuja essential oil

Thuja, also known as the «tree of life», is a popular ornamental conifer with powerful healing properties widely recognized in traditional medicine. Extracts, decoctions, and essential oil derived from this plant have a profoundly positive effect on human health. Thuja essential oil supports the respiratory system, promotes liver regeneration, and offers anti-inflammatory, drying, and antiseptic properties.

Historically, Native American healers used thuja oil to treat what medieval Europe called «mental afflictions». Aromatherapy with this oil helps calm the nerves, reduce stress, and relieve migraines.

Benefits and uses of thuja essential oil

This oil contains a complex of potent natural components, including α-thujone, camphor, camphene, limonene, and fenchone, among others.

Important цarning: Thuja oil contains thujone isomers, which are toxic in large quantities. Overuse can negatively affect the brain and central nervous system and may even cause miscarriage in early pregnancy. Always use thuja oil with caution and strictly adhere to dosage recommendations.

Thuja essential oil is for external use only. Recommended applications include:

• Spot treatment for acne and inflamed skin;
• Massage oil (dilute 1 drop in 50 ml of carrier oil) to relax muscles and relieve tension;
• Hair care: Add 2–3 drops to 1 tablespoon of shampoo to add shine, reduce oiliness, and eliminate dandruff;
• Nasal drops: Use 2 drops in each nostril for colds or sinus infections (including chronic sinusitis);
• Aromatherapy: Use in a diffuser to purify and scent indoor air;
• Steam inhalation: Add 3–4 drops to 200–300 ml of hot water to ease breathing during coughing, especially effective for dry, spasmodic coughs like in early bronchitis or whooping cough.

Not recommended for children under 10 years old due to insufficient safety research.

How thuja essential oil Is made

Thuja belongs to the cypress family, and thuja essential oil is primarily extracted from the Western Thuja species. The oil is obtained from young green shoots, yielding around 0.6–1%. It has a pleasant scent with sweet, camphor-like, and woody notes.

How to make thuja oil at home (DIY Recipe)

You can make homemade thuja oil by infusing fresh thuja twigs in a neutral-scented carrier oil. This method is simple and accessible:

Ingredients is are 1 cup of clean, chopped, and dried thuja twigs, 100 ml of base oil (ideally cold-pressed and organic);

Instructions:

• Combine the ingredients in a tightly sealed container.
• Shake well and store in a cool, dark place for 2–2.5 weeks.
• After infusion, strain the mixture and transfer the oil to a storage bottle.

Pro tip: The quality of the carrier oil determines the therapeutic value of the final product. Cold-pressed oils are the best base for DIY thuja oil.

CraftOil: the best choice for oil making at home

CraftOil offers everything needed for homemade oil production – from premium-quality raw ingredients to certified oil presses. Their catalog includes: cold-press oilseeds and nuts: amaranth, chia, black and white sesame, hazelnuts, almonds, apricot kernels, and more;

High-performance oil presses: ranging from 20 to 75 tons of pressure, with durable steel frames, a 1-year warranty, and all essential components for immediate use.

Interested in making your own oils? Looking for a reliable 20-ton or 30-ton press, or curious about hydraulic dismountable systems? Contact CraftOil’s consultants via SMS or call for expert advice and product recommendations. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned enthusiast, we’ll help you find the perfect setup for your oil-making journey.