Herb comparison
Pau d'Arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa) vs Thuja (Thuja occidentalis)
Both plants are listed as traditional remedies for 1 of the same condition, which is why they are easy to confuse. Their descriptions and full safety notes are below, free.
Thuja (Thuja occidentalis) is restricted
Preparation amounts are not shown for this herb. It is toxic, restricted, or otherwise unsafe to self-dose - the margin between a traditional dose and a harmful one is too small to publish as reference material. If you are considering it, that conversation belongs with a doctor or a qualified practitioner, not a website.
- About
- Pau d'arco is an evergreen tree that can reach 100 feet in height, producing pink flowers. The bark of this South American tree is used as a tea in traditional medicine for a wide range of ailments; MSK says its antibacterial and anticancer effects in laboratory studies have not been shown in humans. The tree grows in both mountainous terrains high in the Andes and in low-lying areas of Paraguay and Brazil. The prized inner bark is collected from wild-growing trees throughout the year.Thuja (Thuja occidentalis), also called Arborvitae or white cedar, is a coniferous evergreen tree reaching about 33 ft (10 m). Its scale-like leaves, collected in summer, have a distinct scent from their volatile oil, which is rich in thujone.
- Safety & precautions
- If taking anticoagulant medication, use only under professional supervision. Do not take during pregnancy. Avoid if trying to conceive. High doses may cause nausea, vomiting, intestinal discomfort, and anticoagulant effects. Blood clotting disorders are a contraindication.Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Avoid; in the 1930s, thuja was used to induce abortion. Prolonged Use: Potential kidney irritation from the thujone content. Essential Oil: Risk of toxicity if taken internally in significant amounts.
Safety text above is printed in full and is never abbreviated. For each plant’s complete precautions, drug and food interactions and preparation notes, open its own page - both are free.