Thuja, Northern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) Dried Leaf Liquid Extract — External Use Only

Thuja, Northern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) Dried Leaf Liquid Extract — External Use Only

For external use only. Not for internal use. This extract is supplied for topical and cosmetic formulation work — oils, balms, salves, soaps and compresses. Do not swallow.

A liquid extract of dried Thuja occidentalis leaf, prepared for external formulation work.

What you get

• One botanical, named to species. Only Thuja occidentalis — the eastern arborvitae, listed separately from its western relative T. plicata.
• Fresh, resinous, distinctly green scent that holds up in a soap or balm base.
• Cold maceration, never heated. The material steeps at room temperature rather than being boiled or spray-dried.
• Nothing else added. No synthetic fragrance, colour or preservative.
• Made in the USA in an FDA-registered facility.
• Sizes from 2 fl oz to 2 gallons, including multi-packs — the same extract whether you are testing a formula or running a batch.

About the plant

Northern white cedar is a slow, dense conifer of the cypress family (Cupressaceae), native to the swamps, limestone cliffs and cold uplands of eastern Canada and the north-eastern United States. It rarely exceeds fifteen metres but is extraordinarily long-lived: cliff-face specimens on the Niagara Escarpment have been dated past a thousand years while barely a hand-span thick. The foliage is scaled and flattened into fan-like sprays that turn bronze in winter. Its second name, arborvitae — tree of life — was given in sixteenth-century France, and it became the first North American tree deliberately introduced to European gardens.

Suggested use

For external use in cosmetic and topical preparations. Blend into a carrier oil, balm, salve, cream or soap base at the rate your formulation calls for. Patch-test on a small area of intact skin and wait 24 hours before wider use.

Warnings

For external use only. Do not take internally. Thuja leaf contains thujone, which is neurotoxic and can trigger seizures when swallowed. Do not use during pregnancy in any form, including on the skin — thuja is a documented abortifacient. Not for use by anyone with a seizure disorder. Keep away from eyes.

Keep out of reach of children. Do not use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, including on the skin. Not for use on broken skin, open wounds or damaged skin. Discontinue use if irritation, redness or a rash develops. Do not use if the tamper seal is broken or missing. Store tightly capped in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Actual packaging may carry different or additional information; always read the label before use.