Arbor Vitae, Tree of Life, Thuj.
The Thuja patient is characterized by fixed ideas, a sensation of having a living animal in the abdomen, and a feeling that the body is fragile or made of glass. There is deep-seated anxiety, low self-esteem, and a tendency toward suspiciousness or jealousy. The patient feels alienated and believes their limbs are being separated from their body.
Thuja Occidentalis is a deep-acting antipsoric, antisycotic, and antisyphilitic remedy. Its primary sphere of action is the vegetative system, specifically targeting the skin, mucous membranes, and glands. It is the premier remedy for the 'sycotic' constitution, characterized by abnormal growths, warts, condylomata, and tumors. It is indicated for the ill-effects of vaccination, suppressed gonorrhea, and chronic catarrhal states. The keynote is a tendency toward morbid growths and a sensation of brittleness or separation in the joints.
Aggravation: From damp, cold, humid weather; at night; from heat of bed; from tea; from vaccination; from mercury; from fatty or rich food. Amelioration: From warm dry air; from wrapping up the head; from moving about; from crossing the legs.
Vertigo occurs when closing the eyes, or upon sudden movement. It is often associated with chronic catarrhal conditions or after the suppression of eruptions. The patient feels as if the head were being drawn backward or as if they are falling, especially when standing.
Headaches are typically left-sided, described as a boring or piercing pain as if a nail were being driven into the parietal bone. The scalp is sensitive to touch, and the hair becomes dry, thin, and splits easily. The pain is relieved by wrapping the head warmly.
Eyelids are agglutinated, with styes and tarsal tumors. There is a sensation of pressure in the eyeballs, and vision may be blurred. The conjunctiva is often injected, and there may be a discharge of yellow, thick mucus, particularly in chronic ophthalmia.
Chronic otitis media with a thin, offensive discharge. There is a sensation of obstruction in the ears, with humming or buzzing noises. The hearing is impaired, often following recurrent throat infections or sycotic constitutional disturbances.
The face is often shiny or greasy, with a tendency toward acne or wart-like growths. There is neuralgia of the face, particularly on the left side, triggered by cold, damp air or touch. The lips may be dry, cracked, or show eruptions.
Chronic catarrh with thick, green, offensive mucus. There is a sensation of pressure at the root of the nose, and the nostrils are often ulcerated or covered with crusts. There may be a loss of smell or a persistent sensation of smelling putrid meat.
The tongue is often swollen, showing indentations of the teeth, and may have a white or yellow coating. The teeth decay prematurely at the edges, and the gums are sensitive, swollen, and bleed easily. There is a persistent bitter taste in the mouth.
Chronic pharyngitis with a sensation of a lump or a plug in the throat. The tonsils are enlarged and susceptible to chronic inflammation. Swallowing is difficult, particularly with solid food, and there may be a sensation of dryness in the throat.
Respiration is often tight, with a sensation of constriction in the chest. There is a dry, hacking cough, often worse in the morning. The chest may feel weak, and there is a tendency toward asthma or chronic bronchitis associated with catarrhal discharge.
Appetite is variable, often with an aversion to meat and potatoes. There is a sensation as if a living animal were moving in the abdomen. Digestion is slow, with flatulence and distension, often worse after eating fatty foods or onions.
The primary remedy for gonorrhea and its sequelae. Urinary frequency with a sensation of cutting pain after urination. In males: inflammation of the prostate and testicles. In females: ovarian pain, especially left-sided, with vaginal discharges that are thick, yellow, and fishy-smelling.
Rheumatic pains in the joints, worse in damp weather and at rest. The limbs feel as if they are made of glass and would break. The nails are deformed, brittle, and grow slowly. Sweating is localized, often restricted to the hands or feet, and is offensive.
Stiffness of the neck and back, especially after exposure to cold. There is a sensation of pain in the lumbar region, radiating down to the legs. The spine feels brittle or weak, and there is a marked aversion to being touched on the back.
The most important remedy for warts, condylomata, and any irregular, cauliflower-like growths. The skin is sensitive, prone to eruptions, and brown spots. It is indicated for birthmarks, moles, and unhealthy skin that does not heal well after minor injuries.
Sleep is restless and disturbed by anxious dreams. The patient may wake up frequently, especially around 3 or 4 AM. There is a tendency to sleep on the left side, and the patient may feel worse upon waking, with a sense of heaviness.
The Thuja patient is generally chilly, with a marked intolerance to cold, damp air. There is a constitutional tendency toward the development of sycotic growths and a history of suppressed discharges. The patient feels better in warm, dry weather and from wrapping up the head.
Thuja is frequently complemented by Silica and Sabina. Silica helps in resolving deep-seated suppuration and structural weaknesses that Thuja initiates the healing process for, while Sabina complements the sycotic manifestations in the female reproductive system. Pulsatilla and Natrum Sulphuricum are also highly complementary in chronic catarrhal and sycotic conditions.
Mercurius and Acidum Aceticum are considered inimical to Thuja and should not be administered immediately before or after. Camphor, Cocculus, and Sulphur act as antidotes to its over-action, particularly when the patient experiences severe neuralgic symptoms or mental agitation following Thuja administration.
Thuja follows well after Medorrhinum, especially in chronic gonorrhea cases. It is often followed by Nitric Acid for condylomata and warts, or by Silica for the resolution of deep-seated indurations and glandular swellings. It also follows Pulsatilla well in cases of suppressed catarrh.
Sabina, Silica, Medorrhinum, Nitric Acid
⚕️ Information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a professional homeopathic practitioner.