Red Cedar Uses and Plant Profile

benefits and uses of herbs monographs

Western Red Cedar grows from southeastern Alaska down to Northern California. It can be found growing in wet forests at elevations up to 4,000 feet, as far inland as the Rocky Mountains. Its most well-known presence is in the Pacific Northwest coastal regions, where it has been considered the Tree of Life by Northwest Native tribal peoples for the last 7,000 years.¹

Often considered the grandmothers and grandfathers of the ecosystem, herbalist Scott Kloos writes, “Anyone residing in the Pacific Northwest would benefit from developing relationships with these wise trees.”² Even for those who don’t reside in the Pacific Northwest, this tree holds unique physical and spiritual medicine.

Red Cedar Uses and Plant Profile Summary

Botanical Name: Thuja plicata
Other Common Names: Western Red Cedar, Thuja, Giant Cedar
Family: Cupressaceae
Parts Used: Leaves, also known as fronds
Energetics: Cooling, drying
Taste: Resinous, aromatic, bitter, astringent
Plant Properties: Antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, expectorant, bronchodilator, immunostimulant, bitter, pelvic decongestant, circulatory stimulant, emmenagogue, mild vulnerary
Plant Uses: External application to fungal skin infections like athlete's foot, ringworm, and nail fungus; internal support for chronic or acute yeast or bacterial vaginitis; pelvic congestion causing delayed menstruation, vaginitis, and general uterine bogginess; acute or chronic urinary tract infections; acute or chronic respiratory infections, especially with boggy, damp, wet coughs; viral challenges including HPV and HIV; spiritual protection and grounding.
Plant Preparations: Tea/infusion, steam inhalation, alcohol tincture, oil and salve, liniment, smoke cleansing, steam-distilled essential oil.

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Lauren Morgan

Lauren Morgan is a community herbalist, dream teacher, and author. She teaches folk and plant spirit herbalism, hosts dream circles and ceremonies, and is a dedicated student and steward of the plants, dreams, and Mother Earth. Alongside Kimberly, she co-teaches Rhythms and Relationships: A Feminine Way Into Herbalism. Lauren is the host of the Herbs and Dreams Podcast and the author of Seasonal Herbalism: A Beginner’s Path to Medicine Making and Dreaming with Mother Earth. She is also the proud mother of two young children.

Footnotes

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