Herb & supplement monograph

Oriental Arborvitae Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated July 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Oriental Arborvitae interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Oriental Arborvitae is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Oriental Arborvitae is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Oriental Arborvitae

0 medications have a known interaction with Oriental Arborvitae, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for Oriental Arborvitae. This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining supplements with your medications.

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Oriental Arborvitae combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
Monograph

Oriental Arborvitae: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Oriental Arborvitae is an evergreen conifer used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, where the seeds (Bai Zi Ren) are taken to calm the mind and ease constipation, and the leaves (Ce Bai Ye) are used for bleeding and hair loss. Solid human evidence for these uses is limited, and parts of the plant can be toxic if misused. Talk with a pharmacist or doctor before trying it, and avoid it in pregnancy.

Oriental Arborvitae
Scientific name
Platycladus orientalis
Family
Cupressaceae
Part used
Seeds (Bai Zi Ren) and leaves/twigs (Ce Bai Ye)
Common forms
Dried seeds, dried leaf, decoctions (teas), powders, capsules, and topical preparations
People commonly use it for
  • Insomnia and restlessness
  • Constipation (seeds)
  • Hair loss and scalp health (topical)
  • Bleeding and heavy menstruation (traditional)
  • Cough and respiratory complaints

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Some plant parts and oils can be toxic, and human safety data are limited.

PregnancyPossibly Unsafe

When the leafy twig is used orally during pregnancy. Oriental arborvitae contains thujone. Thujone might stimulate uterine activity; avoid using. Ther...

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of oriental arborvitae when used orally or topically during lactation; avoid usi...

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Oriental Arborvitae (Platycladus orientalis) is an evergreen conifer tree native to East Asia. It is widely planted in gardens and landscapes for its dense, scale-like foliage, but it also has a long history in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

In TCM, two different parts are used and have different names. The seeds are called Bai Zi Ren and are used mainly to calm the mind and to soften the stool. The leaves and young twigs are called Ce Bai Ye and are used traditionally for bleeding problems and for the scalp and hair.

Today you may find it as dried herb for teas (decoctions), powders, capsules, or in topical products such as hair tonics. It is far more common in TCM practice than as a standalone Western supplement.

How it works

The plant contains a mix of natural compounds, including flavonoids, essential oils (with substances such as thujone and other terpenes), tannins, and fatty oils in the seeds.

The fatty oil in the seeds is thought to explain the gentle stool-softening, laxative effect. Flavonoids and other antioxidants found in the leaves may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial actions in laboratory tests, and some lab studies suggest effects on hair-related cell pathways.

Most of these mechanisms come from test-tube and animal research. It is not clear how well they translate to real benefits in people at safe doses.

Effectiveness

Does Oriental Arborvitae work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 1 use evaluated
1 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Oriental Arborvitae, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 1 condition — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Osteoarthritis
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral oriental arborvitae is beneficial in patients with osteoarthritis.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

Safety information for humans is limited, so a cautious approach is wise. The essential oil contains thujone, a compound that can be toxic to the nervous system in larger amounts and may trigger seizures. Concentrated oils and large doses are the main concern.

People with a history of seizures, kidney or liver problems, or those who are frail or elderly should be especially careful. Children should not use it without medical supervision.

Pregnancy: Avoid. It is traditionally avoided in pregnancy, and there is not enough safety data to consider it safe. Breastfeeding: Avoid, because no reliable safety information is available.

Because product quality and the part of the plant used can vary, talk to a pharmacist, doctor, or qualified TCM practitioner before using it.

Side effects

When the seeds are used in usual food-like amounts, the most common side effects are digestive, such as loose stools, diarrhea, or stomach upset.

More serious problems are linked to the concentrated essential oil or to high doses, and may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and—because of the thujone content—nervous system effects such as agitation or, rarely, seizures. Allergic reactions are possible, especially with topical use.

Stop using it and seek medical care if you have a severe reaction, trouble breathing, or any unusual neurological symptoms.

Oriental Arborvitae: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Oriental Arborvitae from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Orally, taking oriental arborvitae long-term or at high doses might cause adverse effects due to the thujone constituent. Thujone-containing herbs can cause restlessness, vomiting, dizziness, tremors, kidney damage, hallucinations, and convulsions when used long-term or at high doses. Thujone intoxication can cause psychoactivity similar to tetrahydrocannibinol, the active constituent in marijuana..

  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
Reports by condition
Nausea and vomiting Gastrointestinal

Orally, thujone-containing herbs such as oriental arborvitae may cause vomiting when used long-term or at high doses.

  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
Vertigo Neurologic/CNS

Orally, thujone-containing herbs such as oriental arborvitae may cause dizziness and convulsions when used long-term or at high doses.

  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no well-established standardized dose for Oriental Arborvitae as a supplement. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the seeds and leaves are used in specific amounts within formulas prepared by a trained practitioner, and the right amount depends on the part used and the preparation.

If you choose to use a commercial product, follow the directions on the label and do not exceed them. Never ingest the concentrated essential oil unless directed by a qualified professional. When in doubt, check with a pharmacist, doctor, or licensed TCM practitioner first.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Oriental Arborvitae & Pregnancy

Possibly Unsafe

When the leafy twig is used orally during pregnancy. Oriental arborvitae contains thujone. Thujone might stimulate uterine activity; avoid using. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of oriental arborvitae when used topically during pregnancy; avoid using.

  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  2. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.

Oriental Arborvitae & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of oriental arborvitae when used orally or topically during lactation; avoid using.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 2 references that drive our Oriental Arborvitae monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  2. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Oriental Arborvitae

23 brands in our database make a supplement containing Oriental Arborvitae.

Product directory

Supplement products with Oriental Arborvitae

76 products in our database contain Oriental Arborvitae. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Oriental Arborvitae: Common Questions

What is Oriental Arborvitae used for, and does it work?
People use Oriental Arborvitae for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.
Does Oriental Arborvitae interact with prescription medications?
We do not currently list any known drug interactions for Oriental Arborvitae. This does not guarantee that none exist, so always confirm with your pharmacist before combining it with your medications.
How are Oriental Arborvitae interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Oriental Arborvitae with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Oriental Arborvitae interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is Oriental Arborvitae used for?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the seeds are used to calm the mind and ease constipation, and the leaves are used for bleeding problems and hair and scalp care. Strong human evidence for these uses is limited.
Is Oriental Arborvitae safe to take?
It may be reasonably tolerated in small, traditional amounts, but concentrated oils and high doses can be toxic because of a compound called thujone. Because human safety data are limited, use it only with guidance from a healthcare professional.
Can I use it during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
No. It is traditionally avoided in pregnancy and there is not enough safety information for either pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it should be avoided.
Are the seeds and the leaves the same thing?
No. The seeds (Bai Zi Ren) and the leaves/twigs (Ce Bai Ye) are different parts used for different purposes, so it matters which one a product contains.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Keep exploring

Products that contain Oriental Arborvitae

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Oriental Arborvitae — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 76 products with Oriental Arborvitae →
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