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Dietary supplement

Thuja Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Hawaii Pharm

Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Thuja is a dietary supplement by Hawaii Pharm with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for warts and skin growths, respiratory and immune support, cold and upper respiratory symptoms.Based on those ingredients, 576 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are certified organic Thuja extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Thuja by Hawaii Pharm

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains a single active ingredient: certified organic thuja extract. Thuja is a plant that's traditionally been used in herbal medicine, though it carries real safety concerns — particularly because it contains thujone, a compound that can be toxic at high doses.

The extract is delivered in a base of vegetable palm glycerin and pharmaceutical grade alcohol, which serve as the liquid medium.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not assessable

This is a single-ingredient Thuja product and its label doesn't state a use — see Thuja's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence for thuja in treating the common cold isn't established in our data. We hold insufficient reliable evidence to rate how well it works for that purpose, so we can't tell you whether it's likely to help.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Thuja

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Thuja carries significant safety cautions. Large doses taken by mouth have been reported to cause headache, nervousness, seizures, stomach upset, vomiting, belly pain, diarrhea, and in some cases liver or kidney damage or death.

Contact with thuja plants can also trigger an itchy skin rash in some people. Thuja is traditionally used to stimulate the uterus and period, so the safety data advises against it in pregnancy.

Breastfeeding safety is not established, so avoid use while nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Thuja

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Thuja.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: seizure medications; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs.
  • For scale: 576 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Do not use this product if you take seizure threshold lowering drugs (such as certain anesthetics) or anticonvulsant medications — thuja can work against seizure control. Check with your pharmacist before using it with immunosuppressants like cyclosporine or tacrolimus.

No interactions are documented for any other ingredient categories, but your exact medications should be verified with the search tool on this page.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This is a product to be cautious with. If you take seizure threshold lowering drugs, immunosuppressants, or anticonvulsants, talk to your pharmacist before considering it — the interactions are real and potentially serious.

Even if you don't take those medications, thuja's toxicity profile at higher doses means it's worth a conversation with us first.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 23, 2020.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Thuja, straight from the product label.

Brand Hawaii Pharm
Barcode (UPC) 0787699245607
Net contents 4 Fluid Ounce(s); 120 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 23, 2020
DSLD ID 237715
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Organic, Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Thuja by Hawaii Pharm, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
0.7 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Servings per container
120
UPC/BARCODE
0787699245607
IngredientAmount% DV
certified organic Thuja extract970 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Palm Glycerin, pharmaceutical grade Alcohol

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

Hawaii Pharm Herbal Extract Highest quality since 2008

Made with Aloha!

Formulation

Contains no GMO, gluten, artificial colors, heavy metals, preservatives, pesticides, fertilizers.

Super concentrated liquid herbal extract. Dry herb/menstruum ratio: 1:3.

Manufactured in an FDA registered facility.

Non GMO Gluten free

Made in USA, Hawaii

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions for use: Shake well before using. Take about 20-30 drops (0.7-1 ml, one full squeeze of the dropper bulb) to 2-4 oz of juice or water up to 4 times per day.

Precautions

Warning: Keep out of the reach of children.

May have contraindications. We recommend to seek expert medical advice before taking.

Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredients.

Consult a physician before using during pregnancy, if nursing or taking any medications.

Do not use if seal is broken or missing.

Storage

Store in a cool dry place.

Formula

(Thuja occidentalis)

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Dietary Supplement

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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.

Seals/Symbols

FDA Registered Facility Made in United States of America USA

See for yourself

Thuja by Hawaii Pharm label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Thuja by Hawaii Pharm

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size0.7 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container120 Amounts shown are per serving.

Certified organic Thuja extract

Interacts with
576 drugs
970 mg per serving

Thuja, also called northern white cedar or arborvitae, is a tree whose leaf and oil have a long history in folk and homeopathic medicine, especially f...

Certified organic Thuja extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetable Palm Glycerin, Pharmaceutical grade Alcohol. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Thuja by Hawaii Pharm Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Thuja?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
576Drugs
576 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Thuja with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

certified organic Thuja extract3 drug types · 576 drugs

Anticonvulsants

Thuja products can contain thujone, which might lower the seizure threshold. Theoretically, this could decrease the effectiveness of anticonvulsants drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Thuja might stimulate immune function. Theoretically, taking thuja might decrease the effects of immunosuppressive therapy. Immunosuppressant drugs include azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), and other corticosteroids (glucocorticoids).

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Seizure Threshold Lowering Drugs

Thuja products can contains significant amounts of thujone, a neurotoxin. Theoretically, patients taking drugs that lower the seizure threshold might be at greater risk of seizure if they also take thuja. Advise patients taking these drugs to avoid thuja products. Some drugs that lower the seizure threshold include anesthetics (propofol, others), antiarrhythmics (mexiletine), antibiotics (amphotericin, penicillin, cephalosporins, imipenem), antidepressants (bupropion, others), antihistamines (cyproheptadine, others), immunosuppressants (cyclosporine), narcotics (fentanyl, others), stimulants (methylphenidate), theophylline, and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Thuja, from the product label.

Hawaii Pharm

See all Hawaii Pharm products
Name
Hawaii Pharm LLC
City
Honolulu
State
HI
ZipCode
96815
Web Address
www.hawaiipharm.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Thuja by Hawaii Pharm: Common Questions

Does Thuja by Hawaii Pharm interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Thuja has a known interaction with 576 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Thuja contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Thuja is traditionally used to stimulate the uterus and menstruation, so it's considered likely unsafe in pregnancy. Safety is also not established for breastfeeding, so you should avoid it while nursing. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about safer options.
What's thujone, and why does it matter?
Thujone is a toxic compound found in thuja plants and their essential oil. In large doses taken by mouth, it can cause headaches, nervousness, seizures, stomach problems, and in serious cases liver damage, kidney damage, or death. It's why we caution against this product, especially for people taking seizure or nerve medications.
What are the most common side effects?
Large doses have been reported to cause stomach irritation, vomiting, belly pain, and diarrhea. Some people who handle thuja plants directly can develop an itchy skin rash. If you experience any of these, stop using it and talk to us.
Does this actually work for colds?
The evidence isn't strong enough for us to say. We hold insufficient reliable evidence to rate how well thuja works for the common cold, so we can't tell you whether it's likely to help you.
I'm on immunosuppressant medication for a transplant. Can I take this?
Not without talking to your doctor first. Thuja may stimulate your immune system, which could reduce how well your immunosuppressant drugs work. That's a serious concern for anyone managing a transplant, so check with your prescriber before using it.

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

Not sure if Thuja is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Thuja label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Thuja's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 10 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Thuja 10 references
  1. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  2. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  3. Millet Y, Jouglard J, Steinmetz MD, et al. Toxicity of some essential plant oils. Clinical and experimental study. Clin Toxicol 1981;18:1485-98. PubMed
  4. Gohla SH, Haubeck HD, Neth RD. Mitogenic activity of high molecular polysaccharide fractions isolated from the Cupressaceae Thuja occidentale L. I. Macrophage-dependent induction of CD-4-positive T-helper (Th+) lymphocytes. Leukemia 1988;2:528-33.
  5. Fetrow CW, Avila JR. Professional's Handbook of Complementary & Alternative Medicines. 1st ed. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corp., 1999.
  6. Henneicke-von Zepelin H, Hentschel C, Schnitker J, et al. Efficacy and safety of a fixed combination phytomedicine in the treatment of the common cold (acute viral respiratory tract infection): results of a randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled, m
  7. Naser, B., Bodinet, C., Tegtmeier, M., and Lindequist, U. Thuja occidentalis (Arbor vitae): A Review of its Pharmaceutical, Pharmacological and Clinical Properties. Evid.Based Complement Alternat.Med 2005;2(1):69-78.
  8. Patel R, Alavi F, Ortega S, Matela A. Herb-Induced Liver Injury by Cimicifuga racemosa and Thuja occidentalis Herbal Medications for Fertility. Case Rep Gastrointest Med 2021;2021:8858310. PubMed
  9. Ambooken B, Thomas M, Jisha KT. Papillary Eccrine Adenoma in a 5-year-old Girl Altered by Application of Thuja Ointment. J Cutan Aesthet Surg 2020;13(4):370-371. PubMed
  10. Badaoui A, Fougerousse AC. Contact dermatitis to linalool and limonene: Unusual sources of exposure. Ann Dermatol Venereol 2023;150(2):167-168. PubMed

See these in context on the Thuja monograph →

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

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