Eastern White Cedar During Winter
This incredibly common tree can be found almost everywhere in Canada! The Cedar tree properties were very valuable to the Indigenous peoples. It was their medicine, their furniture, their transportation, and their sacred plant. There are two species in Canada. Eastern White Cedar (thuja occidentalis) is found around New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, and some areas of Manitoba. It has a very distinct look, with scaly, flat, fan-like leaves, reddish brown peeling bark and a conical silhouette. As for the Western Redcedar (thuja plicata) it is often found on the opposite side of the country. They like the wet areas of British Columbia and some areas of Alberta. Both species are native to Canada and live in the hardiness zones from 1a -8b. (Tip – Search up the hardiness zone where you live to find what plants will survive there).
Native American Cultural Importance
These beautiful trees serve a greater purpose besides being a wonderful building wood. It has a strong spiritual purpose to the indigenous peoples, often burned in ceremonies to cleanse the air. The Western Redcedar in particular was used to make a wide array of household products. They used the wood to make canoes, baskets, blankets, ropes, clothes, diapers, mattresses, sanitary pads and much more! This ingenious method of production involved twisting and knotting the soft inner bark or pounding it to a soft fluff. All species of Cedar have very similar healing remedies, with certain species that have different specialization.
Native Americans would make cereal or bread with the dried and ground wood or would sometimes eat it uncooked, often during the spring. They would cook the center wood of young trees in soups and stews. These methods do involve cutting and killing the tree, so it can be more difficult to take advantage of these benefits. It’s more common to see people nowadays using twigs, leaves, buds, and the sap from this tree to reap it’s benefits without much harm. The most common method of consumption is tea, which has many healing properties. Fun fact – Native Americans made cedar tea for the settlers while they were dying of hypothermia and scurvy since it has plenty of vitamin C.
Be Careful!
It’s important to note that one should be very careful while using natural remedies without proper guidance or research. Redcedar tea was used to induce labor, so if you are a pregnant women who does not want this effect it’s strongly recommended to avoid consuming this plant. Infants and people with kidney disorders are also recommended to steer clear of taking this plant internally.
Consume in moderation. Cedar can be toxic in large doses, as the oil contains a neurotoxin called thujone, which can cause convulsions, low blood pressure, and potentially death. This is simply an informative post and it is suggested to seek out professional help with any medical issues. One of the best ways to learn the sacred medicine is to speak with an Indigenous traditional healer if you are more curious about natural medicine.
Medicinal Properties
The main highlight of this tree is that it can help support the immune system, assist in respiratory problems and colds. Cedar tea (made from leaves and twigs) carries the capability to heal many cold and flu symptoms such as coughing, sore throats, diarrhea, or any sort of respiratory issue like bronchitis. Drinking and/or inhaling the steam from the tea is a recommended method of consumption for these symptoms. Cedar has anti-viral and antifungal properties, so it can also help with common fungal issues like ringworm and athlete’s foot when made into an alcoholic extract.
Eastern White Cedar in particular is a great antifungal plant that can additionally help with warts and polyps. Cedar is an antiseptic and can be used as a disinfectant. It can help with pain, muscle aches and spasms. The fresh green buds were often chewed on to relieve toothaches. Redcedar trees are known to stimulate muscles and vascular capillaries! Boiling and inhaling Redcedar vapor was used by pregnant women to induce labor, as previously mentioned.
In conclusion, both species of this tree has had a great importance to Native American history. The Cedar tree properties have been recorded and utilized for generations, and this wisdom has been passed down to people today. When collecting, be sure to keep that in mind and show respect to this lovely tree.