Brew Cedar Tea: Unlocking Health Benefits from Nature's Gift
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Apothecary is a series dedicated to exploring natural remedies sourced from local environments, influenced by family traditions and Indigenous practices aimed at enhancing physical and mental well-being.
Nestled behind our family home near Rice Lake in Southern Ontario, there exists a captivating coniferous forest with paths for walking or skiing. Among the fragrant cedar trees that flourish along these trails, my mother and I have come to understand the profound health benefits they offer, deeply embedded in the traditions of our Indigenous neighbors.
Identifying Canadian Cedar Trees
In Canada, the term "cedar" refers to evergreen conifers belonging to the genus Thuja, part of the cypress family (Cupressaceae). Known as arbor vitae (Latin for "tree of life"), this includes the five species of the genus Thuja, which are resinous and evergreen, often used for ornamental purposes and timber, native to North America and parts of eastern Asia. The tree discussed here is specifically Thuja occidentalis.
Traditionally, species from the genus Cupressus are utilized for medicinal purposes, such as treating rheumatism and respiratory issues. They help reduce fluid retention and enhance circulation within the kidney and bladder regions, promoting better bladder health.
True cedars belong to the genus Cedrus and are primarily found from the Mediterranean region to the Himalayas. There are six recognized species of Thuja, with two in North America and four in eastern Asia. The western red cedar (T. plicata) can reach heights of up to 60 meters, while the eastern white cedar (T. occidentalis) typically grows to around 25 meters.
The Indigenous Significance of Cedar
In The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen, authors Sean Sherman and Beth Dooley highlight cedar's sacred status within Indigenous cultures:
> Cedar is revered as a sacred tree, integral to many ceremonies. It is utilized for purifying homes and serves as a medicinal resource.
Our home is located near the Ojibwa people's reservation, where cedar holds a vital role in their history and cultural practices. The KBIC Health System regards cedar as one of the four sacred medicines, with numerous applications in Indigenous lifestyles:
- Similar to sage and sweetgrass, cedar is used for home purification and possesses various therapeutic properties. Cedar baths are known for their healing effects. Burning cedar with tobacco in rituals calls upon spirits for protection during fasting and sweat lodge ceremonies.
Health Benefits of Canadian Cedar
Joseph Pitawanakwat, a member of the Wikwemikong First Nation, has shared insights on the medicinal properties of cedar in over 200 Indigenous communities. In his YouTube channel, Creators Garden, he discusses cedar's health advantages:
- The tree aids in detoxification and stimulates the lymphatic system.
- It is crucial for fat absorption and utilization, complementing ketogenic diets and cardiovascular activities.
- Drinking cedar tea may reduce chronic inflammation, a significant contributor to aging and various diseases.
Continuing Indigenous traditions, Kim Wheatley, a Grandmother from the Shawanaga First Nation, prepares cedar tea, sharing its benefits in her Everyday Wellness video.
Other notable health benefits attributed to cedar include:
- Relief from respiratory issues, aiding in the clearing of phlegm during colds and flu.
- Prevention of scurvy.
- Acting as a natural diuretic, containing compounds like cedrol, beta-cedrene, and thujopene.
Scientific Validation of Cedar's Benefits
To explore these claims, let’s analyze the essential oil components of T. occidentalis, which include monoterpenoid ketones such as thujone and fenchone.
Fenchone has been clinically validated for its medicinal properties, particularly in wound healing. Studies have indicated:
> The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of fenchone and limonene oil enhance collagen synthesis and reduce inflammatory cells during wound recovery.
Fenchone has also exhibited anti-fungal properties and has been shown to reduce tumor size and viable cancer cells in experimental settings.
Research on thujone, a compound known for its controversial effects, continues to reveal its potential health impacts. It interacts with GABA receptors, influencing neural regulation, which has historical ties to the artistic inspirations of the early 1900s in Europe.
Conclusion
There is compelling scientific evidence supporting the traditional claims regarding the health benefits of white cedar and its active compounds. However, further research is essential to confirm these findings and determine appropriate dosages.
Brewing Cedar Tea
Initially, we attempted to brew cedar tea by using small sprigs in a tea ball. The result was a weak flavor. Now, we follow these straightforward instructions from Jill Taylor, a Certified Holistic Nutritionist:
- Collect 2 cups of fresh cedar leaves—avoid using the bark.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of filtered water to a boil. Add cedar leaves and let simmer.
- After 10-15 minutes, strain the leaves, resulting in a beautifully golden tea.
Enjoy your cedar tea! It's best consumed in moderation—we recommend no more than one cup a day.
Personal Experience
Inspired by the vast health benefits shared by our Indigenous friends, our family began consuming a cup of cedar tea daily starting in the fall of 2020.
From the first sip, I was captivated by the rich aroma of cedar. I could almost feel its health benefits working within me. For those who find the cedar flavor too strong, consider sweetening your tea with local honey or maple syrup.
Resources
- The Splendid Table, Cedar Tea
- Blissful Vitality, Healing Cedar Tea
- Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario, The Benefits of Cedar Tea
- nomiforager.com, The Magic of Cedar
- Sherman, Sean. Dooley, Beth. The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen, Ghost Dancer, LLC. University of Minnesota Press. 2017
Special thanks to my mom, Sheila Beasley, for imparting her knowledge about the wonders of our natural world and the incredible health benefits waiting right outside our door.