These upright evergreen trees in the garden are members of the Cypress family. The scale-like leaves gathered in summer produced a medicine that Native Americans used for fever, cough, headache, rheumatism, and other ailments. Research has shown antiviral activity against warts and polyps and possible anti-neoplastic activity against uterine cancer. It has been used for bronchitis, cystitis, and several other conditions as well. Arborvitae preparations should be taken only under professional supervision. The heartwood of these trees is light weight and decay resistant, and it was used to make the ribs of canoes.

Part used::
Leaves

Origin:
America

Hull, Kathleen; Photog. Hull, Meredith /Indiana Medical History Museum: Guide to the Medicinal Plant Garden./ USA: Indiana Medical History Museum. 2010. -- p. 58.