Thuja: The name probably originally comes from the Greek name thuo, which means sacrifice. The smell of burnt plant parts was therefore used in sacrificial rituals as a sign of further life.

It is an evergreen conifer, similar to the false cypress; there are six species, divided into two different occurrences: Thuja occidentalis is an occidental arborvitae in North America and Thuja orientalis is an oriental arborvitae native to East Asia. They are recognizable by their typical arborvitae scent. The tree of life has always been known as an important tree in folklore and mythology. It is also often found in cemeteries.

The species are different. There are over 60 meters high, pointed conical crowns, up to small trees, as solitary trees, avenue trees, hedges and small trees.

Essential oils are used, for example, for wellness treatments using incense, but are also sometimes used in alternative medicine to treat warts. However, the poison thujone contained in the oil can also cause skin irritation, for example. Extracts are contained in some medicines.