Native Americans used the leaves and twigs to treat malaria, coughs, gout, and rheumatism, extracts of the tree have never been used in orthodox medicine. In aromatherapy, the essential oil of Thuja occidentalis is used to treat hair loss and acne. As well as being a key remedy for warts, Thuja is used for other skin complaints, such as oily skin and to treat weak nails. Physical symptoms it is given for include: offensive smelling perspiration; headaches brought on by stress, too much excitement or exhaustion; tooth decay and swollen gums; chronic greenish yellow or green phlegm; and loss of appetite in the morning. Thuja is also effective for menstrual cramps. Skin conditions - large, "cauliflower" warts, and warts that weep, sting, or are on stalks. There may be scaly patches on covered body areas, itchy skin complaints, brown "age spots," and ridged, weak, or deformed nails. Thuja is widely used as an ointment for warts and verrucas. Urogenital problems - swollen, inflamed urethra, with urine stream split and weak, and frequent strong urges to urinate, perhaps with trickling incontinence. In men, urethral infection is common, usually with a discharge and possibly affecting the prostate gland. In women, there may be vaginal infection, often with profuse discharge. Inflammation may spread through the pelvic area. Genital warts and herpes may develop, as may ulcers and uterine polyps. Thuja may also be given to treat suppressed gonorrhea. Catarrh and sinusitis - chronic sinus or respiratory problems, usually with foul-smelling, green or yellow-green catarrh. Asthma may respond to Thuja, as may nasal polyps with thick, green, bloody mucus containing pus. Menstrual problems - early or scant menstrual periods. There may be menstrual pain that is localized over the left ovary. Ovarian cysts may also respond to Thuja.