Is cedar tea high in vitamin C? A guide to its nutritional benefits and safety

November 1, 2025 •

5 min read

Historically, indigenous communities used Northern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) to cure scurvy in European explorers, a clear indication that is cedar tea high in vitamin C. This potent herbal remedy, while offering significant nutritional benefits, also carries important safety considerations due to the presence of a compound called thujone.

Quick Summary

Cedar tea is rich in vitamin C, with a long history of use as an anti-scurvy remedy. Sourced and prepared correctly, it offers various health benefits, but it contains the toxic compound thujone, necessitating cautious and limited consumption.

Key Points

High in Vitamin C: Cedar tea, particularly from Northern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis), is very high in vitamin C and was historically used to prevent scurvy.
Potential for Toxicity: It contains thujone, a compound that is toxic in large doses, so consumption must be limited to small amounts, such as 1 to 3 cups per week.
Proper Preparation is Key: Safe preparation involves simmering or steeping in hot water, not boiling, and skimming off any oily residue.
Accurate Identification is Crucial: Only certain species like Northern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) and Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) should be used for tea; improper identification can lead to consuming toxic plants.
Offers Additional Benefits: Beyond vitamin C, cedar tea has been traditionally used for anti-inflammatory, respiratory, and calming effects.
Specific Safety Warnings: Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals and those with kidney issues should avoid cedar tea.

The Potent Vitamin C Content of Cedar Tea

The most notable nutritional fact about cedar tea is its exceptionally high vitamin C content, which earned the Northern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) the name 'Arbor Vitae' or 'tree of life' from French explorers whose scurvy-ridden crew was cured by drinking it. While citrus fruits are commonly associated with vitamin C, certain conifer needles, including cedar, have been found to contain comparable or even higher amounts, especially during winter months when concentrations can increase. This makes cedar tea a historical and natural remedy for vitamin C deficiency.

Scientific findings on conifer vitamin C

Research has shown that the ascorbic acid (vitamin C) content in fresh conifer needles can vary significantly. For example, some studies show fresh needle macerations can produce solutions comparable in vitamin C concentration to citrus fruit juices. The age of the needles and the time of year can influence the concentration, with higher levels sometimes found in older needles or during colder periods. This historical understanding and more recent scientific evidence confirm that consuming tea from the correct cedar species is an effective way to obtain vitamin C.

Beyond Vitamin C: Additional Benefits of Cedar

Beyond its scurvy-fighting properties, cedar is recognized in many Indigenous traditions as one of four sacred medicines, prized for its ceremonial, healing, and wellness applications. When consumed as a tea, it can offer a range of potential health benefits:

Respiratory Support: Cedar has been used traditionally to help with respiratory issues such as bronchitis and to improve lung function. Inhaling the aroma of simmering cedar can have a calming effect and help to decongest the airways.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Cedar possesses natural anti-inflammatory properties, which may aid in soothing inflammation within the body.
Calming and Purifying Properties: The aroma of cedar is known to be comforting and calming. Used as a smudge or boiled for its scent, it is also believed to purify a space of negative energy.
Traditional Uses: Historically, various Indigenous tribes have used cedar for a wide array of medicinal purposes, including poultices for swellings, washes for cuts and sores, and as part of steam baths.

Crucial Safety Precautions and Thujone Toxicity

Despite its benefits, cedar tea must be approached with caution due to the presence of thujone, a compound that can be toxic in large doses. The phrase 'the dose makes the poison' is particularly relevant here.

Important safety guidelines

Limit Consumption: It is highly recommended to limit consumption of cedar tea to no more than 1 to 3 cups per week to avoid the adverse effects of thujone. It is best used as a medicinal tonic rather than a daily beverage.
Avoid if Pregnant, Breastfeeding, or with Kidney Issues: Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not consume cedar tea. Individuals with pre-existing health conditions, especially kidney problems, should also avoid it.
Safe Preparation: Proper preparation is key to minimizing risk. Avoid boiling the leaves directly, as this can release higher concentrations of bitter compounds and potentially toxic substances. Instead, simmer the leaves gently or steep them in hot, but not boiling, water. It is also advised to strain off any oily scum that forms on the surface of the tea, as cedar oil is highly toxic if ingested.

How to Safely Identify and Prepare Cedar Tea

Correct identification is paramount to avoid consuming the wrong species, as not all trees called 'cedar' are safe for tea. Seek guidance from an experienced forager or trusted resource before harvesting.

Identifying the correct species for tea

For tea, the commonly used and safest options are Northern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) and Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata).

Foliage: The leaves of Thuja are not needles but rather small, scale-like structures that are flattened into fan-like sprays. They have a distinctive, often fruity or earthy aroma when crushed.
Distinguishing from other conifers: Unlike true cedars (Cedrus genus) which have clusters of needles, Thuja species have scale-like leaves. Foraging a different species could lead to unwanted side effects.

A simple preparation method

Harvest and Rinse: Gather fresh, green cedar leaves, only taking what you need and thanking the tree. Rinse them thoroughly to remove dirt and debris.
Steep, Don't Boil: Bring a pot of water to a boil, then remove it from the heat. Add a handful of crushed cedar leaves and cover, allowing the tea to steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
Strain and Skim: Strain the leaves from the liquid and, if necessary, skim any oily film from the surface before drinking.
Sweeten to Taste (Optional): Add a little honey or maple syrup to enhance the flavor.

Comparison Table: Cedar Tea vs. Common Vitamin C Sources


Feature	Cedar Tea (Thuja spp.)	Orange Juice	Pine Needle Tea	Vitamin C Supplement
Vitamin C Content	High; variable based on season, species, and prep	High and consistent	High; variable based on season, species, prep	Very high and precise dosage
Preparation	Requires careful identification and proper steeping technique	Ready to drink	Requires correct identification and steeping technique	Ready to consume
Risks	Potential toxicity from thujone in large doses; allergic reactions possible	Low, but high sugar content	Potential for bitterness if boiled improperly	Low; risk of gastrointestinal issues with very high doses
Best For...	A cautious, occasional medicinal supplement	A consistent, safe dietary source of vitamin C	Occasional, traditional herbal tonic	Precise, reliable dosage for deficiency

Sourcing Your Cedar Needles

If you are unable to forage safely, or prefer a less risky option, some herbal suppliers offer dried Northern White Cedar leaves. When sourcing, always use a reputable company that provides detailed information on the botanical name and sourcing practices. Dried leaves can be prepared into tea using a similar steeping method.

For more detailed information on foraging, especially for Western Red Cedar, resources like Wild Foods and Medicines can be a valuable starting point, but always verify information from multiple authoritative sources and use caution.

Conclusion: Balancing Benefit and Caution

So, is cedar tea high in vitamin C? The answer is a definitive yes, with historical and nutritional evidence supporting its use as a potent vitamin C source. However, this powerful herbal remedy is not without its risks. The presence of thujone dictates that cedar tea should be consumed in moderation and with careful attention to preparation and dosage. For those who can safely identify and prepare it, cedar tea can be a valuable, traditional supplement to a healthy nutrition diet. For others, safer alternatives like orange juice or vitamin C supplements offer the same nutritional benefit without the associated risk. Consulting a healthcare professional before incorporating any new herbal remedy is always the safest course of action.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, cedar tea is not recommended for daily consumption. Due to the potential toxicity of the compound thujone in large amounts, intake should be limited to a maximum of 1 to 3 cups per week.

Northern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) and Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) are the recommended species for making tea. It is crucial to correctly identify the plant before use, as not all evergreens are safe for consumption.

Over-consumption of cedar tea, particularly from boiling or ingesting the toxic essential oils, can cause symptoms like burning sensations, vomiting, seizures, or other serious health issues due to thujone toxicity.

To prepare cedar tea safely, use a gentle simmer or steeping method with hot water, rather than a hard boil. After steeping, strain the leaves and skim any oily residue from the surface, as this oil is toxic.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid cedar tea. Individuals with pre-existing kidney issues or those with plant allergies should also refrain from consuming it.

Boiling can destroy the vitamin C content in some plant materials, and research suggests boiling conifer needles can also release more bitter and less desirable compounds. Gentle steeping or simmering is the safer and more effective method.

While the exact vitamin C content varies based on species and seasonality, some studies suggest that the concentration of ascorbic acid in cedar leaves can be comparable to or greater than that found in citrus fruits.