Aboriginal Australian medicine is one of the oldest healing traditions in the world. Their holistic belief incorporates physical health, spiritual wellbeing, and connection to country- the land, plants, animals, and ancestors of their land. The herbal pharmacopoeia used in Australia covered thousands of species and remedies included poultices and pastes, infusions and decoctions, smoke and steam treatments, and the chewing of roots or sap for various benefits.
You may be familiar with eucalyptol from Eucalyptus used for chest colds, or the cleansing and antimicrobial effects of tea tree oil from the Melaleuca tree.
New Zealand’s healing and spiritual practices of Rongoā also seek a balance of physical, spiritual, environmental, and family wellbeing. Herbs symbolize key aspects of their rituals. From the islands of Oceania, folklore ties medicinal plants to gods, ancestor healing, and legends of where the herbs came from. Plants are considered to have mana, or spiritual power, and must be harvested in a way that balances respect of the herb with the rituals they are used in.
Emu bush, Lemon grass, and Mānuka are some of the unique medicinal plants from Oceania.
Anigozanthos manglesii – Kangaroo Paw
Eucalyptus cinerea – Silver Dollar Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus citriodora – Lemon Eucalyptus
Melaleuca alternifolia – Tea Tree
Ocimum basilicum ‘Aussie Sweetie’ – Aussie Sweetie Basil
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It is the policy of The Herb Society of America, Inc. not to advise or recommend herbs for medicinal or health use.
This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement of any particular medical or health treatment. Please consult a health care provider before pursuing any herbal treatments.
