Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Aboriginal inhabitants from the coast of New South Wales crushed tea-tree (or paper bark) leaves and applied the paste to wounds. In the 1920s, scientific experiments proved that the tea-tree oil’s antiseptic potency was far stronger than the commonly used antiseptic of the time. Since then, the oil has been touted as a cure for everything from nail fungus to acne. 

Eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptus sp.)

Eucalyptus leaves can be infused for body pains and fevers and chills. Today, the oil is used in mouthwash, throat lozenges and cough suppressants.

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Witchetty (Witjuti) grub (Endoxyla leucomochla)

Witchetty (Witjuti) grubs can be crushed and placed on burns to soothe the skin. 

Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana)

The world’s richest source of Vitamin C is found in this Northern Territory native fruit. The plum has 50 times the Vitamin C of oranges, and was a major source of food for tribes in the area.

Desert mushrooms (Pycnoporus sp.)

Aboriginal people suck on the bright orange desert mushroom to cure a sore mouth or lips. It has been known to be a kind of natural teething ring, and is also useful for babies with oral thrush. 

Goat’s foot (Ipomoea pes-caprae)

For pain relief from sting ray and stone fish stings, mobs from northern Australia and parts of New South Wales crushed and heated the leaves of the plant, then applied them directly to the skin. 

Kangaroo apple (Solanum laciniatum)

The fruit is used as a poultice on swollen joints. The plant contains a steroid which is important to the production of cortisone, which reduces inflammation. Occuring mainly in southeastern Australia, the ripe fruit is traditionally eaten by Aboriginal Australians, but the unripe fruit is poisonous.

Emu bush (Eremophila sp.)

Concoctions of emu bush leaves were used by Northern Territory Aboriginal tribes to wash sores and cuts; occasionally it was gargled. In the last decade, leaves from the plant have been found to have significant antibacterial and antimicrobial properties – as much as some established antibiotics. South Australian are investigating using the plant for sterilising implants, such as artificial hips. 

Stinking passion flower (Passiflora foetida)

A combination of the stinking passion flower and the sandpaper fig (Ficus opposita) plants were used in northern coastal communities to relieve itching. The leaves of the sandpaper fig were crushed and soaked in water, then rubbed on the itch until it bled. The pulped fruit of the stinking passion flower was then smeared on to the affected area. 

Snakevine (Tinospora smilacina)

Communities in central Australia used to crush sections of the vine to treat headaches, rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory-related ailments. The sap and leaves were sometimes used to treat sores and wounds.