In the past, Australian aborigines believed that illness, sickness, and medical problems did not come from any other cause but a curse placed by another. It was the belief that a ritual drawing placed on a tree could bring about sickness and the only recovery was to find the image and destroy it.
However, in New Zealand, Maori war officials relied upon a mixture of herbs they used for wounds and created other external remedies that came from plants. Only a limited amount of remedies were designed. For example, only some treated internal ailments like fever and digestive concerns.
Before Europeans settled on their land, the life expectancy of the Australians barely reached the mid-20s. In regards to old age, a host of degenerative diseases were commonly seen, yet was rather unknown in the West. At the time, recognition of healing herbs were mostly known by regions, meaning only certain remedies were attributed to various indigenous groups. When the Europeans arrived, they barely blinked an eye at this native remedies, and preferred to stick with the Old World way of treatment, which is known to dominate both countries’ approach towards current herbal medicines.
Over the year, the interest in native healing has become more of an issue with individuals trying to unlock the secrets of natural medicine. Some of the best known is tea tree and eucalyptus. Today, scientists are working with various herbs to prepare the latest in medical relief. The kangaroo apple has been used as a decent source of synthetic sex hormones and corticosteroids. Using the bask of the Moreton Bay chestnut (which is regarded as a native poison) has shown promise in AIDS treatments and combating antiviral activity pertaining to the HIV virus.
Below you will find a few bush herbs that have made herbal remedies in the land Down Under:
Lemonwood
When keeping in line with tradition, an infusion of lemonwood (P. phylliraeoides) can be used to treat cramps, colds, as well as promote the flow of milk for breast-feeding mothers. Lemonwood (P. venulosum) creates an effective aphrodisiac, while P. tenuifloium is known to treat irritation of the skin and eczema of the scalp. When the leaves are used in poultices, sores are treated. Today, lemonwood is regarded as a promising essential oil, which holds antimicrobial properties with anti-inflammatory powers.
Paperbarks
Along with tea tree, the Australian aborigines relied on paperbarks to treat those suffering colds and other illnesses. With M. symphocarpa, individuals were able to combat respiratory problems and frequent headaches. For coughs, M. viridiflora was used. When persistent coughing, upset stomachs, and rheumatic aches strike, M. leucadendron has proven a satisfying remedy. In the West, paperbarks is used to create cajeput and naiouli oils, which eases coughs and colds when made as a chest rub.
To make one at home, combine 5 drops paperbarks per every 5 ml of almond or vegetable oil. Sometimes, the plant creates steam inhalants for nasal catarrh and sinus headaches. It is important to avoid taking the herb internally, as it can cause irritation in the skin.