Bush

Medicine
PLANTS
of the Illawarra
Terry Rankmore

Supported by a “Protecting Our Places”

Grant from the NSW Environmental Trust
Dedicated to my family and
the Aboriginal people of the Illawarra.

Author

Terry Rankmore is the Agricultural Assistant at Lake Illawarra High School, NSW. Terry has had
a long term interest in Australian native plants and their uses by the Traditional Owners of the
land. He is an active member of Landcare Illawarra and Blackbutt Bushcare and has worked with
several schools and Shellharbour City Council to develop Bush Tucker Gardens to celebrate
Aboriginal heritage.

Terry previously authored Murni Dhungang, Dharawal language for Animal Food, Plant Food,
and introduced this book to over 40 schools in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven areas.

Support

Bush Medicines has been proudly supported by the

Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation, Wollongong.

Printer

Hero Print

Graphic Artist

Wade Ingold.
www.2533graphicdesign.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHY
© Copyright Peter Kennedy.
© Copyright Linda Faiers.
Cover image by Linda Faiers.

Publisher

The Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation received a Protecting Our Places grant from the NSW
Environmental Trust, which has enabled Bush Medicines to be researched and published.

Supported by a “Protecting Our Places”

Grant from the NSW Environmental Trust
Bush
Medicine
PLANTS
of the Illawarra
Terry Rankmore
{6}
Bush
Medicine
PLANTS
of the Illawarra
Terry Rankmore
CONTENTS

Acknowledgement to Country 10
Bush medicine today 11
Introduction 13
A cautionary note about plants 14
Re-vegetating degraded areas 15
Bush chemistry 16
Methods of application 17

Stings, Bites, Repellants 18

Cunjevoi / Spoon lily 20
Pigface 22
Crinum / Swamp lily 24
Spiny-headed mat rush 26
Coastal tea tree 28
Bracken fern 32

Sea ulcers, boils, warts 34

Blueberry ash 36
Spreading flax lily / Dianella 38
White sea weed / Sea lettuce 40
Sandpaper fig 42

Women’s Medicine 44
Sydney golden wattle 46
Forest bramble / Rose leaf bramble 47
Red cedar 48

Diarrhoea, Dysentery, Gastric Complaints 50

Cranesbill 52
Rough-barked apple 53
Blackbutt 54
Native raspberry / Small-leaf bramble 55
Illawarra plum pine 56

Eucalypts in General 58

Headache 60
Sand fly zieria 62
Headache vine / Clematis 63

Arthritis / Rheumatism 64
Stinging nettle / Scrub nettle 66
Ivy leaved violet 68
Stinging tree 70
Coughs and Colds 72
Broad-leaved paper bark 74
Mint bush 76

Splints, Bandages, Wounds 78

Broad-leaf cumbungi / Bulrush 80
Broad leaved paper bark 82
Bangalow palm / King palm / Picabean palm 84

Grazes, Burns, Blisters 86

Rock orchid / King orchid 88
Rough tree fern 92
Soft tree fern 94

Toothache 96
Sticky hop bush 98
Red ash 99
Sydney red gum / Smooth-barked apple 100

Skin Ailments 102

Sickle wattle 104
Mint bush 105

Fever 106
Slender snotty-gobble / Devil’s twine 107

Sore throat 108

Cabbage tree palm 110
Water vine / Native grape / Kangaroo vine 114
Sassafras 115

Commercial Use Today 118

Black bean / Moreton Bay chestnut 120
Kangaroo apple 122
Corkwood 125
Eucalyptus Oil 126
Duboisia 127
Tea tree oil 128
Acknowledgements 129
References 130
Acknowledgement to country

I would like to acknowledge the

traditional custodians of the land
and waters of the Illawarra. I would
also like to pay my respects to the
traditional custodians of Australia
and the Torres Strait Islands, and to
elders both past and present.
Terry Rankmore, Author.
Bush Medicine Today
Sadly, much of the knowledge of traditional bush medicine in
southern and eastern Australia has been lost due to the traumas
Aboriginal culture has experienced in the past 200 plus years.

There are, however, attempts in north western Australia to record the knowledge
of traditional bush medicine that the old people can remember. In recent years
researchers from Macquarie University have begun to document this medicinal
plant knowledge, as well as examining the chemical and biological properties of
these plants.

Bush Medicines of the Illawarra is designed as an appreciation of the medical value

plants gave the indigenous people of Australia (and elsewhere), and how plants have
been extensively studied for medicinal use in today’s world.

It is worth remembering that approximately 25% of all pharmaceutical products

worldwide have originated from traditional medical knowledge. In short, the plant
science of traditional peoples everywhere has made a significant contribution to
our health today.

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{ 12 }
Introduction
Over tens of thousands of years the Aboriginal people experimented
with plants to discover their medicinal properties. Some plants, they
discovered, actually had multiple medicinal properties.

This plant science was passed down through the generations by paintings
&/or stories, and this knowledge of the properties of plants reflects the deep spiritual
connection that existed between the land and its people.

Aboriginal people had no medical dictionaries or First Aid kits as we have today, but
used the plants they had access to locally and seasonally. Their remedies and their use
of specific plants for the treatment of particular ailments varied from the geography of
one clan’s area to another.

The Aboriginal people did not quantify their medicines as we do today, eg, 1000 mg of
this or 50 ml of that. Further, most of their medicines were used externally though some
were ingested. They enjoyed steam baths and breathed in vapours from aromatic leaves
as well as rubbing leaves directly onto the skin.

It needs be remembered that before the coming of the Europeans the Aboriginal
people were healthier than they are today. Their diet was better, lifestyle was more
active and less stressful and family support was absolute. At that time, Australia was
free of such diseases as influenza, tuberculosis and smallpox. The introduction of these
diseases killed Aborigines and native peoples everywhere in the tens of thousands,
and probably millions.

The arrival of the First Fleet in 1788 introduced significant cultural dislocation to
the Aboriginal lifestyle and culture. Some Aboriginal bush medicine knowledge
and practices were lost, while some were interwoven with Western medicine. This
book examines some of the Aboriginal medical science, which if not lost was
certainly dormant.

{ 13 }
A cautionary note about plants
Plants can be harmful:

Some plants can be harmful, even toxic. Reactions may range from an allergy to actual poisoning. The Aboriginal people had
thousands of years to study and learn about plants in their environment. Treat all plants with caution and do not try to be as expert
as the Aboriginal people were.

Collecting seed and other plant parts:

Anyone intending to collect seed or any part of a plant must Seed collection can have a negative impact on natural areas and
have a licence if the relevant species, population or ecological should be undertaken in compliance of the national FloraBank
community in which it occurs is listed under the Threatened Guidelines, in order to minimise the impact on source area.
Species Conservation Act 1995 [NSW].
Additional information can be found at: Additional information can be found at:
www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedspecies/index.htm. www.florabank.org.au.

Anyone intending to collect or grow native plants must have a

licence if the relevant species is listed as a Protected Native Plant
on Schedule 13 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 [NSW].

Additional information at can be found at:

www.environment.nsw.gov.au/wildlifelicences/CommercialUseOfNativePlants.htm
Anyone intending to collect native plants must first have the
landowner’s approval, including if the landholder is a Council or
is National Parks or State Forests.

{ 14 }
Re-vegetating Degraded Areas
As part of the grant for the Bush Medicines of the Illawarra
project, the grantees agreed to plant 1000 native species
in 2011 and 1,500 in 2012.

The planting site is a degraded area at Stony Range, Oak Flats. Other planting by the grantees:
Shellharbour City Council Bush Regeneration staff weeded
and mulched the areas before planting occurred. Council and On National Tree Days, from 2007 to 2010, the grantees and other
volunteers undertook regular follow up weeding for the duration volunteers worked with Shellharbour City Council, Bunnings
of project, to ensure no weeds set seed. Warehouse, Green Jobs Corps, Greenacres Disability Service and
13 schools (some of them two or three times) to plant 5,180 native
All weed treatment and planting were supervised by Bush species at Blackbutt Forest Reserve. In 2011 we worked with 6
Regeneration staff from Shellharbour City Council, who schools to plant 1000 native species at Stony Range, Oak Flats - a
have approved qualifications and experience. degraded area. In 2012 a further 1,500 were planted at the Stony
Range site, with assistance from 7 local schools.
Shellharbour City Council has a 132 Licence, which allows staff
and supervised volunteers to plant and weed in the habitat of
any threatened species, population or ecological community, listed
under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 [NSW].

{ 15 }
Bush Chemistry
Over the millions of years that plants have evolved they have
branched and branched again into different species and have
developed a range of chemicals as defence against predators such as
insects and bacteria.

Once the plants had these chemicals, the indigenous people Aromatic Oils:
could, with careful study, learn how to use them. Aromatic oils are made up of complex hydro-carbons. They can
be used to discourage the growth of fungi and bacteria, relax
The major chemical groups were: muscles, relieve rheumatic pain and as a carminative, ie, to relieve
• tannins, which can be used to cover a wound to prevent flatulence.
bacterial infection
• alkaloids Latex:
• aromatic oils. Latex is a white fluid found in some plants, such as figs. This
chemical is corrosive and can cause irritation. Latex is used for
and to a lesser extent, the removal of warts, and the protective covering of wounds and
• latex ulcers.
• mucilage.
Mucilage:
Tannins: Mucilage is used as a soothing medication. It is a sugary gel which
Tannins are complex, water soluble products which plants used to has a mild laxative affect, and can reduce irritation to a broken
discourage predation by insects. Tannins are found skin wound.
in the:
• leaves
• bud roots
• stem tissues, and
• inner bark.

They are found in all the growth areas of a plant

and it seems they also play a role in the regulation
of growth.

Tannins were used to treat:

• diarrhoea
• burns and abrasions
• coughs and colds.

The black-reddish gum that we see from the wounds

on eucalypts is called kino. It active ingredient is tannin.

Alkaloids:
Alkaloids did not play a big part in traditional medicine. Alkaloids
can be very toxic as they affect the central nervous system of
the body. A well known alkaloid is strychnine, while others are
morphine, cocaine and nicotine. None of these alkaloids can be
derived from Australian native plants.

{ 16 }
Methods of Application
Inhalation:
This is the breathing of vapours into the lungs. The Aboriginal people crushed the
leaves of the eucalypts and breathed in the vapours to relieve nasal congestion.

Steaming:
Steaming is the method of creating vapours in steam that are inhaled through the
nose, deep into the lungs.

Decotion:
This is the method of obtaining a substance in water by boiling it to obtain the
product that will be released into the water.

Infusion:
You can extract a drug from a plant by soaking it in water, so the drug is released.
Making tea from a tea bag, or tea leaves, is an everyday example of infusion.

Poultice:
The word comes from the Latin “pultes”, which means porridge. A poultice is a
moist, soft, porridge-looking mass that can cover a medicated wound. Aboriginal
people used make a thick paste of vegetable matter, eg, plantain, that would be
used as a poultice.

The poultice was used to draw out puss from a wound. In addition, the warm
poultice would relax the muscles and increase the blood flow at the site. A poultice
would be used to help the healing of:

• bruises and sprains

• carbuncles, boils, ulcers and cysts
• minor burns
• tumors
• splinters in the skin.

Usually, poultices were left on the skin from 1 to 24 hours.

Aboriginal people used make a thick paste of

vegetable matter, eg, plantain, that would be used
as a poultice.

{ 17 }
STINGS, BITES,
REPELLANTS
Coastal tea tree
Crinum
Cunjevoi
Mat rush
Pig face
Bracken Fern

{ 19 }
 Cunjevoi / Spoon Lily
Aboriginal name: Cunjibay (Bandjalang, north east NSW).
Botanical name: Alocasia macrorrhizos.
Family: ARACEAE.

Plant Description
Habit: A broad leafed perennial.
Leaves: Leaf blades 90 cm long, light green with strong lateral veins.
Flowers: Greenish / yellow spathe, December to March.
Fruit: Egg-shaped berry.
Habitat: Rainforests.
Distribution: Macquarie Pass to north coast and through to Queensland.

Medicinal Use
The juice of the leaves is used to relieve the pain from leaves of the stinging tree.
Cunjevoi usually grows near stinging trees. The roots were also pounded and then
applied to insect bites.

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{ 21 }
 Pig Face
Aboriginal name: Kupburril (Dharawal).
Botanical name: Carpobrotus glaucescens.
Meaning of the name:
Greek:
Carobrotus karpus - fruit
brota - edible things.
glaucescens: bluey/green bloom that covers the leaves.
Family: AIZOACEAE.

Plant Description
Habit: Prostrate spreading plant.
Leaves: Fleshy, thick, three angled leaves.
Flowers: Purple strap-like flower, most of the year
Fruit: Berry like - red/purple in colour, fleshy. Tastes like salty fruit salad.
Habitat: Coastal sand dunes or rocky areas near the sea.
Distribution: Common along the coast.

Medicinal use
The juice of the leaves was applied to an insect bite, eg, a sandfly bite. The juice
was also used to relieve the pain from burns and scalds. It was also used as a gargle
for sore throats, while another use was to treat dysentery.

{ 22 }
The juice of the leaves was applied to an
insect bite, eg, a sandfly bite.The juice
was also used to relieve the pain from
burns and scalds.

{ 23 }
 Crinum / Swamp Lily
Botanical name: Crinum pendunculatum.
Meaning of the name:
Greek:
Crinum or krinon - lily.
Latin:
pendunculatum - long white stalks.
Family name: AMARYLLIDACEAE.

Plant Description
Leaves: Broad robust leaves, 70cm tall.
Flower: White, with 6 narrow segments, November - December.
Fruit: A capsule with many large seeds.
Habitat: Swampy areas.
Distribution: Coastal zones.

Medicinal Use
The leaves contain the alkaloid lycorine, which dulls the pain of insect stings as well bluebottle
stings. The leaves are crushed and applied to the area of the sting.

Active Ingredients
Lycorine, a toxic crystalline alkaloid, is found in many plant species, eg, clivias, daffodils. Lycorine
inhibits protein synthesis. If ingested symptoms of vomiting, diarrhoea or convulsions may occur.

{ 24 }
The leaves contain the alkaloid lycorine,
which dulls the pain of insect stings as
well bluebottle stings.

{ 25 }
 Spiny-headed Mat-Rush
Aboriginal name: Gurgi (Gadigal, Sydney).
Botanical name: Lomandra longifolia.
Meaning of the name:
Greek:
Loma - edge, boarder,
Aner - man, male bearded-anthers of some species.
Latin:
longi - long,
folia - leaf.

Plant Description
Habit: Tuffed plant.
Leaves: Strap-like, 40-80cm in length.
Flowers: Large inflorescence flower stalk with spiny bracts, almost cylindrical,
creamy in colour, August to December.
Habitat: Sand dunes, edges of creek beds, open forests and open rainforest.
Distribution: Widespread from the coast to the mountains.

Medicinal Use
The roots of the mat rush were crushed to relieve the pain of bites from hairy grubs
and ants. The strappy leaves were wrapped tightly around the injured limb to ease
the pain.

{ 26 }
The roots of the mat rush were crushed to
relieve the pain of bites from hairy
grubs and ants.

{ 27 }
 Coastal Tea Tree
Aboriginal name: Ban - ban (Dharawal).
Botanical name: Leptospermum laevigatum.
Meaning of the name:
Greek:
leptos - thin,
sperma - a seed, has small seeds,
laevigatum - smooth appearance.
Family name: MYRTACEAE.

Plant Description
Habit: Tall shrub.
Leaves: Ovate in shape, grey/green in colour.
Flowers: White in colour with a reddish ring at the base of the stamens, July to October.
Fruit: Held in a woody capsule.
Habitat: Behind dunes near the sea, as well on sands and coastal headlands.
Distribution: Found along the coast.

Medicinal Use
The plant was used as both an insect and reptile repellent.

{ 28 }
{ 29 }
 The plant was used as both an
insect and reptile repellent.

{ 30 }
{ 31 }
Bracken Fern
Aboriginal name: Gunggai (Dharawal). Medicinal Use
Botanical name: Pteridium esculentum. The juice from the young fronds was crushed and applied to the
Meaning of the name: area of the itch made by an insect or tick. The young shoots had
Swedish: multiple uses:
bracken means fern.
Greek: • Diuretic - increase the rate of urinating.
Pteridium - little wing. • Refrigerant - cool a wound.
Latin: • Febrifuge - reduce fever.
esculentum - edible. • Poultice - treat sores.
• Eaten - for worms in the stomach and as treatment
Family Name: DENNSTAEDTIACEAE.
for cancer. (Eating too many can cause cancer, ie,
it’s carcinogenic.)
Plant Description • In steam baths for pains, eg, arthritis.
Fronds leathery, dark green on top, whitish looking beneath. • As a decoction for introduced tuberculosis.
Habitat: Dry open forests, grassy clearings, creeks, banks,
neglected pastures. A tea was made from the roots for the treatment of stomach aches,
cramps, chest pains, diarrhoea, colds and to expel worms. The
Distribution: All states.
root is an emetic and alleviated nausea and vomiting as well as
being antiseptic and a tonic.

{ 32 }
A tea was made from the roots for the
treatment of stomach aches, cramps,
chest pains, diarrhoea, colds and to
expel worms.

{ 33 }
SEA ULCERS,
BOILS, WARTS
Blueberry Ash
Dianella
Sandpaper Fig
Sea Lettuce

Sea Ulcers
Sea ulcers are formed due to small bacteria found in salty water.
They affect the area of the skin that has been broken due to an
abrasion, laceration or puncture.

If the area is untreated it can become infected resulting in a sea

ulcer. Treatment of sea ulcers is simple - keep the area dry and
sterilised.

Boils
Boils are the result of certain bacteria infecting hair follicles. The
area becomes inflamed and as a result localised puss and dead
tissue occur.

Warts
Warts are found on hands, feet, and other areas of the body. They are
small, rough tumors, the result of a viral infection.

{ 35 }
 Blueberry Ash
Aboriginal name: Tdjeunen (Dharawal).
Botanical name: Elaeocarpus reticulatus.
Meaning of the name:
Greek:
elaia - olive,
karpus - fruit,
reticulatus - net like, refers to the leaf venations.
Family: ELAEOCARPACEAE.

Plant Description
Habit: Small tree.
Leaves: Strongly veined, lance shaped, finely toothed, grey underside,
and alternate along the stem.
Flowers: Pendulous white or pink, October to December.
Fruit: Clusters of blue to black berries.
Habitat: Sheltered rainforest margins on sandy soils.
Distribution: Widespread along the coast, inland to the mountains.

Medicinal Use
The purple juice from the ripe berries was used to treat sea ulcers and boils.

{ 36 }
{ 37 }
 Spreading Flax Lily / Dianella
Aboriginal name: Pokulbi (Dharawal).
Botanical name: Dianella caerulea.
Meaning of the name:
Latin:
diana - Roman goddess of the hunt,
ella - small,
caerulea - blue
Family: HEMEROCALLIDACEAE.

Plant Description
Habit: Erect, grassy like.
Leaves: Green, roll downwards to the mid-rib.
Flowers: Blue / mauve or yellow, thickened stamens, October to January.
Fruit: Blue berry.
Habitat: Open forests.
Distribution: Coast to the mountains.

Medicinal Use
The fruit was used to treat those suffering from sea ulcers.
The juice of the Dianella was placed on the sea ulcer as an antiseptic.

{ 38 }
 The fruit was used to treat those suffering
from sea ulcers.The juice of the Dianella was
placed on the sea ulcer as an antiseptic.

{ 39 }
 White Sea Weed / Sea Lettuce
Aboriginal name: Darminin (Dharawal).
Botanical name: Ulva spp.
Family name: ULVACEAE.

Plant Description
Habit: Edible green algae. High in protein and soluble dietary fibre as well as a
variety of vitamins and minerals, especially iron.
Leaves: In sheltered areas leaves may grow to 40cm in length.
Habitat: Found in inter-tidal marine areas.

Medicinal Use
This plant was used to help heal burns, blisters and boils by placing leaves on
the infected area.

{ 40 }
This plant was used to help heal burns, blisters and
boils by placing leaves on the infected area.

{ 41 }
 Sandpaper Fig
Aboriginal name: Ulowang (Dharawal).
Botanical name: Ficus coronata.
Meaning of the name:
Latin:
Ficus - fig,
coronata - refers to the crown of bristles on top of the fruit.
Family: MORACEAE.

Plant Description
Habit: A small bushy tree.
Leaves: Elliptic in shape. The top of the leaves has a sand papery feel.
Flowers: Found in the inner wall of what we refer to as the fruit.
Fruit: Oval in shape, densely covered with rough hairs. Ripens from January to June.
Habitat: Found in watercourses in or near rainforests.
Distribution: Widespread from coast to the mountains.

Medicinal Use
The corrosive properties of the milky latex was placed on the warts to remove them.
The latex was also spread over weeping wounds as a “bandage” to cover the wound
and prevent infection. The sand papery leaves were rubbed into sores, such as
ringworms, and the latex, which is proteolytic, was placed on top of the wound to help
heal the broken skin.

{ 42 }
 The corrosive properties of the milky latex was placed on
the warts to remove them.The latex was also spread over weeping
wounds as a “bandage” to cover the wound and prevent infection.
Women’s Medicine
Forest Bramble
Red Cedar
Sydney Golden Wattle

{ 45 }
Sydney Golden Wattle
Botanical name: Acacia longifolia. Medicinal Use
Meaning of the name: Crushing the leaves and infusing in water made a sedative
Greek: tea. This was given to a woman to relieve the pain of labour
Acacia - to sharpen, refers to the prickly nature of the first contractions.
species discovered,
longi - long, The leaves contained saponins, which are a glycoside. When
folia - leaf. rubbed vigorously with water a soap results.
Alternate meaning:
Egyptian: Akakia - which is a species of acacia that produces Warning: Saponins dissolve red blood cells and must not come
gum Arabic. in contact with broken skin.

Family: FABACEAE.

Plant Description
Habit: Shrub/tree 2-4 m tall.
Leaves: Phyllodes with several parallel veins 8-16 cm long.
Pointed apex.
Flowers: Masses of flower spikes, yellow, June to November.
Fruit: Pod.
Habitat: Forest, woodlands.
Distribution: Coast to the mountains.

{ 46 }
Forest Bramble / Rose-LeaVED BRAMBLE
Botanical name: Rubus rosifolius.
Meaning of the name:
Latin:
Rubus - name for blackberry, from ruber - red fruit,
rosifolius - rose-leaved.
Family name: ROSACEAE.

Plant Description
Habit: Shrub.
Leaves: Green on both sides, with toothed margins.
Flowers: 5 lobed petals, white, most of the year.
Fruit: Edible red raspberry.
Habitat: Eucalypt forests and rainforest margins.
Distribution: Widespread from the coast to the mountains.

Medicinal Use
The leaves of this forest scrambler were made into a tea (infusion) and drunk to relieve
menstrual pain, morning sickness and labour pains.

The leaves of this forest scrambler were made into

a tea (infusion) and drunk to relieve menstrual pain,
morning sickness and labour pains.

{ 47 }
 Red Cedar
Aboriginal Name: Polai (Dharawal).
Botanical Name: Toona ciliata.
Meaning of the name:
Toona - derived from the word Toon which is an Indian name for a tree
in this genus.
Latin:
ciliata - means fringed
Family Name: MELIACEAE.

Plant Description
Habit: Tall deciduous tree.
Leaves: Compound 4 - 8 pairs of leaflets. New shoots are pink.
Flowers: The flowers are small white / pinkish in colour. October to November.
Fruit: Held in a capsule.
Habitat: Rainforest gullies, especially near streams.
Distribution: Illawarra, through to Queensland and Papua New Guinea.

Medicinal Use
Leaves were crushed and made into a tea to drink. This helped moderate menstrual
flow. It also was drunk for bilious fevers.

{ 48 }
Leaves were crushed and made into a tea to drink.
This helped moderate menstrual flow.
It also was drunk for bilious fevers.

{ 49 }
Diarrhoea,
Dysentery,
Gastric Complaints
Blackbutt
Cranesbill
Illawarra Plum Pine
Native Raspberry
Rough Barked Apple

Diarrhoea and Dysentery

This occurred because meat that was eaten may have been
rancid,or parasites or even a virus which may cause an infection
in the digestive tract. Diarrhoea is due to an inflammation of the
intestine with excessive production of watery mucus.

Dysentery is a gastro intestinal disease caused by bacteria

or a parasite that infects the lower intestine of a person. As a
result,pain,severe diarroea as well the passing of blood and
mucus occurs. One way of getting dysentery is not cooking food
properly or evenly.

{ 51 }
 Cranesbill
Botanical name: Geraneum homeanum.
Meaning of the name:
Greek:
Geraneum - classical,
geranos - a crane’s bill, alluding to the shape of the fruit.
homeanum - similar.
Family: GERANIACEAE.

Plant Description
Habit: Small herbaceous plant.
Leaves: Deeply lobed.
Flowers: Pairs, pink or white in colour, November to February.
Root: Fleshy tap root.

Medicinal Use
The tap root was eaten raw to treat diarrhoea.

The tap root was eaten raw to treat diarrhoea.

{ 52 }
Rough-barked Apple
Aboriginal name: Boonah (Dharawal).
Botanical name: Angophora floribunda.
Meaning of the name:
Greek:
Angophora - vessel or goblet, to bear or carry,
floribunda - abundant flowers.
Family: MYRTACEAE.

Plant Description
Habit: Tree, medium to large.
Bark: Short fibrous barked trunk.
Leaves: Grey/green in colour, 5-12 cm long. Adult leaf is lanceolate to ovate,
acutely pointed.
Flowers: Small, white, October to December.
Fruit: Thin papery fruits, prominently ribbed.
Habitat: Deep alluvial flats, along watercourses in open forests and woodland.
Distribution: Coast to mountains.

Medicinal Use
The brown kino was scraped from the tree, soaked in cold water and used to bathe a
wound. The mixture was also drunk to relieve symptoms of diarrhoea and dysentery.

ACTIVE INGREDIENT
Tannins

{ 53 }
 Blackbutt
Aboriginal name: Yarr-warrah (Dharawal).
Botanical name: Eucalyptus pilularis.
Meaning of the name:
Greek:
eu - well,
kalyptus - veiled or covered.
Latin:
pilularis - a small pill, refers to the fruit.

Plant Description
Habit: Medium to tall tree.
Trunk: Lower trunk – grey / brown and fibrous at the base. Upper trunk and branches -
smooth, whitish colour.
Leaves: Lanceolate in shape.
Flower: Flowers September to March.
Fruit: Hemispherical in shape.
Habitat: Open forests.
Distribution: Coast to the foot hills.

Medicinal Use
High in tannins. An infusion was made and drunk to alleviate upset stomach. Also used
as an astringent to reduce bleeding from abrasions.

Active Ingredients
Tannins, Ellogic acid, Gallic acid, Leucodelphinidin.

{ 54 }
Native Raspberry / Small-leaf Bramble
Botanical name: Rubus parvifolius.
Meaning of the name:
Latin:
Rubus - name for blackberry, from ruber or red,
parvifolius - small-leaved.
Family Name: Rosaceae.

Plant Description
Habit: A scrambling shrub.
Leaves: Green on top, white and hairy undersides.
Flowers: Pink, October to December
Fruit: Cluster of raspberry fruits.
Habitat: Shady forests, damp creek beds.
Distribution: Widespread from coast to the mountains

Medicinal Use
A tea (infusion) was made from the leaves and was drunk to relieve the symptoms
of diarrhoea.

NOTE: Diarrhoea was relatively common because the effective preservation of meat,
given the climate and nomadic lifestyle, was difficult.

A tea (infusion) was made from the leaves and was

drunk to relieve the symptoms of diarrhoea

{ 55 }
 Illawarra Plum Pine / Brown Pine
Botanical name: Podocarpus elatus.
Meaning of the name:
Greek:
podus - foot,
karpos - fruit.
Latin:
elatus - tall.
Family: Podocarpaceae.

Plant Description
Habit: Tall tree.
Leaves: Linear and rectangle in shape, light yellow/green in colour.
Flowers: Male and female flowers are on separate trees (dioceous).
Fruit: Blue-black in colour. At maturity the fruit is glaucous (grey in colour).
Seeds on outside of the fruit. The blue ‘fruit’ is actually a swollen stem.
Habitat: Coastal rainforests, eg, Bass Point, Minnamurra Spit.
Distribution: From the Illawarra to north east Queensland.

Medicinal Use
The unripe fruit of these trees was eaten to combat gastric complaints.

{ 56 }
The unripe fruit of these trees was
eaten to combat gastric complaints.
{ 57 }
Eucalypts
in general
The leaves, bark and gum from a range of eucalyptus trees had a number of uses.

Leaves
• Steamed to give off healing vapours.
• Alternately, leaves were crushed and inhaled.
• Infused into a tea to treat complaints such as coughs or diarrhoea.
• Poulticed to be placed on sores, abrasions and boils.

Bark
The bark of eucalypts is high in tannins.
• An infusion would be made to treat such ailments as diarrhoea and arthritis.
• Wounds and bruises, sore eyes, and inflamed eyes were treated with medicines from
the bark.
• Ingedients are Cineol, Geranyl, Acetate and Citronella.

Gum
• Eucalypt gum was placed in the dental cavity to alleviate toothache pain.

There are approximately 30 eucalypt species in the Illawarra.

{ 59 }
Headache
Headache Vine / Clematis
Sand fly Zierra

{ 61 }
 Sandfly Zieria
Botanical name: Zieria smithii.
Meaning of the name:
Zieria - named after the Polish botanist, Jan Zier,
smithii - named after James E. Smith, who named the genus after his friend,
Jan Zier.
Family name: RUTACEAE.

Plant Description
Habit: Shrub, 2 metres tall with glandular stems.
Leaves: Ovate in shape, 3-5cm in length.
Flowers: Mostly white but can be pale pink. August to October.
Habitat: Sheltered positions in forests.
Distribution: From the coast to the mountains, but not generally seen in
sandstone country.

Medicinal Use
Leaves crushed and then inhaled to relieve the symptoms of headache.
However excessive use can actually aggravate the headache.

{ 62 }
Headache Vine / Clematis
Botanical name: Clematis glycinoides.
Meaning of the name:
Greek:
klematis - a twig, the plant has twiggy branches,
glycinoides - like glycine (genus name for soybean).
Family: Ranunculaceae.

Plant Description
Habit: A climber.
Leaves: Compound leaflets.
Flowers: Showy white conspicuous flowers, August to October.
Fruit: Fluffy-like clusters.
Habitat: Forests and sheltered areas.
Distribution: Common and widespread from the coast to the mountains.

Medicinal Use
The leaves were tied around the forehead to relieve the symptoms of
headache. Leaves would also be crushed and inhaled to relieve headaches.

The leaves were tied around the forehead to relieve

the symptoms of headache. Leaves would also be
crushed and inhaled to relieve headaches.

{ 63 }
Arthritis,
Rheumatism
Ivy Leaved Violet
Stinging Nettle
Stinging Tree

Athritis
Arthritis is a joint disorder of the body that involves the
inflammation of one or more joints. Pain is associated with this
and this may be due to disease,daily wear and tear, muscle tear
or fatigue.

Rhuematism
Rhuematism is a problem that also affects the joints but also the
connective tissue of a persons body.

{ 65 }
 Stinging Nettle / Scrub Nettle
Botanical name: Urtica incisa.
Meaning of the name:
Latin:
Urtica - from uro, I sting.
incisa - cut, refers loosely to the coarsely toothed leaves.
Family name: URTICACEAE.

Plant Description
Habit: Perennial native herb.
Leaves: The leaves of the stinging nettle are opposite and leaf shape
is lanceolate.
Stems: The stems are covered with stinging hairs, which inject formic acid
and other stinging chemicals.
Flowers: Flowers are green and small in size, found on slender spikes,
July to January.
Habitat: Found in rainforest areas that have been disturbed, and in wetter
forest creek beds.
Distribution: Coast to the mountains.

Medicinal Use
The stinging hairs were placed onto areas that were affected by joint pain, ie,
arthritis and rhuematism. The stinging of the chemicals would stimulate blood
around the area that was affected by the arthritis and pain would be eased.

{ 66 }
 The stinging of the chemicals would
stimulate blood around the area that was
affected by the arthritis and pain
would be eased.

{ 67 }
 Ivy-Leaved Violet
Aboriginal name: Warrabira (Dharawal).
Botanical name: Viola hederacea.
Meaning of the name:
Latin:
Viola - the latin name for the violet,
hederaceae - ivy like
Family name: VIOLACEAE.

Plant Description
Habit: A small, groundcover herb.
Leaves: Kidney or oval shaped in appearance.
Flowers: Blue to violet in colour and larger than the leaves, September
to December
Habitat: Found in moist shaded positions, either in forests or woodlands.
Distribution: Coast to the mountains.

Medicinal Use
The leaves and flower were eaten, untreated, as a preventative
against arthritis.

{ 68 }
The leaves and flower were eaten, untreated,
as a preventative against arthritis.

{ 69 }
 Stinging Tree
Aboriginal name: Goo mao ma (Dharawal).
Botanical name: Dendrocnide excelsa.
Meaning of the name:
Greek:
Dendrocnide - tree nettle.
Latin:
excelsa - lofty, high.
Family name: URTICACEAE.

Plant Description
Habit: Tall tree.
Leaves: Large heart shaped leaves, light green in colour. The leaves are smooth on
top and downy underneath. The hairs on the leaves are hollow and silica tipped.
Flowers: The male and female flowers are on different trees and are yellow / white
in colour, December to April.
Habitat: Found in gullies and creek beds of rainforests, on fertile soil.
Distribution: East coast, Queensland to Bega, NSW.

Medicinal Use
Aboriginal people boiled the leaves and bark then rubbed the softened mixture
into the area affected by the rheumatism.

{ 70 }
{ 71 }
Coughs
and Colds
Broad-leaved Paper Bark
Eucalypts
Mint Bush

The aboriginal people used many aromatic plants(oils) to releive

the symptoms of coughs and colds. Theses oils when inhaled would
go deep into the lungs of the personcausing the lungs to produce
mucus which would dilodge phlem and hence ease congestion.

{ 73 }
 Broad-leaved Paper Bark
Botanical name: Melaleuca quinquenervia.
Meaning of the name:
Greek:
Melaeuca - melano - black,
leucos - white, refers to the black from fires on the white bark.
Latin:
quinquenervia or qunique - five.
nervia or nervos - the pattern of veins on the leaves.
Family: MYRTACEAE.

Plant Description
Note: Does not occur naturally within the Illawarra; this species is growing naturally
north of Sydney.
Habit: Tall tree.
Leaves: 7 cm long with 5 cm longitudinal veins.
Flowers: White, February to May.
Habitat: Coastal swamps and brackish lagoons.
Distribution: Widespread from Sydney to Papua New Guinea.

Medicinal Use
Leaves of the paperbark were crushed and inhaled to relieve the symptoms of a cold.
Other medicinal uses were to treat rheumatism, intestinal worms and neuralgia.

Medicinal Use - Today

Melaleuca oils are claimed to eliminate warts and are used as an antiseptic in the
treatment of minor burns.

{ 74 }
 Leaves of the paperbark were crushed and inhaled to
relieve the symptoms of a cold. Other medicinal uses were
to treat rheumatism, intestinal worms and neuralgia.
{ 75 }
 Mint Bush
Botanical name: Prostanthera spp.
Meaning of the name:
Greek:
Postanthera prastheke - an appendix,
Anthera - an anther, which is an appendage of the stamens.
Family: LAMIACEAE.

Plant Description
Habit: Shrub, strongly scented.
Leaves: Opposite.
Flowers: Mauve, white and purple in colour, September to January.
Habitat: Sheltered gullies in rich volcanic soils.
Distribution: Along the coast and inland to the lower parts of the Blue Mountains.

Medicine
The leaves were crushed and inhaled to relieve the symptoms of a cold. They were
also crushed and rubbed onto the skin as an insect repellent and to minimise the
effects of ringworm.

Active Ingredients
Cineole and the phenolic compounds – thymol and cavacrol.

{ 76 }
 The leaves were crushed and inhaled to
relieve the symptoms of a cold.They were
also crushed and rubbed onto the skin as an
insect repellent and to minimise the
effects of ringworm.

{ 77 }
{ 78 }
Splints,
Bandages, Wound
Bangalow Palm
Broad-leaved Paper Bark
Bulrush

{ 79 }
 Broad-Leaf Cumbungi / Bulrush
Botanical name: Typha orientalis.
Meaning of the name:
Greek:
Typha - the ancient name of this plant,
bulrush - originates from pole-rush meaning pool rush.
Latin:
orientalis - Latin eastern.
Family name: TYPHACEAE.

Plant Description
Habit: A perennial, tall reed.
Leaves: Erect stems, 2 - 3 meters tall, with green and flat leaves.
Flowers: Brown chestnut spikes. Females produce masses of fluffy seeds December
to February.
Habitat: Freshwater - lagoons, creeks and dams.
Distribution: Widespread through out the Illawarra and NSW.

Medicinal Use
The sap from this plant was used to protect a person from leeches while the brown and
white downy fluff was used as a wound dressing because of its antiseptic properties.

When burnt the ash was used an insect repellent.

{ 80 }
When burnt the ash was used an insect repellent.

{ 81 }
 Broad-leaved Paper Bark
Botanical name: Melaleuca quinquenervia
Meaning of the name:
Greek:
Melaeuca - melas - black,
leucos - white, refers to the black from fires on the white bark.
Latin:
Quinquenervia or qunique - five,
nervia or nervos - the pattern of veins on the leaves.
Family name: MYRTACEAE.

Plant Description
Note: Does not occur naturally within the Illawarra; this species is growing naturally
north of Sydney.
Habit: Tall tree.
Leaves: 7 cm long with 5 cm longitudinal veins.
Flowers: White, February to May.
Habitat: Coastal swamps and brackish lagoons.
Distribution: Widespread from Sydney to Papua New Guinea.

Medicinal Use
The leaves were chewed to dull the pain of a toothache. They were
also crushed and the vapours inhaled to relieve headaches.

The bark was used to bandage wounds.

{ 82 }
The bark was used to bandage wounds.

{ 83 }
 Bangalow Palm / PICCABEEN Palm
Aboriginal name: Bangalay (Dharawal).
Bangalow - a word for “water”. Carrying baskets (coolamons) were made from
crown shafts.
Botanical name: Archontophoenix cunninghamiana.
Meaning of the name:
Greek:
Archontophoenix, Archon - chief,
phoenix - palm.
Cunninghammiana - named after the botanist Allan Cunningham.
Family name: ARECACEAE.

Plant Description
Habit: A medium to tall tree, 20 metres in height.
Leaves: Compound on a single stalk, long and evenly divided either side
of the stalk.
Flowers: A pale lilac colour, December to February.
Fruit: Globular is shape, fleshy and red.
Habitat: Rainforest, on fertile soils.
Distribution: Coastal zone, as far south as Mount Durras.

Medicinal Use
The shafts of the leaves were used as splints, while the leaves were used as a
makeshift umbrella for the sun and rain.

{ 84 }
The shafts of the leaves were used as splints,
while the leaves were used as a makeshift
umbrella for the sun and rain.

{ 85 }
Grazes, Burns,
and Blisters
Rock Orchid
Rough Tree Fern
Soft Tree Fern

Tannins found in the bark of eucalypts and acacias was used

to treat these symptoms. The parts of the body was washed or
bathed in a solution that comntained tannin. A tannin which is an
astringent bonds the protein of the damaged cells .causing atight
protective layer to form allowing healing to take place.

{ 87 }
 Rock OrchId / King Orchid
Botanical name: Previously Dendrobium speciosum, but
now called Thelychiton speciosus.
Meaning of the name:
Dendrobium - tree living, which refers to epiphytic habit of
this species.
Speciosus - beautiful, has showy creamy flowers.
Family name: ORCHIDACEAE.

Plant Description
Habit: Epiphytic orchid.
Leaves: Stout, tough with shallow grooves.
Flowers: Racemes of white, creamy yellow fragrant flowers,
August to September.
Habitat: Sandstone cliffs, sheltered sunny areas,
rock ledges.
Distribution: Mainly coastal escarpment.

Medicinal Use
The sap from the stems was rubbed onto skin areas that were
burnt or blistered.

{ 88 }
The sap from the stems was rubbed onto
skin areas that were burnt
or blistered.

{ 89 }
{ 90 }
{ 91 }
 Rough Tree Fern
Aboriginal name: Yarrah-wah (Dharawal).
Botanical Name: Cyathea australis.
Meaning of the name:
Greek:
Cyathea (or kyatheion) - cup, the structure that holds the spores,
australs - southern.
Family Name: CYATHEACEAE.

Plant Description
Habit: Fromd stem (rachis), rasp-like. The most common tree fern in New South Wales.
Habitat: Gullies and creek banks of rainforests.
Distribution: Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania.

Medicinal Use
Roasted stalks of young fronds were used as a tonic or pick-me-up after any kind
of disease.

The roots were used as a wash to treat burns and blisters.

{ 92 }
{ 93 }
{ 94 }
Soft Tree Fern / DICKSONIA
Aboriginal Name: Denn-Nangue (Dharawal).
Botanical Name: Dicksonia antartica.
Meaning of the name:
Dicksonia - named after Scottish nurseryman, James Dickson.
antarctica - southern, from the Antarctic regions.
Family Name: DICKSONIACEAE.

Plant Description
Habit: Can grow up to 15m in height.
Fronds: Large green rough fronds.
Trunk: Heavy and stout.
Habitat: Areas of high water content in rainforests and moist gullies.
Distribution: Occurs at altitudes of 300 - 400 metres.

Medicinal Use
The new fronds were crushed and the sap was placed on blisters to
heal them.

The sap of the roots was also used to heal burns and blisters.

{ 95 }
Toothache
Eucalypts
Red Ash
Smooth-barked Apple
Sticky hop bush

The Aboriginal people did not have tooth decay as we

know it, due to the low percentage of sugar in their diet prior
to colonisation.

However, toothaches did occur, caused by sand, grit or seeds

eroding the enamel and wearing down the teeth. Other causes of
tooth problems were fighting and accidents.

{ 97 }
 Sticky Hop Bush
Botanical name: Dodonaea viscosa subsp. angustifolia.
Meaning of the name:
Dodonea - named after Rembert Dodens.
Latin:
viscosa - sticky.
Family name: SAPINDACEAE.

Plant Description
Habit: Erect shrub, 2 - 3 metres tall.
Leaves: Narrow lanceolate, 6 - 10 cm long, often glossy and slightly waxy.
Flowers: Small, pinky / red, August to October.
Fruit: In a conspicuous capsule, with three vertical wings. Green colour which turns to
red then light brown.
Habitat: Open forest, in rocky areas.
Distribution: Illawarra coast to the escarpment.

Medicinal Use
Used to treat insect stings, stingray stings, open wounds, toothache, skin rashes and
fever. The leaves were crushed and mixed to a paste to treat these ailments.

Active Ingredients
Diterpenoid acid, some tannins. Slightly cyanogenic (cyanide).

Used to treat insect stings, stingray stings, open wounds,

toothache, skin rashes and fever.The leaves were crushed and
mixed to a paste to treat these ailments.

{ 98 }
Red Ash
Aboriginal Name: Murrung (Dharawal).
Botanical Name: Alphitonia excelsa.
Meaning of the name:
Greek:
Alphiton - barked barley meal.
Latin:
excelsa - lofty, high.
Family Name: RHAMNACEAE.

Plant Description
Habit: Tree, 6-10 metres tall.
Leaves: Glossy green top, silvery white undersurface.
Flowers: Numerous, creamy flowers, December to March.
Fruit: Round black berry, 10mm diameter.
Habitat: Rainforest margins.
Distribution: Coast to the mountains.
Local name: Soap tree.

Medicinal Use
The young leaf tips were chewed for an upset stomach. Also used as soap,
a skin disinfectant, a mouth rinse for toothache and drunk as a tonic.
An infusion of bark and wood of the plant was rubbed into the body
as liniment.

Active Ingredients
Alphitonin, Ceanothic acid, Betulnic acid.

{ 99 }
 Sydney Red Gum / Smooth-barked Apple
Aboriginal Name: Kajimboura (Sydney)
Botanical Name: Angophora costata
Meaning of the Name:
Greek:
Angophora - vessel or gobblet.
Latin:
costata - ribbed, refers to the fruit capsules having ribs.
Family Name: MYRTACEAE.

Plant Description
Habit: Medium tree
Bark: Pinkish in colour, smooth deciduous bark.
Branches: Gnarled and twisted.
Leaves: Leaves are opposite and have close lateral veins.
Flowers: Cream in colour. October - January.
Habitat: Open forests.
Distribution: Occurs north of Wollongong with a small outlier in the Eurobodalla area.
Elsewhere, most of NSW and southern Queensland.

Medicinal Use
Small balls of gum were placed in the tooth cavity to ease the pain of
the tooth ache.

Active Ingredient
Tannins.

{ 100 }
Small balls of gum were placed in the tooth cavity
to ease the pain of the tooth ache.
{ 101 }
Skin Ailments
Mint bush
Sickle wattle

{ 103 }
 Sickle Wattle
Botanical Name: Acacia falcata.
Meaning of the name:
Greek:
Acacia - to sharpen, refers to the prickly nature of the first
species discovered.
Alternate meaning:
Egyptian:
Akakia - a species of acacia that produces gum arabic,
falcata - refers to the curved shape of the phyllodes.
Family Name: FABACEAE.

Plant Description
Habit: Tall open shrub.
Phyllodes: 7-12cm long blue/green in colour, with main vein off-centre.
Flowers: Small pale yellow flowers, April to July.
Fruit Pod: 5 - 10cm long.
Habitat: Forest to cleared ground.
Distribution: Wide spread along the coastal zone.

Medicinal Use
The bark was used to make a liniment for skin ailments.

Active Ingredient
Tannins.

{ 104 }
Mint Bush
Botanical Name: Prostanthera species.
Meaning of the name:
Greek:
Prostanthera prastheke - means an appendix,
anthera - an anther which is an appendage of the stamens.
Family: LAMIACEAE

Plant Description
Shrub: Strongly scented shrub.
Leaves: Opposite.
Flowers: Mauve, white and purple in colour, September to January.
Habitat: Sheltered gullies in rich volcanic soils.
Distribution: Along the coast - lower parts of the Blue Mountains.

Medicine
The leaves were crushed and inhaled to relieve the symptoms of a cold. They were
also crushed and rubbed onto the skin as an insect repellent and to minimise the
effects of ringworm.

Active Ingredients
Rich in cineole. Phenolic compounds - thymol, cavacrol.

The leaves were crushed and inhaled to relieve the

symptoms of a cold.

{ 105 }
 Fever
Devil’s Twine

{ 106 }
Slender Snotty-Gobble / Devils Twine
Botanical Name: Cassytha pubescens.
Meaning of the name:
Greek:
Cassytha or Kasytas - a parasitic plant.
Family Name: LAURACEAE.

Plant Description
Habit: Parasitic climber.
Leaves: Leafless.
Stems: Hairless and reddish in colour.
Flowers: 6 clustered small, hairless flowers. November – March but may
flower in other months.
Fruit: Narrow and egg shaped.
Habitat: Heath and open woodlands.
Distribution: Coast to the mountains.

Medicinal Use
The aboriginal people drank an infusion to lower a high body temperature.

Active Ingredient
The alkaline cassythicine.

The aboriginal people drank an infusion to lower a

high body temperature.

{ 107 }
Sore Throat
Cabbage TREE Palm
Water Vine
Sassafras

{ 109 }
 Cabbage Tree Palm
Aboriginal Name: Dtharowal (Dharawal).
Botanical Name: Livistona australis.
Meaning of the name:
Livistona - was named in the honour of Baron Livingstone who was the founder of the
Edinburugh Botanical Gardens in Scotland.
Latin:
australis - southern
Family Name: ARECACEAE.

Plant Description
Habit: Medium to tall tree.
Leaves: Palmate or fan-like in shape.
Flowers: Numerous small yellow flowers, August – October.
Fruit: Black in colour and globular in shape.
Habitat: Rainforest, sheltered gullies.
Distribution: Coastal zones.

Medicinal Use
Chewed the moist pith of the tree, extracted from the trunk, to relieve
a sore throat.

{ 110 }
{ 111 }
{ 112 }
Chewed the moist pith of the tree, extracted from
the trunk, to relieve a sore throat.
{ 113 }
 Water Vine / Native Grape / Kangaroo Vine
Botanical Name: Cissus antarctica.
Meaning of the name:
Greek:
Cissus or kissos - ivy.
Latin:
antarctica - southern, from the Antarctic regions.
Family Name: VITACEAE.

Plant Description
Habit: Robust woody vine.
Leaves: Compound leaves with 5 leaflets, waxy and fairly tough, irregularly toothed,
ash grey colour on the underside.
Flowers: Small bright yellow flowers, December - February.
Fruit: Blue / black berries.
Habitat: Found in humid areas near the sea and rainforests.
Distribution: NSW coast and ranges.

Medicinal Use
The fruit has astringent properties and was used as a gargle for sore throats. The raw
tuber was eaten as a source of food but also as a preventative, or curative, to combat
internal complaints such as dysentery and diarrhoea.

It was also a source of water - cut two ends of the vine to drain water from the stem.

The raw tuber was eaten as a source of food but also

as a preventative, or curative, to combat internal
complaints such as dysentery and diarrhoea.

{ 114 }
Sassafras
Aboriginal Name: Caalang (Dharawal).
Botanical Name: Doryphora sassafras.
Meaning of the name:
Ancient Greek:
Doratus - spear,
phoreus - carrier,
sassafras - Similar smell to the Yellow Wood tree in North America
Family Name: ATHEROSPERMATACEAE.

Plant Description
Habit: Medium to tall tree.
Leaves: Distinctive aromatic smell, opposite, lanceolate, coarsely serrated.
Flowers: Short, found in the leaf axils, white in colour, August to September.
Habitat: Coastal Rainforest and sheltered gullies.
Distribution: Common along the coast.

Medicinal Use
A fragrant tea was made from the leaves, which had great tonic properties.

Active Ingredients
Has a mixture of alkaloids - liriodene, doryaframine and doryanine.

{ 115 }
{ 116 }
A fragrant tea was made from the leaves,
which had great tonic properties.
{ 117 }
Commercial
Use Today
Black Bean -
Moreton Bay Chestnut
Kangaroo Apple
Corkwood
Eucalypt
Tea Tree

{ 119 }
 Black Bean / Moreton Bay Chestnut
Botanical Name: Castanospermum australe.
Meaning of the name:
Latin:
Castonea - chestnut.
spermum - seeded.
australe - refers to southern hemisphere.
Family: FABACEAE.

Plant Description
Habit: Tall tree, up to 40 metres.
Leaves: Glossy, pinnate.
Flowers: Red / yellow pea shaped flowers. October through November.
Fruit: Large cylindrical brown pods.
Habitat: Rainforest.
Distribution: Coastal from Lismore to Cape York. Grows in the Illawarra
at the University of Wollongong campus.

Current Medicinal Use

This tree contains chemicals that after extraction and experimentation
show properties that are potentially anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and
anti-HIV AIDS.

{ 120 }
{ 121 }
 Kangaroo Apple
Aboriginal Name: Goonigang (Goo-nee-gang) (Dharawal).
Botanical Name: Solanum aviculare.
Meaning of the name:
Note: Leaves are in the shape of a kangaroo paw.
Latin:
Solanum - solamen, to solace or comfort. Reference to the narcotic properties
of some species.
aviculare - little bird refers to the wing like leaves
Family: SOLANACEAE.

Plant Description
Habit: Medium sized shrub.
Distribution: East coast, Victoria to Queensland.
Found in Illawarra: West Kembla Grange, Mt Warrigal, Blackbutt Forest Reserve
and Shoalhaven Grotto walk.
Leaves: Dark green, lobed.
Flowers: Clusters of violet flowers, November to January.
Fruit: Oval shape, pale green ripening through yellow to red in late summer.
Edible when absolutely ripe, otherwise poisonous.

Current Medicinal Use

A major source of steroids. Used in contraceptives and anti-inflammatory products.

{ 122 }
{ 123 }
{ 124 }
 A major source of steroids.
Used in contraceptives and
anti-inflammatory products.

{ 125 }
 Corkwood
Aboriginal Name: Ngmos (Dharawal).
Botanical Name: Duboisia myoporoides.
Meaning of name:
Duboisia - named after Charles Dubois.
myoporoides - resembles the genus myoporum.
Family: SOLANACEAE.

Plant Description
Habit: Shrub to small tree.
Leaves: Ovate to elliptic in shape.
Flowers: Clusters of small white flowers, August to November.
Fruit: Inedible black/purple berries.
Bark: Has thick, cork-like bark.
Habitat: Rainforest margins.
Distribution: High rainfall areas of the east coast

Current Medicinal Use

See page 128.

Used by optometrists and ophthalmologists to dilate

(enlarge) the pupils of the eyes so as to more easily
view the interior of the eye.

{ 126 }
Eucalyptus Oil
Traditionally, the indigenous people used eucalyptus oil
to treat body pains, sinus congestion and colds, as well
as fevers.

John White, a surgeon on the first fleet, realised the significance of Use in cleaning:
this oil as a medicine after observing the Aboriginal people using
the oil. • Because of its pleasant smell, the oil is incorporated into a
range of cleaning products, eg, hand cleaners, car cleaning
In November 1788, some 10 months after the establishment of products and car fresheners.
the colony, Surgeon General John White sent 1 litre of eucalyptus • Laundry products.
oil to England. He claimed it to be the first useful natural product • Industrial degreasing products, dissolving oil, grease and tar.
produced in Australia. • Adhesive removal, white board cleaners.
• Removal of paint and grease from clothes.
Later a Melbourne pharmacist, John Basite, investigated the
commercial potential of the oil and in 1852, near Dandenong, Other uses:
Victoria, started the first commercial eucalyptus oil industry.
• Insecticide.
Eucalyptus oil is important because it has properties • Furniture polish.
that are:

• Anti–inflammatory. Eucalyptus trees have multiple environmental benefits.

• Analgesic, ie, reduces pain.
• Anti-microbial. • The oil is a natural and clean product.
• Anti-bacterial. • A commercial incentive to restoring natural vegetation.
• A sustainable method of controlling rising ground water and
Today, there are 3 main users of eucalyptus oil: salinity.
• A contribution to carbon sequestration.
• Medicine. • Restoration of natural habitat.
• Perfumery.
• Cleaning.
In 1940 Australia was the major supplier of medicinal
Use in medicine: eucalyptus oil to the world. At its peak, production
was 1,000 tonnes per year.
• An antiseptic gargle.
• A stimulant for cardiac activity. Today the states of New South Wales and Victoria
• To treat fevers that result from infections. produce 80% of Australia’s eucalyptus
• Relief of sinusitis and head colds. oil. But for all that, 90% of the eucalyptus oil used
• Applied externally it has been shown to ease the pain of in Australia is imported from China, South Africa
rheumatism, arthritis and muscular aches. and Brazil.

The worldwide production of eucalyptus oil is approximately

Eucalyptus oil is used in many medicines 3,000 tonnes, of which Australia contributes only 3%.
but it is STRONGLY advised to receive medical
advice before ingesting this oil. To do so is safe
for a koala but NOT for a human.

Use in perfumery:

• Food flavours.
• As a scent.

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Duboisia
It was discovered in the 1870s that Duboisia myoporoides contained an
atro-pinie alkaloid “duboisine”. This alkaloid can be used as a sedative for
the management of psychiatric patients.

During World War II the same plant was found to contain the Hyoscyamine:
chemicals scopolamine, which can be used in surgical anesthesia
and also for the management of sea sickness. A derivative of Used by optometrists and ophthalmologists to dilate (enlarge) the
scopolamine is the drug butylscopolamine, which is a potent pupils of the eyes so as to more easily view the interior of the eye.
antispasmodic.
Hyoscyamine is also used to reduce mucous secretions associated
However, after World War II interest in the chemical properties with cold, flu, bronchitis and hay fever.
of Duboisia waned. But in the 1950s a German firm, Boehringer
Ingelheim, revived the Duboisia industry. Today, over 90% of the Historically:
Duboisia trees grown for world-wide use by the pharmaceutical
industry are found in the Kingaroy and South Burnett areas of Duboisia was used by Aboriginal people in Central Australia
southern Queensland. for its stimulant, euphoric, antispasmodic and analgesic effects.
For example, smoke from the burning leaves was inhaled at
Scopolamine: ceremonies, such as male initiation rites, including circumcision,
because of its anaesthetic properties.
A derivative of scopolamine is used to relax muscles in the
digestive track for such conditions as irritable bowel syndrome
and stomach aches.

It is also used as a pre-operative muscle relaxant prior

to surgery.

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Tea Tree Oil
For over 1,000 years the Bundjalung people of north east NSW have used
Melaleuca alternifolia as a source of medicine. Melaleuca is actually a paperbark
and not a tea tree (Leptospermum spp.).

The people would crush the leaves and inhale the Uses of Tea Tree Oil include:
vapours to treat such ailments such as coughs and colds, or they
would make an infusion to treat skin ailments and sore throats. • Skin infections, eg, acne.
• Scratches and grazes.
The oil was also used to heal wounds by sprinkling leaves on the • Warts and verruca.
wound and then applying a poultice. • Bad breath, inflamed gums and plaque.
• Sore throats and congestion.
On his voyage in the South Pacific Captain James Cook and the • Dandruff and lice.
Botanist, Joseph Banks, discovered many new plant and animal • Cold sores.
species, one of which was the Tea Tree. • Shingles and chicken pox.
• Post-surgical care.
Cook’s crew actually made a tea from the melaleuca plant and • Painful spots on the skin preceding menstruation.
hence the name, “tea tree”. • Strengthen the immune system.
• Catarrh and sinusitis.
But it was not until 1923, when Dr A R Penfold realised the great
potential of this oil as a medicine, that the Tea Tree Oil Industry began.
Methods of Application:
During WW 11 tea tree oil was used in medical kits for the
servicemen. In the 1950s and 60s the production of Tea Tree Oil • Inhalation.
declined, but a renaissance took place in the 1970s, when people • Bathing.
became more interested in using natural products. Commercial • Mixed with protective cream.
plantations were established which today produce high quality oil. • Direct application to the skin.

Tea Tree Oil has the following properties:

Products containing Tea Tree Oil:
• Anti-viral.
• Anti-fungal. • Lozenges.
• Antiseptic. • Toothpastes.
• Lotions.
NOTE: Tea Tree Oil is toxic when swallowed. • Creams.
It should be kept away from children as well
as from pets.

The oil is applied directly to the skin, however

if you have sensitive skin you should initially
use the oil in dilution.

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Acknowledgements
• Anders Boefeld (sadly, now deceased) and Richard Scarborough, for all the botanical support that was freely given
and without which this book would have been the poorer.

• Andrew Lee, Senior Bush Regeneration Officer at Shellharbour City Council. A portion of the Protecting Our Places
grant money was earmarked for the regeneration of degraded bushland. Andrew was able to marshall council
resources so that many students from local schools were able to plant 2,500 native species at Stony Ridge, Oak Flats,
in 2011 and 2012 to help meet this requirement of the grant.

• Greg Evans whose art work enlivens page 2 of this book. Greg’s art can be purchased from his Facebook
site, “Evoskulls”.

• Barbara and John Street, Robert Wallyn, Charlie Fell and Roy Arnemann from the Shellharbour U3A Photo Club,
Kellie Evans and her kids Jessie, Jake and Charli, and John Johnson, all of whom assisted Tony Hepworth and the
author in the photographs needed to illustrate the text.

• Tony Hepworth whose organisational support helped get the project up and running and who then saw it through to
the final stage of printing and distribution.

• Landcare Illawarra and Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority, which while not directly involved in
the Bush Medicines project, have been a continuing source of support to myself and my interest in plant use by the
Dharawal people.

• Helen Dauncey for kindly donating the use of her flowering Sickle Wattle (Acacia falcata) image,
Igor Makunin for his Blackbean / Moreton Bay Chestnut (Castanospermum australe) image and Tom Baster for his
Rose-leaved Bramble (Rubus rosifolius) image.

• Dr.Kevin Mills for a detailed review of the plant names and botanical perspective, and for providing
several photographs.

• And lastly, the continuing support and enthusiasm of the Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation.

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References
YouTube
http://www.youtube.com
• Sydney North Scouts Bush tucker / Bush medicine. Jake Cassar, January 2012.
• A local Bush cold remedy. wmv. Jake Cassar, January 2012.
• Cloning bush medicine. University of New South Wales, Prof. Brett Neilan.

Books
• A.B. Cribb & J.W. Cribb (1981). Wild medicine in Australia. Fontana: Sydney.
• A. Fairly & P. Moore (1989). Native plants of the Sydney district: An identification guide. Kangaroo Press.
• J. Issacs (1987). Bush Food: Aboriginal foodand herbal medicine.Lansdowne Sydney.
• E.V. Lassak & T. McCarthy (1983). Australian medicinal plants. Methuen: Sydney.
• T. Low (1990). Bush medicine: A pharmacopoeia of natural remedies. Angus & Robertson: Sydney.
• M. Organ (1990). Illawarra and South Coast Aborigines 1770 - 1850. Aboriginal Education Unit,
Wollongong University.
• C. Renwick (2000). Geebungs and snake whistles: Koori people and plants of Wreck Bay. National Capital
Printing: Fyshwick.
• Isacs.J (1987). Bush Food: Aboriginal food and herbal medicine. Lansdowne: Sydney
• Robinson Les (1998). A field to plants in the Sydney Region. Kangaroo Press.
• Wollongong’s Native Trees_Leon Fuller (new edition just out).
Mills, K. & Jakeman, J. (1995). Rainforests of the Illawarra District. Coachwood Publishing, Jamberoo.
• Mills, K. & Jakeman, J. (2010). Native Trees of the NSW South Coast. Envirobook, Sussex Inlet.

Websites

• Aboriginal uses of plants around the world.

www.asagp.org. Sourced March 2012.
• Bush medicine.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki. Sourced March 2012.
• Gardening Australia: Fact sheet - Native plants.
www.abc.net.au/gardening. Sourced March 2012.
• Medicinal properties of eucalypts.
www.anpsa.org. Sourced March 2012.
• Medicine healing secrets of bush medicine.
www.brinet.au/medicine. Sourced March 2012.
• Sydney’s exotic plants.
www.bushfoods.net/medicinals. Sourced March 2012.
• Talking about plants - Royal Botanic Gardens.
www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/education. Sourced March 2012.

Facebook
http://www.facebook.com
• Australian Aboriginal bush foods and medicines.
• Australian bush food, bush tucker, medicines and useful plants.
• Bush medicine.
• Bush medicine - women.

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Supported by a “Protecting Our Places”
Grant from the NSW Environmental Trust

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Bush Medicines of the Illawarra is designed as an appreciation of the
medical value plants gave the indigenous people of Australia (and elsewhere), and
how plants have been extensively studied for medicinal use in today’s world.

It is worth remembering that approximately 25% of all pharmaceutical products

worldwide have originated from traditional medical knowledge. In short, the plant
science of traditional peoples everywhere has made a significant contribution to
our health today.

Supported by a “Protecting Our Places”

Grant from the NSW Environmental Trust