Our Botanicals
“This bush medijina, it did not start yesterday, or last year, or even the year before that. It has always been here. Always. Our recipes have been here for generations.”
- Gayangwa Lalara
Groote Eylandt Ochre
Rich in minerals
Gently exfoliates
Tones skin
Traditional Knowledge - Modern Purpose
At Bush Medijina we walk in two worlds. We are guided by ancient wisdom and moving forward with purpose. Our bush medicine practices have shaped every part of our product range. Each balm, oil and scrub is inspired by recipes taught to us by our mothers, aunties and grandmothers, then carefully handcrafted using a mix of traditional methods and modern techniques.
We harvest bush produce on Country, in the same places our ancestors walked. Our knowledge comes from our land, our stories, and our shared responsibility to care for each other. Through Bush Medijina, we honour this legacy and share the healing power of native botanicals with others.
What is Bush Medicine?
Bush medicine refers to the traditional healing practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples using native Australian plants. Passed down through generations, these remedies are used to treat a wide range of physical ailments, skin conditions, and spiritual imbalances.
Made from leaves, bark, roots, and flowers, bush medicine plays a vital role in Indigenous health and cultural wellbeing. Each plant is carefully chosen and prepared based on deep knowledge of the land, seasons, and ancestral teachings.
For thousands of years, First Nations communities across Australia have used bush medicine for:
- Wound care and skin soothing
- Pain relief and inflammation
- Colds, flu, and respiratory symptoms
- Ceremonial cleansing and spiritual protection
- Supporting overall health and wellbeing
Today, bush medicine continues to be practised in many communities and is also being shared through natural skincare, cultural education, and Indigenous-owned enterprises like Bush Medijina.
MAWILYABURNA
Mawilyaburna is one of our most trusted bush medicines for easing muscle aches, inflammation and calming the body. Growing across the north, this powerful tree has long been used by our Elders for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. The leaves are traditionally crushed and infused to create balms or oils that bring relief to tired bodies, sore joints and swollen areas. Its gentle, earthy scent helps calm the mind and body, making it a key ingredient in our muscle and body care range. Passed down through generations, Mawilyaburna continues to support our wellbeing—offering comfort, strength and connection to Country.
MAMARRA
Mamarra is a treasured bush medicine on Groote Eylandt, growing near wetlands and billabongs. For generations, our Elders have used its leaves to ease congestion, soothe aching bodies, and calm the spirit—often steeped in hot water or infused into balms. Beyond healing, its wood was shaped into canoes by Anindilyakwa men, while women used its bark to make coolamons for carrying babies. This sacred plant continues to support our wellbeing today. You’ll find Mamarra in many of our Bush Medijina remedies, especially in our much-loved Breathe Easy Balm.
MERRIKA
Merrika is a powerful bush medicine that our Elders have used for generations to soothe, heal, and protect the skin. It’s more than a plant—it’s a guide from Country. When Merrika blooms, it signals that the terns are nesting, marking time in our seasonal calendar. Traditionally, its strong wood was crafted into digging sticks by women and spear tips by men. Today, we know it’s rich in antioxidants and offers natural anti-ageing benefits. You’ll find Merrika in many of our Bush Medijina products—from balms and soaps to face care and body butters, including our multi-award-winning Miracle Balm.
DUMBURUMBA
Dumburumba is a powerful gift from Country and one of our most cherished bush medicines. Found along the coast and in the bush, its leaves have long been respected by our Elders. Traditionally, they were used to calm inflammation, ease skin irritations, and support emotional and spiritual healing. Modern studies suggest anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties—affirming what our ancestors always knew. This knowledge, passed down through generations, lives on in our Bush Medijina collection, especially in our famous Skin Soothe Balm. Dumburumba continues to soothe and care, just as it always has.
WEEPING TEA TREE
Weeping Tea Tree, known for its soft, cascading leaves, has long been cherished by our Elders for its cleansing and healing properties. Traditionally, the leaves were steeped in water to create gentle washes for the hair and scalp, used to soothe irritation, cleanse away buildup, and support healthy hair growth. This bush medicine was often part of regular care, passed down through generations as a natural way to maintain strong, healthy hair.
MAMABURRA
Mamaburra bark is a treasured part of traditional healing on Groote Eylandt. Our Elders have long used it for its powerful soothing and protective qualities. The bark is carefully harvested and prepared to help cleanse and heal the skin, especially wounds and irritations. Beyond its healing properties, Mamarra bark is also valued for its strength and versatility, traditionally crafted into coolamons used to carry babies and other important items. Today, Mamarra bark remains a vital ingredient in our bush medicine practices, connecting us to Country and the wisdom of generations past, supporting both body and spirit.
BUSH BLOSSOMS
Wild native bush flowers have long been used in traditional Aboriginal healing for both their gentle therapeutic properties and spiritual significance. Flowers like melaleuca, wattles, and bottlebrush were often used in soothing washes, steam baths, or poultices to help with skin conditions, colds, and overall wellbeing. Many have natural antibacterial or calming qualities, which made them a trusted part of bush medicine.
History of Bush Medicine in Indigenous Australian Culture
Bush medicine has been used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for tens of thousands of years. As one of the oldest continuous cultures on Earth, our knowledge of native Australian botanicals has been passed down through generations - guided by the land, our Elders, and lived experience.
For us, bush medicine is more than physical healing. It’s a holistic approach that strengthens our bodies, our spirits, and our connection to Country. These practices form one of the many pillars of Aboriginal culture - a tradition that continues to evolve while staying grounded in where we come from.
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Amadungkwa Body Set
Amadungkwa Body Set
