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Top Medicinal Plants Native to Australia

The top medicinal plants native to Australia include several well-known species used by Aboriginal Australians and in modern herbal medicine:

  • Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia): Renowned for its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, especially in treating skin infections, wounds, and respiratory issues.

  • Kangaroo Apple (Solanum aviculare or Solanum laciniatum): Used traditionally as both food and medicine; its leaves and green fruits have been used to produce steroids and oral contraceptives.

  • Mountain Pepper (Tasmannia lanceolata): Known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, used in traditional medicine and culinary applications.

  • Native Mint (Mentha spp.): Used to treat coughs and colds, with aromatic oils having antimicrobial effects.

  • Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora): Valued for its high citral content, used for respiratory ailments, antiseptic purposes, and in culinary applications.

  • Native Ginger (Alpinia caerulea): Used for its antiseptic properties and in bushfood, with potential antimicrobial benefits.

  • Old Man's Weed (Centipeda cunninghamii): Traditionally used for skin conditions, respiratory issues, and inflammation.

  • Billy Goat Plum / Kakadu Plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana): Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, used for immune support and skin health.

  • Gum Tree (Eucalyptus spp.): Its oil is widely used for respiratory problems, antiseptic applications, and in topical treatments.

  • Native Raspberry (Rubus parvifolius): Consumed for nutritional and antioxidant benefits, with traditional use for stomach ailments.

These plants have been integral to Aboriginal medicine and are increasingly recognised for their potential in modern herbal and pharmaceutical applications.

Citations:

  1. https://theconversation.com/the-art-of-healing-five-medicinal-plants-used-by-aboriginal-australians-97249
  2. https://www.allgreen.com.au/garden-advice/12-plants-with-medicinal-properties
  3. https://www.australiangeographic.com.au/topics/history-culture/2011/02/top-10-aboriginal-bush-medicines/
  4. https://ahigardens.com.au/learning-centre/top-10-medicinal-plants-native-to-south-east-queensland
  5. https://www.drgreenthumbs.com.au/blogs/living-soils/the-top-medicinal-plants-to-grow-in-living-soil-for-natural-remedies
  6. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9231311/
  7. https://www.lovethegarden.com/au-en/article/our-5-favourite-australian-native-herbs
  8. https://www.anbg.gov.au/gardens/education/programs/pdfs/aboriginal-bush-medicines.pdf
  9. https://www.nacc.com.au/top-10-aboriginal-bush-medicines/