- Region
- Oceania
- Origin
- Mainland Australia, especially Central Australia
- Other names
- Emoe-struik
Oceania · Herb · № 54
Eremophila longifolia
Herb · Oceania
Emu bush (berrigan)
Eremophila longifolia
One of the most important plants for Aboriginal peoples of Central Australia, with ceremonial and medicinal uses. Clinical evidence is lacking.
Safety notes
Traditional use is not a proven treatment. This knowledge belongs to Aboriginal communities; respect cultural protocols.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Healing traditions of Oceania: Little scientific research; do not take internally.
Preparation
Use is tied to specific ceremonies and community knowledge; no preparation or dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
Used in initiation ceremonies, to line graves, to tan water bags and in warriors' headbands. In smoking ceremonies, among others after a birth and in mourning, the leaves are laid on a fire; the smoke is considered cleansing. Medicinally it is used among other things for colds and headaches, as a decoction for skin complaints, and to cleanse and strengthen newborn babies. Its names include tulypurpa (Pitjantjatjara) and otenerrenge (Arrernte).
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Healing traditions of Oceania
Attributed effects
Smoke from the leaves is regarded as cleansing and protective, among others for mother and child after birth and in mourning. A decoction was used externally for skin complaints, colds and headaches.
Preparation and amount
This knowledge belongs to the communities themselves; follow local knowledge and cultural protocols. No preparation or dosage is given here.
Caution: Little scientific research; do not take internally.