Gumbi gumbi

Pittosporum spp.

Leaves, seeds or wood were steeped in hot water and drunk or used externally, for example for colds, coughs, eczema and cramps. Laboratory research points to antimicrobial compounds; clinical studies are lacking.

Safety notes

Little is known about safety and interactions; avoid in pregnancy. The fruits are very bitter and are not eaten as food.

Preparation

Leaf or seed as tea or externally as a wash; now also sold as herbal tea. No dosage is given here.

Use in traditions

Use varied from place to place and from people to people: some chewed the gum or ground the seeds into flour. In Queensland, Central Queensland University is researching the plant together with Ghungalu elder Uncle Steve Kemp. Such knowledge belongs to Aboriginal communities.

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.

Herbal medicine worldwide

Attributed effects

Probably antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory.

Preparation and amount

Tea of P. phylliraeoides for colds, cramps and to promote milk production; leaf compress on ulcers; P. tenuifolium externally for skin irritation and scalp eczema; gum of P. eugenioides against bad breath.

Ways to prepare herbs: Tea (infusion)Compress, poultice and paste

Sources

All herbs from Oceania →