As with every culture, the Australian Aborigines also have their own 'bush remedies' or 'bush medicine'. Living on the land brings about it's own hazards such as snake or spider bite, and of course there is the more common ailments everyone suffers such as headaches and wounds.

The Aborigines use their own range of remedies from the use of herbs and plants to string amulets and ancient chants. Each tribal area using different remedies for similar conditions.

Australian Aborigines being deeply spiritual people entrust their well being in times of sickness to those well versed in the medicinal and spiritual rites. These are the medicine men, whom have been groomed since childhood by their elders and initiated into the deepest of tribal secrets. With this comes extreme stature within a tribe and they are sought after as members of great wisdom.

Medicine men utilise simple herbs and plants along with their tribal magic to heal. The preparation of these herbs and plants varies and can be used in a number of different ways. These methods may include inhaling the steam from a leafy fire, drinking the extracts from certain leaves or barks and rubbing the skin with preparations or ointments made of animal fats fruit pulps or pastes from seeds.

Here is a short list of some of the remedies commonly used by Australian Aboriginies.