Emu Bush

Emu Bush (E.alternifolia) and Weeping Emu Bush (E.longifolia) are known for their antiseptic/antibacterial therapies to treat wounds and skin infections and both contain D-limonene. Decoctions of leaves from both plants were traditionally used topically as a hot bath by the First Australians to treat skin infections.

Concoctions of emu bush leaves were used by Northern Territory Aboriginal tribes to wash sores and cuts; occasionally it was gargled. In the last decade, leaves from the plant were found to have the same strength as some established antibiotics.