Bush Medicine (Ilpengk) by Dorrie Jones (SOLD)

The Eremophila dalyana, or ilpengk, is a rare plant in Central Australia and is only found in the far north-east region (including Utopia). Like other Eremophila species around Australia, it is highly prized for its medicinal properties. The leaves have a highly aromatic and characteristic smell which is key to their selection and use by nangara's (Aboriginal practitioners or healers). 

The medicine is prepared by collecting the long narrow grey-green leaves and grinding them into an ointment with fat, used to rub on the upper body and head area for relief of colds and other chest ailments. For skin ailments such as scabies, a decoction of the leaves is made.

Featured in Bush Medicine Exhibition