Some bush foods,

medicines & crafts

Guurrbi Tours, Cooktownwww.guurrbitours.com

Guraarr – Cocky AppleYou can use this for treating burns, wounds and headaches.

Guraarr also acts as a fishing aid. The sap has a toxin which stops fish breathing and brings them to the surface.

BabathaBloodwood TreeThe sap has antiseptic properties and is a great healing agent. You can either apply the ground crystals directly, or make a cream with water.

Bingin - Morton Bay AshThe bark is a guaranteed cure for toothache. But be warned - it works so well because it makes your tooth fall out!

BulgulThis termite mound was used for cooking during the wet season.

BulgulThe black termite mound is useful too, as it acts like a mosquito coil when burned.

Bungga – Grass TreeThis is a really useful tree. Parts of it are edible, and witchetty grubs may be found in the trunk.

Bungga-gaHere’s an edible grubs from the grass tree.

The resin from the grass tree is useful too.

Grass tree resin is used in spear-making, and also acts as an insect repellent.

Cluster figsThese are tasty and act as an anti-diuretic which helps wounds to heal. The sap can also be applied directly on an infection.

Wunha from the Nonda tree taste like a soft, fluffy apple.

Yangga – Green AntsThese have many medicinal uses and are still used widely today, especially for coughs and colds.

Nhirrbunh – Black Currant makes a very refreshing drink.

Gaanha – Hopwood This is the tree we get our yam sticks from, for digging up yams.

Jiral Jiral – Randia is really sweet to eat and tastes a bit like guava.

Bathuurr – Zamia Palm has nuts which are very toxic, but when treated can be made into flour.

Buthaya – Red Lady Apple has a slightly bitter flavour.

Red Ash or Soap BushThe leaves of the soap bush make great bush soap when crushed with water.

Gabagar – Red BeechThe pips from the fruit are edible and very tasty.

Gabagar – Red BeechThe leaf can be made into a drink ladle or a food wrap.

Bayjin – Lomandra GrassThis is the strong leaf used for making dillybags, string and rope.

Lomandra roots used for dying dillybags a brilliant red.

BayjiA dillybag made from the lomandra grass.

Wanhthaal-bi ngayu! We look forward to seeing you!