Janet Tilmouth - Bush medicine leaves

Catalogue Number: 25/44

This painting called Bush Medicine Leaves, shows a plant commonly used for healing skin. The plant is found in Central Australia bush land and around rocky hills. After a big rain when the leaves are green the local Aboriginal women carefully harvesting the leaves which are then boiled to extract healing oil which can then be applied to the skin to soothe irritations and promote healing.  Indigenous people living in remote communities in Central Australia have harvested this bush medicine plant for many generations and the practice is passed down through families.