Emu Bush vs Gumby Gumby: Bush Medicine for Skin Conditions

At My Outback Bush Soaps Co, we honour the wisdom of traditional Aboriginal bush medicine. Two of our key ingredients, Emu Bush and Gumby Gumby, have powerful healing properties for skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, lupus, dermatitis, and cystic acne. Here’s a full breakdown of the pros and cons for each, including how drinking the teas helps heal from the inside out.

EMU BUSH (Eremophila spp.)

Pros: Antibacterial and antiseptic (proven to fight Staphylococcus aureus); anti-inflammatory to calm flare-ups; promotes wound healing and skin regeneration; pain-relieving properties reduce stinging and irritation; antifungal properties reduce secondary skin infections.

Cons: Strong bush scent may not appeal to all; can cause dryness in very sensitive skin if not used with a moisturiser; limited formal studies, though traditional use is extensive.

GUMBY GUMBY (Pittosporum angustifolium)

Pros: Supports immune function for autoimmune skin conditions like lupus and psoriasis; aids liver detoxification which is critical for skin health; rich in antioxidants to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress; calming and gentle for babies and sensitive skin; assists hormonal balance especially during menopause and stress; effective when consumed as tea or applied topically.

Cons: Slower topical effects compared to Emu Bush; rare and must be harvested sustainably; tea has a bitter taste some may not enjoy unless blended.

Drinking Bush Medicine for Internal Cleansing

Topical use only addresses symptoms—drinking Emu Bush and Gumby Gumby tea addresses the root cause. Gumby Gumby tea supports detoxification of the liver and lymph system, balances hormones, calms the immune system, and clears the blood. Emu Bush tea reduces systemic inflammation, helps repair the gut, relieves body pain and tension, and supports skin healing through improved internal health. Both are antiviral, antibacterial, and immune supportive. Internal detox helps flush toxins and excess hormones that contribute to skin flare-ups like cystic acne and lupus rash.

Complete Skin Support

Combining our soaps and ointments with tea offers full-circle healing: topical for instant relief, and tea for long-term wellness. While Emu Bush targets surface infections and inflammation, Gumby Gumby works on the deeper causes: liver stress, immune imbalance, and hormone overload.

Cautions

Always patch test. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or on medication. These products support healing—they are not a cure.

Final Thoughts

Skin health starts from within. Our bush teas and ointments work together to cleanse, calm, and repair from every angle—outside and in. The old people didn’t just treat symptoms; they restored balance. That’s what we’re offering you. Healing by the land, from the land.

References:

Richmond & Ghisalberti (1994), CSIRO, Aboriginal Pharmacopoeia (1983), Lassak & McCarthy (2011), Ghisalberti – Chemistry of Eremophila