Emu Bush vs Gumby Gumby: Traditional Skincare Powerhouses Infused in Animal Fat

Aboriginal bush medicine holds powerful skin remedies that go far beyond today’s trends. Two of the most respected plants in our traditional healing systems are Emu Bush (Eremophila spp.) and Gumby Gumby (Pittosporum angustifolium). Both are widely used in ointment form, infused in animal fat — a method passed down through generations that helps carry medicinal compounds deep into the skin.

These plants are not the same. They each bring distinct properties that target different skin concerns. When combined in a skin ointment base of rendered fat (traditionally from goanna, emu, or lard), they create a deeply nourishing and effective treatment for modern skin issues like blackheads, cystic acne, pigmentation, and premature ageing.

 Why Use Animal Fat?

• Animal fat is the traditional carrier for bush medicine because:
• It penetrates deep into the skin layers, unlike water or synthetic creams
• It is rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K — essential for skin repair
• It preserves the plant’s bioactive compounds naturally
• It mimics the skin’s own lipids, making it highly absorbable

🔴 Emu Bush (Eremophila spp.) – Deep Healing & Antibacterial

Best for:

• Cystic acne
• Blackheads
• Infected skin sores
• Pigmentation
• Wrinkle prevention

Key properties:

• Antibacterial: Kills acne-causing bacteria like Staph and Strep
• Anti-inflammatory: Reduces swelling, redness, and pain in cystic acne
• Antioxidants: Brightens skin tone, fades dark marks
• Collagen support: Improves elasticity and reduces fine lines

 

🟢 Gumby Gumby (Pittosporum angustifolium) – Soothing, Repairing & Balancing

Best for:

• Pigmentation
• Wrinkles
• Sensitive, inflamed skin
• Dryness or irritation
• Immune support through skin

Key properties:

• Immuno-modulating: Supports healthy skin regeneration
• Anti-aging flavonoids: Boost collagen and even skin tone
• Natural astringents: Tighten pores, reduce oil without overdrying
• Anti-inflammatory: Calms redness, rosacea, and hormonal skin flares

 

🪶 What’s the Difference?

Benefit Emu Bush v Gumby Gumby

Fights bacteria ✅ Strong ☑️ Mild Reduces cystic acne 

✅ Excellent ☑️ Supportive

Clears blackheads ✅

Deep cleansing ☑️ Tightens pores

Fades pigmentation ✅ Antioxidant-rich ✅ Evens skin tone

Reduces wrinkles ✅ Collagen support ✅ Rejuvenates mature skin

• Best used for Infected, oily, inflamed skin Dry, sensitive, mature skin

🧴 How to Use in a Traditional Ointment

• Apply a small amount of Emu Bush or Gumby Gumby ointment (in animal fat base) to clean skin. Use:
• Morning & night on acne, pigmentation or aged skin
• After cleansing to lock in hydration and deliver healing
• With a bush soap (Emu Bush or Gumby Gumby) for maximum results

 

🌿 Culturally Rooted. Scientifically Backed.

At My Outback Bush Soaps Co, we follow the proper way — making traditional ointments in small batches using real rendered animal fat and locally harvested bush medicine. Our formulas are 100% Aboriginal-owned, culturally guided, and backed by both tradition and emerging science.

📚 References:

1. Emu Bush Healing & Chemistry – MDPI Journal

2. Gumby Gumby Therapeutic Uses – Gumby Gumby Info

3. Eremophila Antibacterial Research – ScienceDirect

4. Australian Native Plants for Skin – Plant Extracts

5. Emu Bush Benefits – Warndu