How Emu Bush May Support Rheumatic Heart Disease Prevention

Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) remains a major health issue across Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, particularly in rural and remote regions. RHD is a preventable condition caused by repeated Group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections, often beginning with skin sores or sore throats in childhood. Without early treatment, these infections can trigger an autoimmune response, leading to permanent heart valve damage. Prevention strategies must address skin infections, immune response, and chronic inflammation — and this is where bush medicine plays a culturally relevant role.

Emu Bush (Eremophila spp.) is one of the most respected and widely used medicinal plants in Aboriginal culture. Traditionally prepared as a wash, steam, tea, or infused into animal fat, Emu Bush has long been used to treat infections, open wounds, and internal inflammation. Today, emerging studies support many of these traditional uses, showing that Eremophila species are rich in bioactive compounds with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating, and antioxidant effects.

For RHD, prevention begins at the skin. Streptococcal skin infections are a known risk factor for acute rheumatic fever (ARF), which, if repeated, progresses to RHD. Emu Bush has demonstrated strong antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria such as Streptococcus pyogenes, the main pathogen behind ARF. When used topically in ointments and soaps, Emu Bush may help prevent secondary skin infections from worsening or recurring, reducing the risk of GAS entry into the bloodstream.

Beyond surface infection, Emu Bush contains compounds such as verbascoside and geniposidic acid, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and cardioactive potential. These may help reduce systemic inflammation — a key factor in the autoimmune response that damages heart tissue in RHD patients. Traditional use also includes treatment for body pain, immune imbalance, and recovery from infection, aligning closely with modern understandings of chronic disease support.

Importantly, Emu Bush is not a treatment or cure for RHD, nor a substitute for medical care. However, it may serve as a culturally safe, complementary option in holistic care plans. It supports healthy skin, reduces infection risk, calms inflammation, and strengthens immune resilience — all vital components in the prevention of RHD in high-risk populations.

At My Outback Bush Soaps Co, we prepare our Emu Bush ointments using rendered animal fat, ensuring the medicinal compounds penetrate deep into the skin, as practiced traditionally. Our products are made on Country, by Aboriginal people, using ancestral knowledge to meet modern needs. We advocate for respectful integration of bush medicine into public health discussions and invite professionals to engage with this powerful plant medicine as part of long-term, community-led health solutions.

---

References:

1. Eremophila species: A review of their chemistry, pharmacology and traditional uses – MDPI Molecules Journal

2. Eremophila spp. antibacterial activity – ScienceDirect

3. Antibacterial serrulatane diterpenes from the Australian native plant Eremophila – Macquarie University

4. Warndu: Emu Bush - The Sacred Healer

5. Taste Australia: Traditional Bush Remedies