This artwork depicts wild flowers the Aboriginal women in central Australia collect Some wild flowers and plant species have medicinal properties, which are used as a bush medicine for Aboriginal people.

Bush medicine is the term used by Aboriginal people to describe their traditional medicinal knowledge and practices. Different language groups have different bush medicine knowledge, based on where they live in Australia. Many Aboriginal people still use this knowledge today.

Generally, bush medicine is made from plant materials, such as bark, leaves (e.g. Tea tree oil (melaleuca oil)) and seeds. Steaming, smoking and heating were also important bush medicine remedies, and could be carried out on the sick and on newborn babies.

If you would like to know more about wild Flowers and the relationship with Aboriginal Art and culture, please read the following article:

• Bush Medicine