Tree Science eBook - Therapeutic Uses of Common Backyard Trees and Plants

Therapeutic Uses of
Common Backyard
Trees and Plants

Australia has a deluge of gorgeous
native plants that have medicinal
properties. While indigenous
knowledge utilises our country’s
plants, it’s not commonly known that
you can grow alternative medicines
in your backyard. Until now.
Presenting our 3 part series to help
you plant smart and keep healthy.
All the plants featured in this series
can flourish in Australian backyards,
and all have the potential to help
you heal yourself holistically.
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Therapeutic Uses of Common Backyard Trees and Plants
1. Tea tree
Its distinctive astringent scent gives
you an idea of this plant’s antiseptic
properties. While the indigenous
Australians were the first to be
clever enough to use it as such, it’s
since become a staple in many a
first aid kid and medicine cabinet
as a natural antibacterial ointment.
Therapeutic benefits
In the 1920s, scientific experiments proved that the tea-tree
oil was a far stronger antiseptic than anything used at the
time. Nowadays tea tree oil is used for everything from acne to
fungal skin infections.
Indigenous Australians have used the Melaleuca viridiflora tea
tree variety for treating fevers, and the Melaleuca variety for
treating coughs and colds. The Bundjalung Aboriginal people
from the coast of New South Wales also crushed tea-tree
leaves and applied the paste to wounds.
How to grow Australian tea trees
These plants are quite hardy, and once established they don’t
require too much care. When planting, avoid clay and hardpacked
soils and go for something fast draining and loamy.
You should also try to give your smaller trees about 3 to 6 feet
or space, and large varieties around 15 to 20 feet.
Tea trees only require partial to full sunlight, and a weekly
water during their growing phase. From the established phase
onwards you will only need to water when it’s very hot and dry
out.
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Therapeutic Uses of Common Backyard Trees and Plants
2. Goat’s foot
This creeper plant will often
bring to mind the ocean. It’s
common to see the signature
purple flowers dominating
coastal gardens and Australia’s
sandy coast fringes. The leathery
leaves form a cleft shape almost
like a goat’s hoof, and come with
contrastingly delicate funnelled
flowers.
Therapeutic benefits
First Australians from Northern Australia and in some parts of
New South Wales used goat’s foot leaves to relieve pain from
stingray and stonefish stings. Once crushed, the leaves were
then heated and applied straight onto the affected skin.
How to grow goat’s foot
Give yourself plenty of room, because this plant will not be
contained. Goat’s foot makes an excellent ground covering
plant, and thrives even in sandy arid soil. Goat’s foot does
well even in dry areas, as it grows deep taproots that seek
out its own water. It can handle all the harshness of oceanic
conditions, including heat, salt and wind.
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Therapeutic Uses of Common Backyard Trees and Plants
3. Aloe vera
This plant has been used for
its medicinal properties since
biblical times. There are a lot of
ailments than can be soothed
from having a pot or two of
aloe vera about the house,
including sunburn, cuts, rashes,
and digestive issues. Aloe vera is
even used as a beauty treatment
sometimes.
Therapeutic benefits
Aloe vera sap is the part of the plant that contains the good
stuff. This sap will speed up healing and reduce the risk of
infections for various wounds, burns of all kinds, and inflamed
skin conditions like eczema. You can also take the sap or aloe
vera juice internally for treating ulcerative colitis, indigestion
and chronic constipation.
How to grow aloe vera
Aloe vera is a succulent plant made up of 95% water, so any
frosty cold environments will freeze it to death. Grow your aloe
vera plants outside in warm climates – they love full sunshine or
lightly shaded areas the most. They do well kept in their pots
by a window; it’s only advised to plant your aloe vera if you are
in a place with consistently mild weather year round.
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Therapeutic Uses of Common Backyard Trees and Plants
4. Echinacea
This daisy-like perennial plant
provides lots of relief for colds,
coughs and inflammations, as
a general boost to the immune
system. While native to North
America, this no-nonsense
plant can survive in a variety of
climates, and doesn’t need much
water to flourish. It was once
used by the Native Americans
as an application for stings and
bites from insects and snakes.
Therapeutic benefits
Taking echinacea is said to reduce the length and severity of
the common cold, especially when you start taking it at the
first sign of symptoms. The most common medicinal varieties
are Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia and E. pallida.
Make your own echinacea medicine by finely chopping a
few leaves and squeezing the pulp through a strainer to get
a dose of about half a teaspoon. Adults are recommended
to take about three doses per day, starting fresh each time.
Please note that this medicine is not suitable for pregnant
or breastfeeding women, children under two, those with
allergies to the Asteraceae plant family, or those taking
immunosuppressive medicines.
How to grow echinacea
The good news about planting echinacea is that it doesn’t
require much water at all – perfect for our changing climate. It
grows well when planted in drifts in a low maintenance gravel
garden, garden bed or field. It will also attract butterflies and
bees to your garden.
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Therapeutic Uses of Common Backyard Trees and Plants
5. Pawpaw
These tasty tropical fruits are not
only a yummy treat in summer –
they contain a huge amount of
vitamins and antioxidants that
can keep you at optimum health.
Therapeutic benefits
Pawpaw fruits are an excellent source of antioxidants, which
have been shown to protect against chronic illnesses such as
cancer and heart disease. They are also high in carotenes, and
vitamins C and A.
How to grow pawpaw
You can easily grow your own pawpaw from the seeds of a
fruit. Keep the seeds from a pawpaw you find particularly tasty,
especially if it was also grown in your area.
As a tropical fruit, pawpaw are sensitive to frost, but this can
be combated by choosing a sheltered spot for your pawpaw
plants.
Once planted, you will need a mixture of males and females
in order to pollinate the flowers that will lead to fruit. You’ll
probably want to thin the males, as only one male is necessary
to fertilise up to eight female pawpaw trees. You can identify
the male pawpaw trees by the long stems on their flowers.
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Therapeutic Uses of Common Backyard Trees and Plants
6. Passionfruit
These evergreen vines bear
delicious fruits in the warmer
months. As well as being tasty,
there are a swathe of health
benefits that make passionfruit a
great vine to add to your garden.
Therapeutic benefits
Passion Fruit contains alkaloids, which give a calming
effect. There are also a host of strong antioxidants to
keep your immune system uplifted. These trace goodies
include b-carotenes, potassium, carotenoids, riboflavin and
Cryptoxanthin-ß.
How to grow passionfruit
Because passionfruit originate from warm areas, they flourish
best in temperate to tropical warmth and full sun. It is possible
to grow them in cooler areas, as long as the frost is kept at
bay. Give them space for their deep roots and room to grow –
balconies, wire fences and pergolas are all great locations.
You can get a grafted variety of passionfruit so that you don’t
have to worry about cross-pollination. Good ones include
‘Golden Casket’, ‘Lacey’, ‘Purple Gold’, ‘Panama Red’ and
‘Panama Gold’. If you live in a cool climate ‘Nelly Kelly’ is a
good one to try. Watch out for suckering though!
Passionfruit vines can easily fall victim to the woody
passionfruit virus, so it’s a good idea to start a new one every
three years or so. It usually takes between 12 and 18 months for
a vine to reach the size where they will bear fruit.
Finally, get the most out of your passionfruit vine with regular
watering and pruning. Pruning lets the sunlight filter through
the leaves to ripen your fruits to sweet perfection, and also
controls the fast growth and encourage new growth.
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Therapeutic Uses of Common Backyard Trees and Plants
7. Lemon balm
A shrub of lemon balm in your
garden gives you a medicine for
a variety of medical ailments, as
well as the zesty aroma of mint
and lemon.
Therapeutic benefits
Lemon balm can be used on the skin and eaten or brewed as a
tea for different effects.
Crushed lemon balm leaves can be rubbed on the skin to keep
mosquitos at bay and to treat insect bites and skin sores. It has
also been used to fight fine lines and signs of aging for years,
with the Queen of Hungary famously using it in the 1300s.
You can make a tea of your lemon balm leaves to help ease
colds, fevers, and stomach upsets like indigestion. This
diffusion is said to also have a calming effect, so many turn
to lemon balm to ease the symptoms of depression, anxiety,
insomnia and headaches.
How to grow lemon balm
Plant your lemon balm after the frosty season, ideally in a
partially shaded area. Lemon balm likes rich soil, where you
should aim for a pH of around 6 to 7.
If you pick and harvest your leaves often, adding fertilizer will
help your lemon balm to live its best life. Slow release fertilisers
or organic nutrients into the soil when planting will give your
plant a boost.
If your lemon balm plant looks a little sorry for itself, cutting it
back will encourage enthusiastic new growth.
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Therapeutic Uses of Common Backyard Trees and Plants
8. Dill
This super herb is native to
diverse regions around the world,
including Russia, Africa and
the Mediterranean. Luckily this
means you can get it growing
almost anywhere to enjoy
both its fresh taste and health
benefits.
Therapeutic benefits
A tangy addition to fish, pickles and salads, dill lets you eat
your way to all natural better health.
Dill is chemoprotective, which means it can help to neutralise
carcinogens. Dill is also super mineral-rich, containing lots
of calcium for strong bones and reduced symptoms of
rheumatoid arthritis. Other minerals that abound in dill include
magnesium, iron, dietary fiber and manganese.
Historically, dill was revered in ancient Greek and Roman
cultures for its many healing properties. Hippocrates, the father
of medicine, wrote of dill’s anti-bacterial properties in a recipe
for cleaning the mouth. Ancient soldiers would also use burnt
dill seeds on their wounds to avoid infection.
How to grow dill
It’s best to plant your dill annually in a sunny spot. It will easily
grow from seeds, but make sure you plant them close together
so their wispy structure can support one another.
Dill can grow up to a meter tall; it’s best to put it in the back
of your veggie patch or herb garden so it doesn’t block your
access to other plants.
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Therapeutic Uses of Common Backyard Trees and Plants
9. Finger limes
Finger limes are a rainforest
delicacy. They come in a range
of colours, from deep green to
yellow, purple, pink and vivid
red. When halved, these native
Australian fruits reveal little
pearls within. The distinctive
lemon-lime flavour of their juice
is a real treat, not to mention a
wonderful alternative medicine.
Therapeutic benefits
Indigenous Australians have revered these fruits for years for
their flavour and way they ward off disease. They contain high
levels of folate, potassium, and have three times the Vitamin C
of a mandarin. They are also rich in Vitamin E, which is known
for increasing cell protection and warding off sickness.
The acidic juice and pulp and juice of finger limes can also be
used as an antiseptic.
How to grow Australian finger limes
Finger lime trees grow to around 6 meters high. While they are
native to the rainforests of south-east Queensland and northeast
New South Wales, they will grow in a wide range of heavy
soils as long as the climate is fairly temperate. Keep your finger
lime tree feeling at home by mimicking the moist conditions
of a rainforest, with fertilised soil every few months and soil
conditioners every few weeks.
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Therapeutic Uses of Common Backyard Trees and Plants
10. Turmeric
With medicinal and culinary use
dating back to 2000 BC, turmeric
is a bit of a wonder food.
Therapeutic benefits
Turmeric is extremely high in antioxidants, which assist your
immune system in the fight against disease. It is also known for
its soothing anti-inflammatory properties, which can help both
arthritic inflammation and your digestive health.
Interestingly, turmeric has also been shown to promote a
balanced mood in a double blind medical study.
How to grow turmeric
Turmeric can only cope with warm conditions, so if you live
somewhere that gets any colder than 18 degrees, unfortunately
you won’t be able to grow your own turmeric.
Plant a turmeric root cutting with several branches or fingers
to it under around 2 inches of potting soil. Keep your soil damp
but not sopping, and once you see sprouts it safe to transport
your turmeric outdoors. Plant at least 30cm apart if you are
going to put them outside. Otherwise you can keep turmeric
indoors growing in a pot without any problem.
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Ready to plant your powerful,
medicinal plants?
We hope you’ve been inspired to
check out your nearest nursery, and
that you’ve learned something new
about the healing properties of your
local flora. Read on to find out even
more about our native vegetation,
and the healing benefits that so many
of our backyard plants possess!
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Therapeutic Uses of Common Backyard Trees and Plants
11. Quandongs
These Australian native peaches
(santalum acuminatum),
traditionally a significant
food source for Indigenous
Australians, are packed with a
whole host of health benefits.
Therapeutic benefits
Quandongs contain twice the amount of vitamin C in an
orange, as well as loads of vitamin E, folate, magnesium,
calcium, iron and zinc. Due to their phenolic-based
antioxidants, quandongs are preventative against illnesses like
cancer, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
The kernel contains a variety of complex oils that can be used
to create antibacterial and anti-inflammatory pastes, whilst
the leaves can be used for their Rutin-rich properties as an
effective anti-aging remedy for the skin.
How to grow quandongs
Quandong trees grow in semi-arid regions in Australia and can
tolerate high soil salinity levels. In the bush, these part parasitic
trees will seek out a host plant or tree from which they rely on
for their complete water requirements.
If you want to plant a quandong tree at home, remember that
the seeds are incredibly hardy. Soak your seed for a few weeks
and crack it open with a nutcracker for faster germination.
Many people grow their quandong seedlings in tubes so that
the deep roots have a chance to grow before you pot or plant.
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Therapeutic Uses of Common Backyard Trees and Plants
12. Desert mushrooms
As vivid as the red centre of Australia,
pycnoporus fungi, have been used as
medicinal mushrooms by Indigenous
Australians for thousands of years.
The fruiting bodies of these fungi
are a bright reddish-orange colour
and are widespread on dead wood,
making them hard to miss if you
come across one!
Therapeutic benefits
Aboriginal people suck on the bright orange desert mushroom
to treat ulcers and soreness on the mouth and lips. These
mushrooms are also given to babies with oral thrush, and used
as natural teething rings.
How to grow desert mushrooms
These mushrooms are usually foraged on dead trees in the
bush, making them difficult to grow on your own.
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Therapeutic Uses of Common Backyard Trees and Plants
13. St. John’s wort
These star-shaped flowers (hypericum
perforatum) bloom all over the world,
and can help with an incredibly
diverse range of health problems.
Therapeutic benefits
Most commonly, St. John’s wort is used to treat anxiety,
been known to treat symptoms of menopause such as heart
palpitations and moodiness, premenstrual syndrome (PMS),
attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessivecompulsive
disorder (OCD).
St. John’s wort can also be used topically as an essential oil.
The oil is a powerful anti-inflammatory and helps ease the
aches and pains of sciatica, sprains, burns, and fibrositis.
How to grow St. John’s wort
Plant a patch of this perennial plant in early spring, and it
should last you years to come. St. John’s wort likes a semishaded
area with light sandy soil. Their roots have quite a wide
spread, so be sure to give them spacing of about a foot.
Harvest the flowers in late summer and keep them somewhere
cool so you can dry them for later use. You can keep dried St.
John’s wort flowers and use them for up to a year – storing
them in a jar or other airtight container will help retain their
medicinal properties.
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Therapeutic Uses of Common Backyard Trees and Plants
14. Licorice
This sweet root (glycyrrhiza glabra) is
up to 50 times sweeter than sugar. In
fact, during the sugar rations of WWII,
it was the only sweet treat available in
Europe. Aside from being a healthier
alternative to sugar, licorice root is
also known to aid digestion.
Therapeutic benefits
The active ingredient in licorice is glycyrrhiza, which can
be used to treat upset stomachs, gastritis, irritable bowel
syndrome, heartburn and acid reflux. A cup of licorice tea
after a meal has been a traditional aid to digestion for many
years. Chilled licorice root tea is also a great refresher during
heatstroke.
How to grow St. John’s wort
Licorice is quite a low maintenance perennial crop. Best grown
in sun (but can also tolerate part shade), liquorice can grow up
to 1.5 metres and also has an extensive root system that will
require around 1-3 metres of space.
The best conditions for licorice to thrive are temperate to
subtropical areas. It’s possible to grow it in tropical areas too,
as long as the soil drains well. Licorice seed should be sown
in spring or summer, however, root propagation is a more
successful method of growing your own licorice.
Nice, rich soil will encourage the roots to spread, and whilst it
can be harvested at any time of the year, it may take 2-3 years
for the roots to reach the usable size of 1-5cm.
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Therapeutic Uses of Common Backyard Trees and Plants
15. Warrigal greens
This spinach grows along the coasts
of Australia, New Zealand, Chile,
Japan and Argentina. Also known
as tetragonia tetragonioides, New
Zealand spinach, Botany Bay spinach
or sea spinach, these greens can be
found anywhere that the sand and
soil meet. It’s said the antioxidants
present in this coastal spinach were a
saving grace for early settlers, whist
the plant was consumed by the first
Australians for a long time prior.
Make sure you blanch your Warrigal
greens for a few minutes before
eating, as this will remove potentially
harmful oxalates.
Therapeutic benefits
This native spinach is so high in antioxidants that Captain
James Cook took it on voyages to prevent scurvy. Warrigal
greens are also effective at preventing ulcers, contain sedative
properties, and have a high fibre content.
How to grow Warrigal greens
Start your seeds in trays, and plant between 4 to 6 weeks later.
Warrigal greens do better if they are alone in their garden
bed, and require spacing of around 45cm to 60cm. In about
10 weeks you should be ready to harvest – but be sure to only
pick the tips so your plants will regrow.
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Therapeutic Uses of Common Backyard Trees and Plants
16. Kakadu plums
Also known as the Billygoat Plum or
terminalia ferdinandiana, this little
plum is packed with as much Vitamin
C as 50 oranges! Unsurprisingly, it
was a major source of food and thirstquenching
for Indigenous Australian
tribes wherever it could be found.
Therapeutic benefits
One of the world’s richest sources of vitamin C, the Kakadu
Plum can be used in many different ways. Kakadu plums have
been said to both treat and prevent cancer thanks to the
ellagic acid it contains, which helps to maintain healthy human
tissues. Kakadu plums have also been said to offset the effects
of Alzheimer’s disease.
Not only do these olive-sized fruits provide a host of health
advantages, but they can also be utilised for their beauty
benefits. Kakadu plum is used in many beauty products, as it
can help maintain levels of collagen and elastic for lustre and
shine. Both anti-aging and anti-acne products get great results
from adding Kakadu plum.
How to grow Kakadu plum trees
Those wanting to grow Kakadu plums need to have a lot of
patience! The seeds tend to be dormant, so you will have
to sand or file your seed to get it growing. Expect around 6
months to 2 years until your seed even starts germinating.
Plant your seed just a centimetre under your soil, in full sun.
Keep watering until you see the seedling sprout.
Kakadu plum trees thrive best in tropical climates, and can
grow up to 10 meters tall. The best time to harvest your
Kakadu plum fruits will be in April, May and June.
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Therapeutic Uses of Common Backyard Trees and Plants
17. Mountain pepper
Native pepper berry trees, Tasmannia
lanceolata, are found in the cold high
country in Southern NSW, Victoria
and Tasmania. Growing to some 5
meters high, both their leaves and
fruits have been used by Indigenous
Australians in both cooking and as
medicine for thousands of years.
Therapeutic benefits
Mountain pepper berries are known for their anti-inflammatory
properties and high antioxidant content. Pepper-berry has
been used by many traditional medical practitioners to
treat diseases like arthritis and digestive issues. Because
mountain pepper fruits and leaves can help slow absorption
of glucose from the stomach, it’s possible that both could act
preventatively against diabetes.
How to grow mountain pepper berries
Pepper berries are bit fussy, and require a specific climate of
good rainfall, cold winters, and mild summers. Only the female
mountain pepper plants bear fruit, and it takes several years for
them to begin doing so.
In order to cultivate the pepper fruits you will need both a
male and a female plant. Plant them close to one another in a
shaded area, and give them lots of water for them to thrive.
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Therapeutic Uses of Common Backyard Trees and Plants
18. Native raspberry
The Rubus parvifolius raspberry is
native to Eastern Asia (China, Japan,
Korea, Vietnam) and Australia,
and is like a daintier version of the
raspberries you find in a supermarket.
It’s well worth scrambling through
some brambles for a handful of
these tart fruits. You can enjoy then
in preserves such as jam, pies, wine,
and liqueurs – plus there are a host of
health benefits that go with them.
Therapeutic benefits
Native raspberries were used by Indigenous Australians to
treat diarrhoea. The fruit is also very rich in vitamin C and is
therefore known to offer a boost to the immune system.
These same berries are used in Chinese medicine as well, and
studies have shown good success in reducing tumours with
this remedy.
How to grow native raspberries
As berries are a long-term crop, it’s worth preparing the soil
and removing all weeds before planting. Native raspberries
grow in much the same way that the regular varieties thrive,
so before planting soak the roots for an hour or two and plant
about a metre apart. Due to it’s ability to spread rapidly, native
raspberry is best confined by wide paths or other barriers.
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Therapeutic Uses of Common Backyard Trees and Plants
19. Feverfew
These gorgeous daisy plants,
hypericum perforatum, will not only
cheer up your garden bed, but also
alleviate your headaches! The antiinflammatory
leaves can be eaten
fresh or dried for the long-term and
consumed as a medicinal tea.
Therapeutic benefits
The leaves of feverfew can be chewed to take away the painful
throb of a headache. This plant is a great one to have on hand
for those prone to migraines.
The subtle flavour of the leaves means you can sprinkle them
on top of salads and other foods for headache relief or to
reduce inflammation in conditions such as arthritis or skin
conditions like eczema.
How to grow native raspberries
Sow the seeds of your feverfew in full sun to partial shade,
but don’t press too hard into the soil as they require light for
germination. Space plants 15-30cm apart and make sure the
soil has adequate drainage during the initial stages of growth.
Once established, your feverfew can handle a few dry spells.
Allow 16-20 weeks for them to fully flower.
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Therapeutic Uses of Common Backyard Trees and Plants
20. Marigold
Calendula officinalis, from flower petal
garnish in your salad to a medicinal
power-plant, the humble marigold is a
favourite around the world.
Therapeutic benefits
Marigold will sooth sunburn and other angry red skin disorders
such as acne, impetigo and varicose veins. It also acts an antiinflammatory
for digestive problems such as stomach ulcers.
Aside from calming and soothing, marigolds are also full of
antioxidants and nutrients such as vitamin C that can slow the
ageing process and prevent illness.
How to grow marigolds
Marigolds will flower well in most parts of Australia except for
the tropical areas. Marigolds like to be in like rich, well-drained
soil. Sow your marigold seeds in autumn and spring for flowers,
and give them lots of water, especially during the summer
months. You will also get more fresh flowers if you remove the
spent blooms.
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Your own backyard apothecary
So many blooms and wonderful trees
to plant, so little time! Nature has
provided you with your own medicinal
dispensary, so take advantage of
her natural, healing blooms. We
hope you’ve been inspired to plant
something therapeutic soon, however
big or small, potent or subtle. So go out
into your garden and have some fun
planting today.
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Therapeutic Uses of Common Backyard Trees and Plants
21. Samphire
Samphire also goes by other
names such as sea asparagus, sea
beans, pickleweed and glasswort. A
succulent superfood that that grows
in brackish water near the ocean, it
grows well in many places around the
world, including the southern coast of
Australia.
Therapeutic benefits
Samphire is yet another wonder plant that kept convicts and
pirates alive and scurvy-free on brutal long journeys across the
sea. It’s incredibly rich in folic acid and vitamins A, calcium and
iron. It’s also said to cleanse the liver, improve mood and aid
cognitive function and digestion.
How to grow samphire
Because this succulent loves the sea, you’ll have to keep it in
an ocean-like environment. Add some sea salt to the water that
will keep your samphire moist, but never use table salt because
this will kill your plant.
Samphire does well in soil that is light and sandy and prefers a
sunny, sheltered position out of the dangers of frost. If sowing
from seeds, start off in trays before moving to pots. Your
samphire is ready to enjoy when the shoots reach around 15cm.
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Therapeutic Uses of Common Backyard Trees and Plants
22. Lemon myrtle
Nothing compares to the sweet yet
citral aroma of lemon myrtle. The
zesty plant also comes with a host of
medicinal benefits, from antiseptic
skin care to preventative medicine.
Therapeutic benefits
Lemon myrtle is an amazing plant to have handy during
flu season. It is a powerful antioxidant that can ward off
illnesses, and its antiviral properties will stop disease carrying
microorganisms in their tracks. Lemon myrtle can be taken
as an oil or as a tea, used in cooking to spice up a recipe or
applied topically in the form of essential oil.
Use lemon myrtle for sore throats, colds, infections, allergies,
upset tummies or even topically as an insect repellent.
How to grow lemon myrtle
Lemon myrtle trees can tower up to 60 feet high, and are
native to temperate Australian coastal regions like Queensland
and New South Wales. Lemon myrtle grows in any type of soil,
but prefers well fertilised, rich soil.
To grow, propagate tip cuttings from a fully grown tree in a
large container with well drained and well composted soil.
Gently push the cutting into the soil and water regularly.
Lemon myrtle requires shade whilst still growing, but can
tolerate sun when matured.
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Therapeutic Uses of Common Backyard Trees and Plants
23. Macadamia
Tropical, crunchy and creamy –
there’s no doubt that macadamias are
delicious. The good news is that they
are also packed with a host of health
benefits.
Therapeutic benefits
Macadamia oil is excellent for repairing dry and damaged skin.
It can also be used as a natural way to protect yourself from
the sun, as opposed to many sunscreens that contain harsh
chemicals such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate and
avobenzone.
The nuts themselves are full of Omega-3 and good fatty acids
that reduce absorption of bad cholesterols. Minerals such as
magnesium will also help the stability and strength of the
body’s tissues and bones.
How to grow macadamia trees
Native to the subtropical east coast of Australia, macadamias
prefer warm weather. You’ll get the most nuts in a temperate
climate, but can still grow the trees in climates as cool as
Tasmania. Macadamias can be grown from seed but they’re
usually propagated by cuttings, and grafting produces the best
results. They grow up to 20 metres high but it’s possible to buy
dwarf varieties for smaller spaces.
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Therapeutic Uses of Common Backyard Trees and Plants
24. Eucalypts
Eucalypts, commonly known as gum
trees, form an intrinsic part of the
Australian identity with the bush. A
dominant part of the Australian flora,
Eucalypts come in a variety of shapes
and sizes – from small shrubs to large
trees.
Therapeutic benefits
Eucalyptus are a powerful yet gentle antiseptic that can be
grown right in your own backyard.
The leaves have been used to treat colds, sore throats, allergies
and blocked sinuses for many years. An Indigenous Australian
remedy for an upset stomach is also a boiled infusion of
eucalyptus bark.
Eucalyptus products also make excellent antiseptics and
cleaning products that are a great alternative to standard
chemical-laden cleaners.
How to grow eucalyptus
While you may think of towering gumtrees when you think
of eucalyptus trees, you can also grow them in pots and
containers if you are constrained by space. If you are going
to plant your eucalypt in a pot, make sure you go for a large,
cone-shaped Air-Pot so the roots don’t spiral.
Do your research on what kind of gumtree sapling will work
best for the soil and environment you have. All eucalyptus
trees require full sun, but the E. neglecta and E. crenulata
species will do fine in half sun. Eucalypts are best suited to
warm-temperate or semi-arid regions, and once established
they are drought tolerant. Propagate from seed and plant in
light, well-drained soil in sunlight. Eucalyptus plants are fast
growing, hardy and long lived.
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Therapeutic Uses of Common Backyard Trees and Plants
25. Chamomile
Chamomile, or rhodanthe
anthemoides, is widespread in eastern
Australia. It grows primarily in rocky
areas, preferring sandy soils, and
during winter pink buds may form
and stay dormant until opening in
early spring. Chamomile plants have
wonderful medicinal effects and are
easy to raise as long as you have a
little bit of sunshine on your side.
Therapeutic benefits
Calming cups of chamomile tea, a soothing salve for burns and
cuts – there’s so much these daisies can do. Research has also
shown that sipping chamomile tea while sick can reduce the
symptoms of colds, and it’s thought that chamomile tea can
even prevent muscle spasming and menstrual cramps.
How to grow chamomile
Chamomile plants love light soil and sunshine, but these
delicate daisies may need a little shade if you live in an area
with intense heat. They do well in pots, making them perfect
for balcony gardens or apartment plant life.
Harvest your chamomile flowers in summer to make homegrown
chamomile tea, or dry them for use all year round.
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Therapeutic Uses of Common Backyard Trees and Plants
26. Persimmon
These plants take patience but will
be with you for some time – some
specimens in China are documented
as being over 300 years old. While
they are delicious, they have to be
picked at just the right time. The
acorn-shaped hachiya needs to be
super soft to be sweet enough to eat.
Therapeutic benefits
Persimmons can improve your health from the inside out.
Persimmons are said to prevent various types of cancer by
boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation and
improving blood circulation. They’re even known to boost eye
health and help weight loss by kick starting the metabolism.
How to grow persimmons
These fruit trees prefer temperate climates with mild summers
and winters that don’t get too bitterly cold. Plant your
persimmon in winter and try to choose an area with full sun,
wind protection and good drainage. Water well while it’s
growing and add some manure a few months after planting.
You’ll need to prune your persimmon, but be careful as the
fruits only bear on wood that’s a year old. While it takes
patience to wait for your persimmon to bear fruit, it’s worth the
wait for these fruits. When ripe, you should gently cut them off
the tree, as they are as delicate as they are delicious.
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Therapeutic Uses of Common Backyard Trees and Plants
27. Nettle (Urtica
dioica)
This plant is covered in tiny stinging
tubes and is officially considered
a weed. Yet it can be used for
all manner of things, from tea to
medicine to food.
Therapeutic benefits
Nettle can be eaten or brewed up as a tea to provide all sorts
of health benefits. These include kidney support, pain relief
for arthritis, reduction in hypertension, treatment for digestive
issues like IBS, and it can even be used as an antibacterial
mouthwash. The leaves also boost the immune system by
stimulating the lymphatic system into action.
Indigenous Australians utilised the stings of nettle to stimulate
paralysed areas by beating the affected areas with the plant.
How to grow nettle
Nettle will spring up mighty fast, so it may be worth finding
an area with an infestation so you can forage for yourself.
Wearing gloves is recommended when harvesting nettle to
protect yourself from the tiny stings. Good nettle harvests can
be obtained after times of heavy rain if you live in a temperate
climate.
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Therapeutic Uses of Common Backyard Trees and Plants
28. Midyim or
Midgen Berry
Midyim Berry is a cute little shrub
that bears white flowers and soft
sweet fruits. Native to the coastal
regions of northern New South
Wales and south east Queensland,
these berries have supple skin and
tiny edible seeds. A hardy native
berry, these fruits are wonderful in
pies and preserves.
Therapeutic benefits
Because these berries are native and hardy, you can grow
them without the aid of pesticides and harmful chemicals. It is
always better for your digestive system to take in fruits that are
grown locally, as you avoid introducing toxins and pesticides
into your body.
How to grow midget berry plants
Plant in late winter or early spring to enjoy your flowers in early
summer. Midyim can flourish in both pot plants and the ground,
and can be fashioned into a sweet-smelling hedge.
Make sure you keep it well fed with water and mulch to get a
good berry harvest. Once you pick your berries, be sure to give
it a trim to reap the rewards next fruit season.
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Therapeutic Uses of Common Backyard Trees and Plants
29. Aniseed Myrtle
(Backhousia anisata)
The aniseed scented leaves from
this tree are used to flavour both
desserts, preserves, marinades and
salad dressings. Aniseed myrtle can
also be used medicinally, and they
make for a beautiful ornamental
tree in any backyard.
Therapeutic benefits
Aniseed myrtle is traditionally used for weight loss, lactation
and stomach complaints. You can make a tea from either fresh
or dried leaves – it has quite a refreshing flavour.
How to grow aniseed myrtle
The aniseed myrtle tree is native to only a few areas in north
eastern New South Wales. You can tell it is a rainforest tree
thanks to the lush density of its foliage. Those lucky enough
to have an aniseed myrtle tree will enjoy the tiny white flowers
that appear come spring time.
Aniseed myrtle can grow up to 45 metres when let loose, but
is usually kept to around 10 metres in your average garden. It’s
also possible to keep a potted aniseed myrtle, or to prune it
into a hedge.
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Therapeutic Uses of Common Backyard Trees and Plants
30. Native ginger
Native ginger, or alpinia caerulea, is
an edible perennial herb that grows
in subtropical, warm temperate
climates. This tough, woody climber
vine rewards you with clusters
of yellow flowers and deep blue
berries with medicinal properties.
Therapeutic benefits
The leaf shoots and berries have a mild ginger flavour and can
be eaten fresh from the plant or used in cooking. Indigenous
Australians would crush the berries and mix with water to form
a gargle to soothe sore throats.
How to grow Australian native ginger plants
Native ginger plants are found naturally in forested areas of
eastern Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. They are
sensitive to frost and prefer at least partially shaded areas to
thrive. They also like rich soil and regular watering.
Be careful if you plant native ginger in your garden – this
common climber is prone to taking over large areas. But keep
it in check and you’ll enjoy sweet berries and lovely pronged
leaves for a long time to come.
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Reap nature’s benefits
Now we’ve come to the end of our
series on the therapeutic flora that
flourishes best in Australia. While we’ve
included the plants and trees with the
best benefits, we encourage you to
get out there and research even more
about the various therapeutic flora this
land has to offer, as well as trying to
grow some yourself! We hope that this
3 part series has inspired you to explore
your local flora, and reap the medicinal
and therapeutic benefits that nature
has offered us.
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