This is Babatha, the Bloodwood tree, which is an excellent source of antiseptic. You can spot this tree by the blood-like stain on its trunk. When a wood borer makes a hole in the tree, the tree reacts by sending out sap which then solidifies and turns into crystals. These are softened by the rain to give the blood-like appearance.
Because there is a small amount of eucalyptus oil in the sap, this serves as an excellent antiseptic and healing agent. You can either crush the crystals to a powder and apply directly to the infected area, or add water to make a cream.
Cluster Figs are really tasty - and good for you too! They ripen during the winter months, and eating them helps wounds to heal, and acts as an anti-diuretic. If the fruit is still green and can't be eaten, then apply the sap directly on the infection to assist healing.
It's really important to keep your skin clean in a tropical environment, so the leaves of the Soap Bush are valuable for maintaining general hygiene and keeping wounds from becoming infected. The leaves have a silver underside, and should be crushed before adding water. Then rub the mixture vigorously to make a lather. Its also an excellent hand cream as it leaves your hands beautifully soft.
Bingin, the Moreton Bay Ash, is a common tree in this part of the world, and a member of the eucalyptus family. It's also known as the 'Blackbutt' as it's trunk is black at the base, and white at the top. If you're unlucky enough to find yourself with a raging toothache while in the bush, crush the white bark in water and then use the liquid as a mouthwash. But be warned! The reason it works so well is that it deadens the root of the offending tooth, which will then fall out.
More bush survival tips...
Bush insect repellent & cooking in the rain
Yangga - the amazing green ant
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment