IHP BLog Posts

herbalfieldschool Health-promoting plants

Acacia spp Part 1 – Information Sheet

Acacia is a genus of over 1,000 species native to Australia. For the profiles four species have been selected on the basis of their health-promoting properties and suitability for agroecological systems. Part 1 covers the descriptions and distribution, nutritional status and phytochemistry of the four selected species, with special focus on the nutrient profile of A. victoriae and the polyphenols and tannins in A. mearnsii, A. decurrens and A. implexa.

herbalfieldschool Health-promoting plants

Acacia spp Part 2 – Information Sheet

The broad range of uses of the four Acacia species are reviewed, including the production of wattle seed for food and beverages, and the role of Australian Acacia bark in the tanning industry, notably in South Africa. Medicinal research findings include positive antimicrobial, antidiabetic and anticancer effects. Australian wattles are often cultivated in plantations, mainly in Africa and Asia, whereas they are mostly wild harvested in Australia for timber and other applications. Being nitrogen fixers they are very useful for agroforestry, however some species are liable to become invasive outside of their natural habitats, especially when cultivated outside of Australia.

Backhousia citriodora
herbalfieldschool Health-promoting plants

Backhousia citriodora – Information Sheet

Lemon myrtle is an evergreen tree native to eastern Queensland. The fragrant lemon-scented leaves are rich in essential oils composed mainly of the terpene aldehyde, citral. Both the essential oil and phenolic compounds extracted from the leaves are potent antimicrobials and antioxidants. Lemon myrtle is widely used in aromatherapy and body care products and is in demand as a food flavour and beverage. Whilst easy to cultivate at home or in plantations, it has become susceptible to the introduced pathogen myrtle rust, which significantly impacts the yield and productivity in plantations.

herbalfieldschool Health-promoting plants

Dodonea viscosa – Information Sheet

This evergreen shrub has a wide distribution both in Australia and around the world. The seven sub-species found in Australia are described. The species has a history of traditional medicinal use from countries as disperse as Kenya, Mexico and India as well as Australia, ranging from treatment of wounds and stings, digestive problems, bacterial infections and diabetes. Phytochemical analysis reveals the presence of pharmacologically active constituents such as diterpenes, triterpenoid saponins and flavonoids. Hopbushes are worthy of conserving in woodland, and cultivating in agroecological settings for their utilitarian uses which include soil binding for erosion control, hedges and windbreaks while they have ornamental value for urban environments.