Bush Balms were first produced by and for the growing number of Purple House Indigenous dialysis patients and their families. Forced to leave their Country indefinitely for treatment, many longed for traditional bush remedies to remind them of home. And so Bush Balm was born. Created by people with an unbroken tradition of Indigenous cultural knowledge and practice, Bush Balms are truly made from the heart.
By shopping with us, you help provide free bush medicine to Purple House patients year-round, while supporting the preservation and passing down of deep cultural knowledge.
Native plants
Arrethe
Eremophila freelingii
Irmangka Irmangka
Eremophila alternifolia
Native Lemongrass
Cymbopogan ambiguus
Used to relieve eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and dry and irritated skin. It is traditionally rubbed on babies to keep their skin soft.
Used to relieve arthritis, muscle pain, joint inflammation, cramps, and cold and flu symptoms.
Traditionally used to treat flu symptoms, chest infections and irritated skin. Loved for its light, citrusy scent.
Making all our families well
For over 20 years, Purple House, the award-winning Aboriginal community controlled health service, has delivered dialysis services across more than 20 remote communities in the NT, WA and SA. Purple House also provides Aged Care, Primary Health and Social Support services from our bases in Alice Springs, Darwin and Perth.
Bush Balm by Purple House began over a decade ago when bush medicines were made into balms by and for dialysis patients in the backyard of Purple House, in a billycan over a fire. That initial wellbeing activity grew into the Bush Balm social enterprise, which now provides free balms to Purple House dialysis patients, subsidised by our retail trade.
The words ‘Bush Balm’ are registered as a trademark protected under Australian Intellectual Property (IP) laws.
Unauthorised use of this registered trademark is against the law.
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Contact Us
(08) 8929 9960
bushbalm@purplehouse.org.au
Bush Balm Shop
15 Lindsay Ave
East Side NT 0870
Bush Balm products feature artwork by Josephine Naparrula, Kayi Kayi Nampitjinpa, Naata Nungarrayi, Nancy Nungarrayi, Ningura Naparrula, Tjuniya Napaltjarri, Wintjiya Napaltjarri; Yuyuya Nampitjinpa - Untitled 1999 (Kintore Women's Painting for the Western Desert Dialysis Appeal); Patrick Tjungurrayi - Rockhole site of Nyirrimarlu 2005 and Ningurra Naparrula - Rockhole site of Nyirrimarlu 2005. Artworks are licensed by Aboriginal Artists Ltd courtesy of Papunya Tula Artists Pty Ltd. The Purple Truck image is by Ms Oloodoodi and is reproduced with permission from the artist.
Bush Balm by Purple House acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website contains images or names of people who have passed away.