About Us

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We are First Nations people. This statement is more than an introduction; it is the heart of Bushfoods with Benefits, the bedrock upon which this endeavour is built. It signifies an identity deeply woven into the fabric of the oldest continuing cultures on Earth, a heritage stretching back over 80,000 years.This identity shapes our values, informs our practices, and guides our commitment to sharing the profound wisdom passed down through countless generations. Understanding this connection is essential to understanding who we are and what we offer.

Central to this identity is the concept of 'Country'. For First Nations peoples, Country is not merely the physical land; it is a living entity, encompassing the earth, waters, sky, plants, animals, and the spirits of ancestors.It is the source of all life, spirituality, identity, culture, and sustenance.This relationship is reciprocal – a sacred duty exists to care for Country, just as Country cares for its people.This profound connection has been nurtured for millennia, shaping a holistic worldview where the health of the land and the health of the people are inextricably linked.Aboriginal wellness traditions are founded on this belief: that well-being flows from a harmonious relationship between the body, spirit, and the land itself.This perspective, understanding the land as the core of spirituality and existence, underpins every aspect of Bushfoods with Benefits.Starting with this affirmation of identity is therefore not merely a formality, but a declaration of the cultural lens through which all our work, our products, and our story must be viewed. It establishes that this is not just a business, but an expression of cultural continuity and connection to place.

The Gift of Ancestral Wisdom: Sharing Traditional Knowledge

Our commitment, as stated above is "to sharing our traditional knowledge with the world". This traditional ecological knowledge (IEK) represents far more than just information about plants; it is a sophisticated and holistic understanding of ecosystems, seasonal cycles, and the intricate relationships between the natural world and human well-being.Passed down through generations via oral traditions, stories, ceremonies, and direct experience on Country, this knowledge embodies a deep wisdom about living sustainably and maintaining health – physical, spiritual, and communal. it connects the tangible properties of plants with their spiritual significance and place within the broader cultural landscape..

Sharing this ancestral wisdom is profoundly important for several reasons. Firstly, it is an act of cultural preservation. In a world where traditional ways of life face immense pressure, actively sharing this knowledge helps keep ancient wisdom alive, honouring the Elders and ancestors who safeguarded it for millennia. It ensures that this invaluable heritage, often transmitted orally, is not lost but continues to hold relevance. Much traditional knowledge transmission was disrupted by colonisation, making conscious efforts to share and document it, even through contemporary platforms, a vital act of cultural maintenance and revitalization.

Secondly, sharing offers insights into holistic approaches to well-being. Traditional First Nations perspectives view health as an interconnected state involving the body, mind, spirit, community, and Country. Bysharing knowledge about plants traditionally used to support well-being, we offer perspectives rooted in thousands of years of careful observation and practice. This is not about making specific medical claims, but about sharing a philosophy of wellness centred on natural connection and balance.

Thirdly, this sharing serves as a bridge between cultures, fostering understanding, respect, and reconciliation. It allows the wider community to appreciate the depth and sophistication of First Nations knowledge systems, challenging historical exclusion and promoting recognition of Indigenous science. It is an invitation to learn from the oldest living cultures on Earth and build relationships based on mutual respect.

This sharing, however, must be done respectfully, acknowledging the cultural origins of the knowledge and adhering to protocols. It carries a responsibility to represent this wisdom authentically and ethically, ensuring its integrity is maintained. This commitment to respectful sharing is fundamental to our practice, ensuring that the knowledge is honoured as it is passed on.

Harvested with Respect: The Land and Its Sacred Botanicals

Country is the ultimate source, providing the precious gifts from the land that have supported the health and vitality of First Nations peoples for generations. Understanding the intricate web of life, the seasonal rhythms, and the specific properties of each plant is fundamental to traditional ecological knowledge.This deep understanding informs our approach to sourcing the botanicals we use.

We "wild harvest our bush produce on country". This practice is far more than simply collecting ingredients; it is a continuation of traditional ways, maintaining a vital physical and spiritual connection to the land and the knowledge of the ancestors who walked it before. Wild-harvesting, when guided by traditional principles, embodies respect and sustainability. It involves an intimate knowledge of the plants and their cycles, taking only what is needed, ensuring the plant populations remain healthy and abundant for future generations, and adhering to specific cultural protocols associated with harvesting. It is a practice of reciprocity, acknowledging the land's generosity and our responsibility to care for it in return.

Among the many gifts of Country are the specific botanicals that form the basis of our offerings, each holding a unique place within traditional knowledge systems. It is important to note that the information shared here reflects the traditional understanding and historical use of these plants within Aboriginal cultures for maintaining well-being. This information is presented to honour that heritage and should not be interpreted as a specific therapeutic claim as defined by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Australian regulations distinguish between foods and therapeutic goods (medicines), and products derived from plants with traditional uses often fall under TGA oversight as complementary medicines when presented in forms like capsules. Such products must rely on evidence of traditional use within a recognised paradigm, like Traditional Australian Indigenous medicine, and claims must focus on health maintenance or general well-being within that traditional context, avoiding implications of curing or preventing serious diseases. We respect this Food-Medicine Interface.

• (Pittosporum angustifolium): Also known by many other names including Native Apricot and Berrigan (though Berrigan is also used for Eremophila species), this plant holds significant importance in traditional Aboriginal medicine across many parts of inland Australia. Traditionally, various parts of the plant, particularly leaves and fruit, were used to prepare infusions or decoctions associated with supporting the body through coughs, colds, and skin conditions, and were also used to encourage lactation. It is regarded as a key botanical valued for its role in maintaining general health and well-being within traditional practices. Recent scientific interest is exploring compounds within the plant, acknowledging its long history of traditional use.
• Maroon Bush (Scaevola spinescens): Also known as Currant Bush or Prickly Fan Flower, this hardy shrub was traditionally utilised by Aboriginal Australians across drier regions. Decoctions prepared from roots, leaves, or stems were traditionally used in relation to stomach discomfort, colds, and infections. It held a reputation within traditional knowledge systems for its antiseptic and healing associations, sometimes applied to sores or wounds. While its berries were occasionally consumed, its primary significance lies in its traditional medicinal and cultural value. 
• Gumby Gumby, Wilga (Geijera parviflora): Considered a sacred tree by several language groups, Geijera parviflora holds deep cultural importance, featuring in ceremonies, including burials and smoking rituals. Traditionally, its leaves were chewed or made into infusions primarily for the relief of pain, such as toothache or general aches. Leaf infusions were also used externally for skin care or soothing muscles, and leaves were sometimes burned as an insect repellent.
• Cottonwood Hibiscus (Hibiscus tiliaceus): A highly resourceful coastal tree, known as Gh-gung to some First Nations groups, providing fibre for weaving nets, baskets, and clothing, and wood for tools and canoes. Traditionally, the young leaves and shoots were consumed as vegetables, and leaves were used for wrapping food. Within traditional medicine practices, preparations from the bark, roots, or flowers were used in relation to cooling fevers, soothing coughs, and addressing digestive upsets like dysentery. Its flowering cycle was also linked to ecological knowledge, indicating optimal times for fishing. 
• Emu Bush (Berrigan - Eremophila longifolia): Regarded as one of the most significant medicinal and ceremonial plants, particularly in Central Australia. It played roles in initiation rites, marking graves, and as adornment for warriors. Leaves were infused in water for colds and headaches or applied as a liniment or poultice for sores and aches. The smoke from burning leaves held particular importance, used ceremonially for cleansing and strengthening newborn babies and mothers post-birth, and potentially for sterilising tools. Its strong aroma was a key factor in its selection by traditional healers.

These plants are more than just sources of ingredients; they are integral parts of a cultural and spiritual landscape. Their traditional use is embedded within a complex system of knowledge, practice, and belief that connects people, plants, and Country in a holistic way. Acknowledging this deeper nexus is crucial to understanding their true value.

Our Guiding Principles: Walking in Two Worlds

Our mission at Bushfoods with Benefits is rooted in our identity: to honour our First Nations heritage by respectfully sharing the wisdom of traditional plant knowledge and offering natural products inspired by this ancient understanding, thereby supporting holistic well-being and fostering cultural connection.

This mission is guided by core values that flow directly from our cultural foundations:

• Respect: Deep reverence for our Elders, past and present, who are the holders of knowledge; for our ancestors, whose wisdom guides us; for the traditional knowledge itself and the cultural protocols surrounding it; and for Country, the source of all life.1 This respect informs every interaction and decision.
• Authenticity: A steadfast commitment to genuine First Nations practices, knowledge, and storytelling. We strive to represent our culture and traditions with integrity and truthfulness.
• Holistic Well-being: Embracing the traditional understanding that health is interconnected – linking physical vitality with spiritual balance, community harmony, and the health of Country. Our approach is inspired by this philosophy of wholeness.
• Sustainability: Upholding the traditional principles of Caring for Country, ensuring that our practices, particularly wild-harvesting, are conducted in a way that maintains ecological balance and ensures the abundance of these precious resources for generations to come.
• Community Connection: Nurturing relationships within the First Nations community and building bridges of understanding with the wider Australian community through the respectful sharing of knowledge and culture.

These values are not abstract ideals; they are grounded in millennia of cultural practice. Sustainability, for example, is not a modern trend but an inherent part of the responsibility to Care for Country. Community connection reflects the deep kinship systems that are central to First Nations societies. By explicitly linking our values to these cultural roots, we aim to demonstrate their profound depth and authenticity, setting us apart from businesses where such values might be less intrinsically embedded.

Operating Bushfoods with Benefits means navigating the complexities of "walking in two worlds" – grounding our work in ancient traditions while meeting the requirements of the contemporary business environment. This involves carefully balancing cultural integrity with modern necessities, such as adhering to TGA regulations for product presentation and communication. We approach this not as a compromise, but as a mindful integration, allowing our First Nations values to guide us through the complexities of the modern marketplace.

The Seeds of Bushfoods with Benefits: Our Story

The journey to establishing Bushfoods with Benefits began with a deep-seated desire to honour and share the rich heritage of First Nations traditional knowledge. Inspired by the wisdom passed down through generations and a profound connection to Country, the motivation grew to create a pathway for this ancient understanding of plant-based well-being to reach a wider audience.

This initiative stems from a commitment to keeping culture strong and ensuring that the invaluable knowledge of our ancestors continues to be valued and shared respectfully. It represents an effort to translate traditional practices and philosophies into a tangible form that resonates in today's world, fostering connection and appreciation for the enduring wisdom of Australia's First Peoples. The focus has always been on the 'why' – the intrinsic value of the knowledge, the importance of cultural continuity, and the potential for holistic well-being inspired by connection to Country – rather than purely commercial goals. This narrative itself is part of that sharing, aiming to connect people through story, just as stories have connected First Nations peoples to their culture, Country, and each other for millennia. 

Continuing the Journey: Honouring the Past, Nurturing the Future

Bushfoods with Benefits remains steadfast in its dedication to upholding and sharing traditional knowledge with the utmost respect and ethical consideration. This is an ongoing journey of learning, listening, and ensuring that the wisdom entrusted to us is honoured appropriately. We recognise the vastness of this knowledge and approach our role with humility and a deep sense of responsibility.

Our commitment extends to future generations – ensuring that this precious cultural heritage not only survives but thrives, continuing to offer its wisdom and connection.

We invite you to explore further, perhaps discovering our range of products or reading shared experiences. We hope that through Bushfoods with Benefits, you can find a tangible connection to the ancient wisdom of this land and the profound relationship between traditional knowledge, Country, and holistic well-being. Our products are offered not merely as items for purchase, but as invitations to connect with and appreciate a living heritage that continues to nurture and sustain.

Bushfoods with Benefits acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we operate and harvest. We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging, and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters, and culture.