A beautifully aromatic herb traditionally used by Indigenous Australians to flavour foods, clear the chest, calm digestion, and freshen camp spaces. Its leaves carry a natural blend of mint, clove, pepper, camphor and eucalyptus — which is why early settlers called it the “Five Spice Plant.” Thriving along rainforest edges and creeklines, it supports pollinators, stabilises soil, and is a favourite in sensory gardens and bush-medicine walks.

Indigenous Uses

1. Aromatic leaves – a valued bush medicine

Indigenous Australians used the strongly scented leaves as a gentle medicinal herb, particularly for:

• Respiratory congestion(crushed leaves inhaled; infusions sipped as tea)

• Cold and flu support(warming aromatic steam)

• Digestive discomfort(light teas)

• Sore throats(warm leaf infusions)

• Headaches(aroma inhalation for clarity)

Its fresh, invigorating mint-like scent made it one of the go-to household medicines of the bush.

2. Food-flavouring herb

Leaves were lightly crushed and added to:

• Steamed fish

• Cooked greens

• Meats wrapped in paperbark

• Mixed foraged foods

The herb adds a mint-camphor–eucalyptus undertone.

3. Cleansing & practical uses

The leaves were used widely for:

• Rubbing on hands or clothing to remove odours

• Keeping insects away

• Aromatic sweeps of shelters

Their sticky, resinous oils acted as a natural deodoriser and insect repellent.

4. Calm-child herb

In some communities, the leaves were placed:

• In children’s bedding

• In baskets

• Near sleeping areas

for their calming, comforting smell.

Stories, Culture & Interesting Lore

1. “The breathing plant”

Because of its strong expectorant aroma, this plant was traditionally associated with open lungs and clear pathways.

2. A plant of hospitality and comfort

Crushing the leaves when visitors arrived was a gesture of:

• welcome,

• respect,

• and offering of comfort.

Its scent symbolised care and attention.

3. A creekside storyteller’s companion

This species often grows near:

• moist gullies

• rainforest margins

• shaded banks

During teaching or storytelling sessions, leaves were crushed so the fragrance “helped the mind listen.”

4. A protective herb

Because of its insect-repelling powers, it was traditionally placed:

• near food

• under shelters

• around campfire areas

as a guardian plant.

Modern Uses

1. Herbal teas

The leaves make an excellent aromatic tea:

• warming

• clearing

• gently minty

• soothing for digestion and breathing

Often blended with lemon myrtle, aniseed myrtle or native mint.

2. Culinary herb

Modern uses include:

• herbal rubs for meats

• green sauces

• native herb pestos

• flavouring for soups and stews

• scented oils or vinegars

• cocktail garnishes

Pairs well with lemon myrtle, chili, river mint, and pepperberry.

3. Landscaping & sensory gardens

Plectranthus graveolens is prized for:

• aromatic leaves

• soft, dense growth habit

• shade tolerance

• ability to carpet damp areas

• rapid growth under trees

Perfect for:

• sensory trails

• creekside plantings

• aromatic gardens

4. Household uses

Leaves or essential oils are used for:

• natural surface cleaners

• air-fresheners

• herbal balms

• anti-insect sachets

• bath blends

5. Aromatherapy

Good for:

• clearing the mind

• easing breathing

• relieving stress

• refreshing indoor spaces

Ecological Importance

Pollinators

The small purple-blue flowers attract:

• native stingless bees

• blue-banded bees

• hoverflies

• moths

• beetles

Habitat value

Its leafy structure:

• provides soft shelter for ground-dwelling insects

• supports frogs in moist gullies

• offers cover for skinks and small reptiles

Soil & moisture benefits

Because it thrives in damp soils, it:

• reduces erosion

• stabilises slopes and creek edges

• helps retain moisture under tree canopies

Fire ecology

• Sensitive to fire

• Recolonises from moist refuges

• Often one of the first herbs to return after rain.