Emu Bush

Eremophila longifolia, commonly known as the berrigan emu bush, is one of the plants used in the smoking ceremony, an ancient and contemporary custom among some Aboriginal Australians that involves smouldering native plants to produce smoke. This herbal smoke is believed to have both spiritual and physical cleansing properties, as well as the ability to ward off bad spirits. Traditionally, smoking ceremonies have been performed following childbirth or initiation rites involving circumcision, and the ceremonies are done at key milestones depending on the traditions of each Indigenous nation. Research has shown that heating the leaves of Eremophila longifolia produces a smoke with significant antimicrobial effects, which are not observed in the leaves before heating. Fumigating a newborn infant, a mother who has just given birth, or a boy who has just been circumcised is considered to assist in preventing infection.