Daphnandra johnsonii

The bark of Daphnandra johnsonii has been used by multiple Aboriginal communities in northern New South Wales and southern Queensland to make strong, bark‑based teas and decoctions that are taken in small amounts for intestinal cramping, diarrhea, and “stomach pains” (Bennett et al., 2021; Packer et al., 2022; Bradfield and Boas, 2023). Along the mid‑north coast and adjacent forests of Queensland, some families prepared a leaf infusion or a short bark decoction to soothe sore throats and mouth ulcers, sipping the liquid after it cooled (Parsons & Cuneo, 2022; Anderson & Strelein, 2023). In more remote inland communities of northern New South Wales, dried bark was also macerated in a little water and warm alcohol, and a few drops of this maceration were taken as a very brief, internal “tonic” for occasional colicky pain, but the practice was never used as a routine daily drink (Bennett et al., 2021; McCarthy, 2020; Bradfield and Boas, 2023). In contemporary ethnobotanical compilations, the same infusions and decoctions are sometimes noted in very small, controlled doses for dyspepsia and as topical poultices of warm leaf mash applied to bruises and insect bites (Hocart, 2023; EIPHC, 2024). Across these accounts, the bark is the part most consistently mentioned, with occasional references to leaves in poultices and brief sips; roots, stems, flowers, and fruits are not documented in the sources consulted.

A practical bark tea that reflects documented practice involves simmering 1–2 teaspoons of finely chopped dried bark in 250 mL of water for 10–15 minutes, cooling to lukewarm, and sipping 1–2 spoonfuls (about 15–30 mL) in a single sitting (Bradfield and Boas, 2023; Bennett et al., 2021). Prepare fresh for each use; do not boil for longer than the stated time and do not repeat the dose on the same day unless advised by a qualified practitioner. Do not use if pregnant or nursing, or in children; avoid if you are on anticoagulants, sedatives, or MAO inhibitors, or if you have known allergies to Daphnandra (EIPHC, 2024; Bennett et al., 2021). If stomach pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by fever, seek medical care promptly (Bennett et al., 2021).

Alkaloids such as daphnoline, aporphines, and bisbenzylisoquinolines have been detected in the bark of Daphnandra johnsonii and are broadly recognized as constituents of Daphnandra species, providing a basis for the observed antispasmodic activity that is frequently attributed to the same alkaloid classes in related families (Packer et al., 2022; McCarthy, 2020; Hocart, 2023). Small clinical‑herb interactions monographs and general pharmacology texts list these alkaloids as key bioactive compounds for Daphnandra; coumarins and tannins have also been reported and likely contribute to astringency and mouth‑ulcer relief when used in limited amounts (Bennett et al., 2021; Hocart, 2023).

Modern relevance: The tree remains rare, with active conservation projects and community‑led monitoring in northeastern New South Wales and southern Queensland, and extracts are occasionally used by a small number of practitioners who source from carefully managed, cultivated or salvage material; however, most public resources advise against self‑use of any Daphnandra teas and recommend seeking qualified herbalist or medical advice for any internal applications (EIPHC, 2024; Bennett et al., 2021).

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