AI Insight
Research from Southern Cross University found that Indigenous Australians consider cultural medicines essential to their health and well-being, yet face significant barriers in accessing them. The study identified that physical medicines—including those that are ingested, inhaled, or applied topically—are the highest priority for First Peoples communities seeking to incorporate traditional healing practices into their healthcare.
Why it matters
This research highlights a critical gap between the healthcare preferences of Indigenous Australians and the availability of culturally appropriate treatments. Addressing these access barriers could improve health outcomes and cultural autonomy for First Peoples communities while informing more inclusive healthcare policy and service delivery.
Understand the Science
First Peoples say cultural medicines remain central to health and well-being despite a lack of access. Access to physical medicines (ingested, inhaled and topical) is a top priority, according to new research led by Southern Cross University.
Source: Indigenous Australians want to use cultural medicines more often, but access remains difficult