Jilungin

Jilungin is the name given to the leaves (and often bark and stem) of the Winged Nut Tree (Terminalia canescens), a distant relative of the Kakadu Plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana). It’s commonly found in the Dampier Peninsula, north of Broome in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, as well as across Litchfield National Park.

• Common Names: Jilungin/djilanydjin (tea), joolal, winged nut tree

• Scientific Name: Terminalia canescens

• Seasonality: Jilungin is typically harvested during the dry season, from May to September, when the leaves are at their most aromatic.

• Growing Region: In sandy-stony soils in Australia’s northwest, notably the Kimberley region in Western Australia and Litchfield National Park in the Northern Territory.

Flavour

As a tea, Jilungin has a mild, earthy flavour.

Usage

Traditionally used by the Nyulnyul people of the Kimberley as a sleep aid. They call it, “golden tea”.

Traditionally this is an evening brew.  Drinking before bedtime promotes a beautiful, restful sleep. 

Crush the leaves and stems and and steep for at least 5 minutes.