Yarkhula is an ancient remedy that is cleverly produced by little black ants
Spinifex grass resin is collected by the ants and transformed into one of Australia’s most extraordinary bush blends. The Yarkhula resin, produced by the ants, was used to join wooden handles to stone cutting tools and has extraordinary bonding strength. Traditionally,the smoke from this raw resin is also used in rituals to bring about healing, to clear space and in ceremonies.
Harvesting yakula is probably the most difficult part of the process. Thick spikey spinifex grass is no fun to wander through in 45-degree heat. The ant nests are not visible to the untrained eye and leave trails of resin as clues to their whereabouts. Only a small amount is needed to produce a medicinal oil rich in aroma.
The resin is then washed, crushed and simmered in oil. Once cooled, the resin will sink and the oil is ready for straining.
A MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDER
“It was revealed to me how everything on Earth has spirit and how this can be harnessed in a sacred way for healing. I use the Bantu word ‘Yakula’ as a way
of combining my African roots and Australian home.”
I have graduated in 2001 after a 3-year apprenticeship in African traditional healing. At the time I was one of the first non-indigenous Africans to undergo Zulu ‘itwasa’ training and graduation.
From my teachers and mentor Nokusho Benghu, I learnt the spiritual practice of traditional medicine. It was here among the huts and mighty Umgeni river, that my passion for community and herbal medicine was cultivated. It was revealed
to me how everything on Earth has spirit and how this can be harnessed in a sacred way for healing. I use the Bantu word ‘Yakula’ as a way of combining my African roots and Australian home.
Janine Andrews, Yakula Founder
#StoryOfYakula
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