🪃Aboriginal Australian Medicine

Pigface (Karkalla)

Carpobrotus rossii

About Pigface (Karkalla)

Pigface (Karkalla) (Carpobrotus rossii) is a herb used in the Aboriginal Australian Medicine tradition to help with Wound Healing, Burns, Skin Health, and UTI, among 1 other condition it addresses. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, used both internally and topically.

Botanical background

Carpobrotus rossii, commonly known as karkalla or pig face (Western Australia), is a succulent coastal groundcover plant native to southern Australia.

Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist

Parts used

Aerial Parts · bothLeaves · both
🍵

Tea / Infusion

1–3 cups daily
  • Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Pigface (Karkalla) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
  • Cover while steeping.
  • Strain and drink.
💧

Tincture

20–40 drops in water, 2–3× daily
  • Pack dried Pigface (Karkalla) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
  • Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
  • Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
💊

Powder / Capsule

500 mg – 1 g, 1–3× daily
  • Grind dried Pigface (Karkalla) into a fine powder.
  • Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
🖐️

Topical / Poultice

1–2× daily as needed
  • Mash fresh Pigface (Karkalla) or mix the powder with a little water to form a paste.
  • Apply to the affected area for 20–30 minutes.
🫙

Infused Oil

Massage into affected area 1–2× daily
  • Fill a jar with dried Pigface (Karkalla).
  • Pour over a carrier oil until submerged.
  • Leave for 4–6 weeks, then strain.
  • Use topically or as a salve base.
🛁

Herbal Bath

2–3× per week as needed
  • Brew 4–6 tbsp of Pigface (Karkalla) in 1 litre of hot water for 15 minutes, strain, and add to a warm bath.
  • Soak for 20–30 minutes.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children

No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Pigface (Karkalla) in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Pigface (Karkalla) itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.

Pregnancy

Use Caution

This herb has a diuretic (fluid-eliminating) effect. Pregnancy already involves significant fluid/electrolyte shifts, so diuretic herbs are generally used cautiously and in moderation rather than as a routine remedy — this is a general, mechanism-based caution, not herb-specific research.

Breastfeeding

Use Caution

Diuretic herbs are traditionally thought to potentially reduce milk supply through fluid loss — generally used cautiously while establishing or maintaining supply.

Children

Use Caution

Children are more sensitive to fluid and electrolyte shifts — diuretic herbs are generally used cautiously and under guidance.

Contraindications

  • Significant kidney impairment — diuretic herbs may worsen renal function

Warnings

⚠️ Kidney Disease

Some diuretic herbs are contraindicated in those with kidney disease. Consult your doctor if you have impaired kidney function.

⚠️ Allergic Reactions

Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

⚠️ Not Medical Advice

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.

Drug & herb interactions

May have a diuretic effect

Watch for: Diuretic medications and lithium

Additive fluid loss can affect electrolyte balance and change how the body clears lithium.

Where to find in nature

Native region

Australia

Climate

Varied — arid to tropical

Habitat

Eucalyptus woodland, desert shrubland, tropical rainforest, and coastal areas of Australia

🌿 To see Pigface (Karkalla) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.

Where to buy

In store

  • Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
  • Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
  • Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
  • Farmers markets with herb vendors

Online

iHerb

Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing

Mountain Rose Herbs

Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced

Starwest Botanicals

Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders

Herb Pharm

High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards

Amazon

Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing

Etsy

Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs

Quality tips

When buying Pigface (Karkalla), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.