Before using emu oil, it is important to understand what it is used for and what possible health benefits, risks, and side effects of using the oil.
"Emu oil has become popular recently due to health claims surrounding its uses and benefits. "
Emu oil is a bright yellow liquid, made up of mostly fat, which is collected from the deposits below the skin of the bird. It is a widely available commercial product that may have some unique benefits. Once the fats are collected, they are passed through various filters and processes until a pure oil is produced. The different types of emu oil depend on the different levels of filtration and processing. Most emu oils will go through full processing in order to reduce bacteria and contaminants. Some emu oils are refined more than others, in order to create higher contents of fatty acids.
Organizations such as the American Emu Association have certification programs that aim to ensure that the emu oil people buy is pure and that the emus enjoyed the best possible lives. Completely pure emu oil will always be fully refined. This is the type of emu oil that is studied for its beneficial effects.
Benefits of Emu Oil
Emu oil is thought to have benefits for skin conditions and wounds. The skin easily absorbs emu oil. This can help lock in skin moisture, making the skin less prone to cracking or drying out. Emu oil may help reduce skin damage associated with cancer radiation. It appears that emu oil can pass this absorbable trait on to other compounds when they are mixed together. This property may explain why emu oil is regularly mixed into moisturizers containing other helpful compounds.
Stimulating the skin The research also signals that applying emu oil to the skin may help increase the number of healthy skin cells. Emu oil stimulates the skin to reduce the appearance of skin wrinkles, and rejuvenate aging or sun-damaged skin. Emu oil has also been recommended for use in the treatment of skin conditions, such as skin wounds and seborrheic dermatitis. It may also help with alopecia, rosacea, hypopigmentation, and shingles.
Healing wounds Because of its painkilling effect, antioxidant levels, and ability to reach deep into the skin, emu oil can be applied to small wounds, cuts, bruises, or burns. It can help ease the pain of minor wounds, and the antioxidants may help protect the skin from additional damage.
Bug repellant Applying emu oil to the skin before heading outdoors can help repel insects. This is partly due to substances called terpenes found in the oil. Many insects are disoriented or repelled by terpenes, and putting the oil on exposed skin can keep bugs at bay.
Reducing cholesterol When taken orally, emu oil may reduce cholesterol in the body. In 2004, researchers found that hamsters that consumed either emu oil or olive oil had significantly lower cholesterol levels than those that received coconut oil in their diet. More trials are needed to substantiate these claims, but the results are promising.
Treating ulcers According to some research posted to Pharmacy Today, emu oil may also help treat ulcers. In people who had ulcers, applications of various levels of emu oil had a protective effect. In some cases, the oil even reduced the size of the ulcers.
Breast sensitivity According to a peer-reviewed article, posted to Nutrition, emu oil may also reduce the breast sensitivity common in breastfeeding mothers. When newborns latch onto the breast, some women may experience pain caused by an improper latch. This can result in soreness, engorgement, cracked and dry skin, and pain. These symptoms may be severe enough to cause some new mothers to stop breastfeeding. Researchers found that when breastfeeding mothers used an emu-based cream for a 24-hour period beginning soon after delivery, the breast areola and nipple skin was more hydrated.
However, more research is needed before guidelines for breastfeeding will change to include emu oil. Before feeding her baby, a woman should wipe her nipple and breast with a warm cloth to remove any residual oil. This is because emu oil has not been proven safe for infants and children to ingest. It is also possible to be allergic to emu oil.
Function
Native Australians have used emu oil for thousands of years for its anti-inflammatory effects and benefits to the skin. While many topical creams claim to be effective for dry skin, arthritis, and inflammation, most creams and lotions are made up of large particles that cannot penetrate the skin.
However, emu oil is made up of smaller particles, which allows it to carry many healthful compounds to deep layers of the skin. Emu oil contains high amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), antioxidants, and compounds, including:
• Essential fatty acids: Emu oil is high in omega-3, omega 6, and omega-9 fatty acids. This help reduces inflammation, ease muscular pain, and arthritic joint pain. They may also help relieve signs of wrinkles, scars, and blemishes by nourishing the skin cells. • Vitamin A: An antioxidant and essential nutrient, vitamin A is an excellent skin tonic, often found in topical anti-aging creams. • Additional compounds like carotenoids, flavones, polyphenols, tocopherol, and phospholipids.
Risks Emu oil is a natural product and there are few documented side effects. Some people may experience skin irritation when applying emu oil directly to the skin as a topical ointment. To avoid this, a person should apply a small amount of emu oil to a small patch of skin, such as the back of one hand. If an allergic reaction occurs, they should stop using the oil. It may also be important to consider the source of the emu oil. Emus thrive when they have plenty of room to roam and are able to eat a rich diet. Low-quality living conditions may result in an inferior quality oil. It is best to buy oil from a reputable source, especially as the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate its production. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk to their doctor before using emu oil. It is important to consult a doctor about the possible uses of emu oil and if it will affect a pregnancy. Emu oil is available for purchase online, but you should check first with a health care provider to ensure it is suitable for you to use.