Emu oil contains essential fatty acids, nutrients and compounds making it a useful internal or external product to help with conditions such as eczema, dry skin and sunburn, arthritis, muscular aches, wound healing, bowel disorders and other inflammatory conditions.
Emu oil has been used as part of traditional aboriginal medicine in Australia for thousands of years. It is derived from the adipose tissue (subcutaneous fat) harvested from certain species of emu. The oil is a cream/off-white coloured liquid containing up to 70% unsaturated fatty acids of omega- 9 (oleic acid), omega-6 (linoleic) and omega-3(linolenic) fatty acids, vitamin A, and antioxidant compounds such as - carotenoids, flavones, polyphenols and tocopherols (vitamin E).
The properties of emu oil can make it a useful treatment for some health conditions which have an inflammatory component or are exacerbated by oxidative disease. The omega component makes it suitable for use for lowering high cholesterol and the nutrients aid in healing and supporting skin integrity. The processed oil has a low odour and is low allergenic and can be used as a skin moisturiser, or added to other products to help absorbability.
Emu oil offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity and studies have found it useful in the treatment of many health conditions with studies confirming the benefits.
Bowel diseases
Emu oil may offer a protective affect on the bowel due to its anti-inflammatory actions.
- Crohn’s disease. Studies using rat models showed a significant protective effect reducing ulceration after treatment in Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s disease is a debilitating chronic inflammatory condition causing ulceration of the digestive track [4].
- Ulcerative colitis. This is a remitting and relapsing inflammatory bowel disorder which can lead to bowel cancer when left uncontrolled. In rat models, emu oil was found to have a protective effect on the bowel, reduced clinical indicators and the severity of colitis in colorectal cancer [5].
Skin conditions
Emu oil is easily absorbed due to its smaller particle size, making it also useful in enhancing the absorption of other compounds it is mixed with. This makes it a useful when using it topically for skin care. Emu oil may also stimulate the number of skin cells. This is beneficial in the healing of wounds and in helping prevent skin ageing. Antioxidant components support these also.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin affecting especially that of the scalp. It is characterised by redness, itching and flaky scales. Its pathogenesis is thought associated with oxidative stress, inflammatory reaction and exacerbated by pathogenic bacteria.
Emu oil can be used as an alternative to cortisone - based products to help with reducing erythema (redness), pruritis (itching) and scales associated with this condition. Although not as effective as hydrocortisone and clotrimazole, it is a beneficial and safe alternative without the side effects associated with repetitive use of cortisone [1].
Emu oil was evaluated for its usefulness as a safe oil-based substance on skin-related toxicity for patients receiving radiation therapy to the breast/chest wall in a pilot study. The study confirmed the safety of use and suggested further study to evaluate the efficacy to reduce dermatitis in patients receiving breast radiation [2].
- Neonatal - baby skin care
The skin of babies in their first year of life is delicate and sensitive. and barrier protection from the elements is important. A study using emu oil as a topical product to protect the delicate skin of the newborn was found to improve skin hydration, elasticity and skin pH. Long term use still needs to be evaluated [3].
Other uses
Heart health. Emu oil can help with cholesterol reduction and cardiovascular arterial health.
Insect repellent. Emu oil contains a chemical substances called terpenes, rubbing on the skin before heading outside can make an effective insect repellent.
Insect bites. Due to its anti-inflammatory action, emu oil can help soothe irritation and itch from bites
Dry, cracked heels. Feet have fewer oil glands and experience daily wear and tear which can result in dryness and cracking. Applying emu oil regularly may help prevent this problem occurring.
Eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and rosacea. Emu oil can help reduce irritation, inflammation, the itch and dryness.
How to use emu oil
Emu oil can be taken internally or applied externally. Choose a suitable product and follow product instructions. In some cases, other oils maybe added for additional benefit. These might include eucalyptus oil, melaleuca oil, chamomile and calendula oil.
In summary
Emu oil can be a useful product for:
- Arthritis
- Bowel Inflammation and Ulceration
- Moisturising
- Reducing Inflammation
- Anti-Aging
- Wound Healing
- Reducing Cholesterol
- Bug Repellent
- Insect bites
References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emu_oil
Review on emu products for use as complementary and alternative medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25441585
[1] Comparing the efficacy of Emu oil with clotrimazole and hydrocortisone in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis: A clinical trial https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3818616/
[2] Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study of Processed Ultra Emu Oil Versus Placebo in the Prevention of Radiation Dermatitis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25936812
[3] Emu oil-based lotion effects on neonatal skin barrier during transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28848357
[4] Emu oil offers protection in Crohn's disease model in rats. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26852336
[5] Emu Oil Improves Clinical Indicators of Disease in a Mouse Model of Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29214422
Comparative effects of emu and olive oil on aortic early atherosclerosis and associated risk factors in hypercholesterolemic hamsters
Promotion of second intention wound healing by emu oil lotion: comparative results with furasin, polysporin, and cortisone.
Can emu oil ameliorate inflammatory disorders affecting the gastrointestinal system?
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1440-0960.1996.tb01040.x?sid=nlm%3Apubmed&
https://www.vtemu.com/emu-oil-research/
Emu oil(s): a source of non-toxic transdermal anti-inflammatory agents in aboriginal medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17638122
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