Emu oil has become popular recently due to health requirements surrounding its benefits and uses. But before using emu oil, it is necessary to understand what it is used for and what probable health benefits it has.

What is Emu Oil?

An emu is a flightless bird, scientifically named Dromaiusnovaehallandiae. It is native to Australia, but is now found in many countries, because of a rising popularity of nourishing emu meat and medicinal emu oil.

Emu oil is a bright yellow liquid, made up of mostly fat, which is collected from the layouts below the skin of the bird. It is a widely available commercial product that may have some unrivaled benefits.

Once the fats are collected, they are passed through several processes and filters until pure oil is produced. The different types of emu oil depend on the different levels of processing and filtration. Most emu oils will go through full processing in order to reduce contaminants and bacteria. Some emu oils are purified 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 you and other people buy is pure, and that the emus enjoyed the best possible lives.

Entirely pure emu oil will always be fully refined, this is the type of emu oil that is studied for its favorable outcomes.

What’s in Emu Oil?

The greatest benefit of emu oil is how it absorbs into your skin. Due to its smaller fragments, emu oil has carrier capabilities and increased enhancement. It penetrates deeper into your skin and carries other beneficial ingredients with it. Emu oil is rich in:

• Antioxidants,
• Linoleic acids (21%),
• Oleic acid (42%),
• Palmitic acid (21%).

These compounds can help you tackle dry skin, high cholesterol, inflammation, and more.

Proven Health Benefits

You can use emu oil as a carrier oil or as a topical treatment. Mixing it with creams and lotions may help your skin absorb the ingredients better. You can also consume emu oil as an oral supplement in the form of capsules for cholesterol and inflammation. 

Moisturize Your Face, Body, and Skin

As an occlusive moisturizer, emu oil does an amazing job of preventing water loss and improving hydration. In fact, a lotion with emu oil as a base may penetrate and help your skin better than pure emu oil.

Lose Weight and Lower Cholesterol

Along with exercise and calorie restriction, emu oil can help reduce obesity. You can swap fish oil capsules for emu oil capsules, particularly if you’re sensitive to seafood.

Prevent Skin Aging

In addition to its moisturizing abilities, emu oil has positive effects on collagen production. Collagen is one of the compounds that keeps your skin plump, elastic, and wrinkle-free. Emu oil’s antioxidant attributes can also target any signs of aging caused by oxidative stress. One place aging starts around the eyes. You can look for an eye treatment with emu oil, vitamin K, and caffeine. A 2015 research examined the effects of these ingredients on 10 women, who were directed to apply a pad coated in them to one eye. After four weeks, the eye that was treated showed fading of dark circles, fewer lines, and enhanced elasticity.

Decrease Inflammation

If you take emu oil orally, it is another potent source of fatty acids that can contribute to better digestive health. The anti-inflammatory attributes of emu oil may also benefit gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease.

Cell study reviews suggest that emu oil consumption can benefit:

• Absorptive function,
• Bowel, joint, and overall inflammation,
• Gastric emptying,
• Intestinal transit.

Improve Scars, Wounds, and Sun Damage

You can take up creams with emu oil for healing burns, bruises, or cuts. The linoleic acid in emu oil has positive effects that may even:

• Decrease your acne scars,
• Increase hair follicles in your wound areas,
• Lighten your age spots,
• Offer defensive favors from scarring.

Repel Bugs

Emu oil contains terpenes, which are natural elements that repel insects. Studies show that terpenes may be efficient against cockroaches and adult head lice.

Help Hair and Nail Growth

Apply emu oil with a few drops of peppermint oil to your scalp and massage to help hair growth. Early studies suggest that emu oil can develop new hair follicles.

Consuming emu oil capsules may also help your nail and hair health. A diet rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can enhance hair density, and decrease brittle hair and nails, as well as hair loss. It may take 2 to 6 months for you to observe any changes in your nails and hair.

Where to Buy and What to Look for

Price of emu oil at present ranges from $9 to $20 online, depending on the brand. Quality emu oil can last for about one or two years, depending on how you store it. Keeping it in the refrigerator may help extend shelf life.

Currently in the United States, most emu farming is farm-to-finish, meaning that the farmers themselves also operate sales. The American Emu Association has a list of certified members who cultivate ethical farming. Always buy emu oil from a dependable source to avoid impurity and promote ethical farming.

The Takeaway

If you’re looking to incorporate more natural and holistic ingredients into your routine, you may want to look at emu oil. Emu oil is an interesting ingredient for topical application, especially for skin conditions. However, you should talk to a nutritionist or a doctor if you have concerns about use and dosage. Don’t use emu oil as a replacement for any medical aid that your doctor has prescribed.