REMEMBER: These Are 8+ Great Health Benefits and Uses of Emu Oil! Pay SPECIAL Attention to Benefit #7! AWESOME Photos and Great Ideas Included!
Emu oil has been used for centuries by Australian aboriginals to treat a variety of skin and health issues. The oil itself is extracted from the fat of the emu, a flightless bird that’s similar to a small ostrich.
From pain relief to reducing stretch marks and easing digestive issues, emu oil can be used in a variety of ways. Here are eight health benefits of emu oil.
Benefit #1 – Strong Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Inflammation is the body’s response to an injury or an infection. Between poor diet, environmental toxins and a lack of exercise, many people are also dealing with chronic inflammation that can lead to serious health issues in the future.
One study found that emu oil, when applied dermally, acts as an effective anti-inflammatory in rats.
Many veterinarians use emu oil to reduce joint swelling, and it works just as efficiently on human joints, too. If you’ve been injured or are dealing with chronic inflammation, emu oil may help reduce swelling and prevent future cell damage.
Related research study:
“Assays for this activity using the adjuvant-induced arthritis model have shown: i. Considerable variability in potency of some commercial oil samples; ii. Little or no correlation of activity with colour or linolenic acid (18:3) content of the oil; iii. Relative stability of some active oils (to heat, ageing at room temperature); iv. The bulk of the anti-inflammatory activity was present in a low triglyceride fraction; and v. Potential arthritis-suppressant/immunoregulant activity of these active fractions.”
– Whitehouse, M. W., et al. (1998). “Emu oil(s): a source of non-toxic transdermal anti-inflammatory agents in aboriginal medicine“, in Inflammopharmacology, Vol. 6(1).
Benefit #2 – Helps with Arthritis & Joint Pain
Those who suffer from joint pain and arthritis may find relief with emu oil. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, this oil can reduce redness and swelling, which minimizes pain and discomfort.
When used in combination with curcumin (a compound found in turmeric), you can maximize the anti-inflammatory benefits of emu oil.
The results of one study showed that emu oil enhanced the anti-inflammatory potential of curcumin by increasing bioavailability. If you’re suffering from joint pain or arthritis, applying emu oil topically may help you find the relief you desire.
Related research study:
“The anti-inflammatory potential of curcumin in combination with emu oil has been significantly increased in both acute and chronic inflammatory models as evident from inhibition of increase in paw volume, arthritic score, and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The increased anti-inflammatory activity in combination therapy is due to enhanced bioavailability (5.2-fold compared to aqueous suspension) of curcumin by emu oil. Finally, it is concluded that the combination of emu oil with curcumin will be a promising approach for the treatment of arthritis.”
– Jeengar, M. K., et al. (2014). “Improvement of bioavailability and anti-inflammatory potential of curcumin in combination with emu oil“, in Inflammation, Vol. 37(6).
Benefit #3 – Reduces Stretch Marks & Scars
Most of us have at least a few stretch marks and scars, but that doesn’t make them any less embarrassing. If you want to reduce the appearance of scars and unsightly stretch marks, emu oil may just be the solution you’re looking for.
Recent studies show that when applied early in the wound healing process, the risk of scarring is greatly reduced.
It’s the anti-inflammatory properties and essential fatty acids in emu oil that help minimize the appearance of scars and stretch marks. Plus, this oil is naturally transdermal, which means it has the power to penetrate deep into skin tissue.
For the best results, apply the oil to the desired area several times a day.
Related research study:
“Six days postoperatively, wound contraction and infiltration of fronts of epithelialized and granulation tissue were assessed. Results indicated a two-fold promotion of all of the above parameters with emu oil lotion. No such effects were exerted by pure emu oil, furasin, cortaid, or polysporin. Data obtained indicate promise for emu oil lotion as an aid in treating full-thickness skin defects if applied after the major postinflammatory stages of wound healing have transpired.”
– Politis, M. J. & A. Dymitrowitch. (1998). “Promotion of second intention wound healing by emu oil lotion: comparative results with furasin, polysporin, and cortisone“, in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Vol. 102(7).
Benefit #4 – Great Non-Comedogenic Skin Moisturizer That Minimizes Skin Aging
To keep your skin looking its best, you need to invest in a good moisturizer. We face an onslaught of pollutants and environmental factors that rob our skin of its natural oils.
Dry skin can lead to wrinkles and other skin issues.
But so many moisturizers are comedogenic, which leads to breakouts. Emu oil is different. It’s non-comedogenic, so it will moisturize your skin without clogging your pores.
That’s why this oil is often preferred by acne sufferers and those with sensitive skin. Just apply the oil directly to your skin to maintain its youthful glow and keep it well-hydrated.
Related research study:
“Emu oil-based cream was found to be effective in improving stratum corneum hydration of breast areolae (mean ± standard deviation, from 56.9 ± 18.2 to 65.0 ± 17.2 conventional units, P < .003) and did not affect skin pH, temperature, or elasticity.”
– Zanardo, V., et al. Efficacy of Topical Application of Emu Oil on Areola Skin Barrier in Breastfeeding Women. 2016. Journal of Evidence Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine. 21(1): p. 10-3.
Benefit #5 – Helps to Treat Dandruff While Promoting Hair Growth & Its Health
Everyone battles with dandruff at some point in their life, but if it’s left untreated, it can hinder hair growth. If you’re battling with dandruff or other scalp conditions, emu oil may help restore your scalp’s natural health.
In one study, researchers used an emulsion of foamable minoxidil and emu oil to see if it would promote hair growth. When compared to a 5% minoxidil solution and a control group, a greater number of hairs remained in the anagenic (growth) phase when using the emu oil solution.
If you’re looking for a truly effective way to promote hair growth, emu oil is it.
But what about dandruff?
In many cases, dandruff is caused by a dry scalp. The hydrating properties of emu oil can help keep the scalp moisturized, which can minimize dandruff flakes. If you’re battling a flaky scalp, consider trading in your harsh over-the-counter dandruff shampoo for natural emu oil.
Related research study:
“On animal study, minoxidil formulated in emu oil significantly improved hair growth, as compared to Pak-Daru® 5% minoxidil solution, a product widely marketed in Iran. Our formulation was well compatible with skin and caused no sensitivity reaction in the animal model used.”
– Shatalebi, M. A. & Y. Rafiei. (2014). “Preparation and evaluation of minoxidil foamable emu oil emulsion“, in Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vol. 9(2).
Benefit #6 – Ease Gastrointestinal Distress
Thousands of people all over the world suffer from gastrointestinal issues, including Chron’s disease to irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis. And many people search for natural complementary treatments to help ease discomfort and promote healing.
Emu oil has been shown to offer relief from gastrointestinal distress with little-to-no side effects.
Other studies have shown that emu oil can help improve intestine damaged caused by chemotherapy and ulcerative colitis. It’s believed that the anti-inflammatory properties of this oil are what help provide relief.
Related research study:
“Recently, Emu Oil has been demonstrated to endow partial protection against chemotherapy-induced mucositis, with early indications of improved intestinal repair. Emu Oil could therefore form the basis of an adjunct to conventional treatment approaches for inflammatory disorders affecting the gastrointestinal system.”
– Abimosleh, S. M., et al. (2012). “Emu Oil: a novel therapeutic for disorders of the gastrointestinal tract?“, in Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Vol. 27(5).
Related research study:
“Emu oil improved tissue damage associated with colitis, suggesting its potential as a unique formulation to augment conventional treatment approaches for IBD [irritable bowel disorder].”
– Abimosleh, S. M., et al. (2012). “Emu oil increases colonic crypt depth in a rat model of ulcerative colitis“, in Digestive Diseases and Sciences, Vol. 57(4).
Benefit #7 – Minimizes Symptoms of Psoriasis & Eczema
Psoriasis and eczema are two common conditions that lead to dry, itchy patches of skin. Eczema is just a fancy way of saying “skin inflammation,” while psoriasis can cause scaly patches of skin and redness.
Both skin conditions can be tricky to manage, but emu oil may be able to help.
As you already know, emu oil has incredible moisturizing properties, which can minimize dry skin patches. But it’s not just the hydrating properties of this oil that make it effective against these skin issues.
It’s the anti-inflammatory properties that aid in offering relief.
Emu oil can be applied topically to the affected skin, or taken internally in supplement form to help heal these troubling skin conditions from the inside out. Many sufferers see the best results when using a combination of topical and oral applications.
Related research study:
“This pilot study confirmed the safety of oil-based skin treatments during radiation therapy and suggests a trend for reduced skin toxicity for patients receiving emu oil. A larger study is needed to evaluate the efficacy of emu oil in reducing radiation dermatitis in patients receiving breast radiation.”
– Rollmann, D. C., et al. (2015). “Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study of Processed Ultra Emu Oil Versus Placebo in the Prevention of Radiation Dermatitis“, in International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics, Vol. 92(3).
Benefit #8 – Fight Against High Cholesterol Levels & Promotes Heart Health
You know that emu oil is great for the skin, but what about internally? Did you know that this oil can promote heart health and lower cholesterol levels?
Loaded with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, this one is excellent for your heart.
Omega-3 fatty acids increase HDL cholesterol (the good kind) while decreasing LDL cholesterol (the bad kind). By incorporating emu oil into your diet, you can help promote heart health while lowering your cholesterol.
Related research study:
“The high content of oleic acid in emu oil could have orchestrated – either solely or in combination with linoleic and linolenic acids – causing the upregulation of testosterone biosynthesis and inhibition of atheromatous plaque formation in diet-induced obese animals.”
– Kamalakkannan, S., et al. Emu oil decreases atherogenic plaque formation in cafeteria diet-induced obese rats. 2016. Journal of The Science of Food & Agriculture. 96(9): p. 3063-8.
Side-Effects & Dangers of Using Emu Oil
Emu oil offers so many great health benefits, but are there any side effects or dangers to using this oil? While there is no documented evidence of adverse side effects, pregnant women and allergy sufferers should steer clear of this oil just to be safe.
Keep in mind that:
– When used topically, your skin may become irritated
– When you ingest this oil, you pass it down to your fetus
– It may even pass through breast milk
Because the effects of emu oil on pregnancy haven’t been well-studied, it’s best to avoid it altogether if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
One last thing to consider is the origin of the oil.
It’s important to ensure that you obtain your emu oil from a trusted source, especially if you’re taking it in a supplement form.
Emu oil provides you with pain relief, improves the look of your hair and offers relief from a variety of skin conditions. Available both in topical and supplement form, this oil should be in every home’s medicine cabinet.
