Emu oil is an oil derived from the body fat of certain subspecies of the emu, a flightless bird indigenous to Australia. Unadulterated emu oil can vary widely in color and viscosity, anywhere from an off-white creamy texture to a thin yellow liquid, depending on the diet of the emu and the refining method(s) used. Industrially refined emu oil is composed of a minimum of 70% unsaturated fatty acids, with the largest component being oleic acid, a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid. Emu oil also contains roughly 20% linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) and 1–2% linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid) .
Emu oil has been promoted as a dietary supplement with the claim that it can treat a variety of human ailments, including cancer and arthritis. However, research has shown that there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Since 2015, two small human studies have been done, one for use as a skin moisturizer and the other for use as an insect repellent.
People use emu oil for hair loss, eczema, burns, high cholesterol, psoriasis, wound healing, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Emu oil contains chemicals called fatty acids, which might reduce pain and swelling. Emu oil also has moisturizing and cosmetic properties similar to mineral oil.
The most popular benefit of emu oil is its anti-inflammatory effect, which may be beneficial in treating conditions such as ear inflammation, inflammatory bowel syndrome, and arthritis. Emu oil is also said to prevent bone loss induced by chemotherapy. Emu oil is rich in oleic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acids, and antioxidants, which can help fight inflammation, dry skin, high cholesterol, and more.
Emu oil is available for purchase online, but you should check first with a health professional before using it. When applied to the skin, emu oil is possibly safe when used for up to 8 weeks. Its usually well-tolerated. However, there isnt enough reliable information to know if emu oil is safe to use when pregnant or breastfeeding.
