Emu oil is a product made from the fat of the emu bird, which is native to Australia and is now farmed in other countries. Emu oil contains chemicals called fatty acids, which might reduce pain and swelling. It also has moisturizing and cosmetic properties similar to mineral oil. Although there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses, people use emu oil for various conditions, including hair loss, eczema, burns, high cholesterol, psoriasis, and wound healing. Here are some of the uses and benefits of emu oil:
-
Anti-inflammatory: Emu oil has potent anti-inflammatory effects that may be beneficial in treating conditions such as ear inflammation, inflammatory bowel syndrome, and arthritis. It is also used as a massage oil for arthritis.
-
Moisturizing: Emu oil has moisturizing properties that can help improve skin moisture and absorption. It can also stimulate the skin to reduce the appearance of skin wrinkles and rejuvenate aging or sun-damaged skin.
-
Wound healing: Emu oil has painkilling effects, antioxidant levels, and the ability to reach deep into the skin, making it useful for small wounds, cuts, bruises, or burns.
-
Reducing scar formation: Emu oil has been evaluated as a lubricant and has aided in reducing scar formation in healed burns.
-
Hair growth: Some studies suggest that emu oil can help boost hair growth.
Emu oil is available for purchase online, but its important to check with a healthcare provider before using it. When applied to the skin, emu oil is possibly safe when used for up to 8 weeks and is usually well-tolerated. However, there isnt enough reliable information to know if emu oil is safe to use when pregnant or breastfeeding.