The thick fat found on Emu’s back is used to extract Emu oil, which is a flightless bird inherent to Australia. Scientifically, Emu is called Dromaius novaehallandiae. It is a large bird which measures up to 6 ft. in height and weights up to 140 pounds in weight. It is been raised as a livestock for its meat and oil all over the world. Emu is killed in order to remove the surrounding fat and oil. The liquid is bright yellow which is mostly made up of fat and is collected underneath the skin. This oil contains of omega-3s that helps to lower inflammation in the skin. Emu oil possesses various health benefits so it is used to treat various health problems. It has anti-inflammatory properties which are used as a treatment for migraines, muscle pain and skin problems. It enhance the skin health by providing the nourishing treatment and acting as a great moisturizer. It also treats wrinkles and fine lines.

History

Emu is native to Australia. Emu oil was used before forty thousand years to provide relief from pains, aches, heal wounds and prevent skin from harsh elements. The method of collecting oil by hanging the skin of emu on the tree was revealed. The sun’s heat helps to liquefy Emu fat and promotes the absorption qualities. This oil was used as a skin moisturizer and natural sunscreen by the Europeans. The Emu oil was applied to treat bruised tissue, dry skin and burns.

Health Benefits of Emu oil

Emu oil is loaded with various health benefits which are discussed below:

1. Reduce cholesterol

Emu oil possesses the essential fatty acids that provide cholesterol lowering effects. The study shows that the supplementation of Omega-3 fatty acid lowers the level of plasma triglyceride without affecting HDL or LDL cholesterol level. It has linoleic acid that helps to lower fat.

2. Lower inflammation

It has anti-inflammatory properties that provides relief from joint  and muscle pain and also speeds up the recovery process of damaged skin and wounds. The study shows that topical application of Emu oil helps to lower aching and swelling. It provides relief from arthritis, carpal tunnel, headaches, shin splints and migraines.

3. Strengthen immunity

Emu oil has vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids that prevent infections with the topical application. It possesses bacteriostatic properties that prevent the reproduction of bacteria. It also treats infections associated with H. pylori.

4. Gastrointestinal health

Emu oil has therapeutic properties that prevent the ulceration and inflammation of mucous membranes lining digestive tract. It enhances repairment of intestines and treats inflammatory problems that affect gastrointestinal system.

5. Skin health

This oil absorbs into easily into the skin due to the presence of lipid fats being similar to those available on the top skin layer. It also smoothen rough heels, knees, elbows and lower itching and soften hands. It has anti-inflammatory properties that lower swelling and skin ailments such as eczema and psoriasis. It promotes the circulation and regeneration of skin.

6. Relief from pain

It provides relief from dry, painful and cracked nipples during breast feeding. The study shows that use of emu helps to treat and improve hydration in the area.

7. Treat fungal infections

Emu oil has antioxidants that stimulate the nail and hair health. It adds moisture to the hair and enhances hair growth. It moisturizes cuticles and lower inflammation which is caused by toenail fungus.

Traditional uses

• It promotes the growth of hair and stimulates skin health.
• It improves the level of cholesterol being a great source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
• It is also used as a cough syrup for flu and colds.
• It is used to provide relief from aching joints, sore muscles, carpal tunnel syndrome, inflammation, pain, gout, shin splints and sciatica.
• Topically it is applied to heal cuts, wounds, burns, stretch marks, bruises and also lowers scarring.
• It promotes the nail health and also softens dry cuticles.
• It is also used to treat diaper rash, athlete’s foot, chapped lips, canker sores, skin problems and poor circulation.
• It prevents sun damage, dry skin, wrinkles, psoriasis, eczema and cancer.
• It lowers the pain associated with bedsores, shingles, diabetic nerve pain, hemorrhoids, eye irritation, insect bites, earaches, razor burn, rashes, nicks and frostbite.

Precautions                                                                                                 

• It is hypoallergenic due to its biological makeup being similar to human skin.
• Do a patch test for use.
• Avoid by pregnant women to remain on safe side for use.
• Use it in moderate amounts.
• Avoid excessive use.
• It should be used after consulting a health practitioner.
• Avoid if allergic to Emu oil.

Emu oil facts

References:

https://draxe.com/emu-oil/

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-825-emu%20oil.aspx?activeingredientid=825&activeingredientname=emu%20oil

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