The research also signals that applying emu oil to the skin may help increase the number of healthy skin cells. Emu oil stimulates the skin to reduce the appearance of skin wrinkles, and rejuvenate aging or sun-damaged skin. It appears that emu oil can pass this absorbable trait on to other compounds when they are mixed together. This property may explain why emu oil is regularly mixed into moisturizers containing other helpful compounds. Stimulating the skin

The bird is native to Australia, but is now found in many countries, because of a rising popularity of nutritious emu meat and medicinal emu oil. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Jeengar MK, Kumar PS, Thummuri D, Shrivastava S, Guntuku L, Sistla R, Naidu VG (January 2015). "Review on emu products for use as complementary and alternative medicine". Nutrition. 31 (1): 21–7. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2014.04.004. PMID 25441585. 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. [5]Jeengar MK,Kumar PS, Thummuri D, et al. Review on emu products for use as complementary and alternative medicine. Nutrition. 2015;31(1):21-27. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2014.04.004. Once the fats are collected, they are passed through various filters and processes until pure oil is produced. The different types of emu oil depend on the different levels of filtration and processing. According to a peer-reviewed article, posted to Nutrition, emu oil may also reduce the breast sensitivity common in breastfeeding mothers.

Use creams with emu oil for healing cuts, burns, or bruises. The linoleic acid in emu oil has positive effects that may even:Many insects are disoriented or repelled by terpenes, and putting the oil on exposed skin can keep bugs at bay. Reducing cholesterol Attarzadeh, Y., Asilian, A., Shahmoradi, Z., & Dibi, N. (2013).Comparing the efficacy of Emu oil with clotrimazole and hydrocortisone in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis: A clinical trial. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 18(6), 477-481 Mashtoub, S., Howarth, G. S., Trinder, D., &Lawrance, I. C. (2016, June). Emu oil promotes bodyweight gain in a mouse modelof inflammation-associated colorectal cancer. Journal of Nutrition and Intermediary Metabolism, 4, 14 Low-quality living conditions may result in inferior quality oil. It is best to buy oil from a reputable source, especially as the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not regulate its production. In 2004, researchers found that hamsters that consumed either emu oil or olive oil had significantly lower cholesterol levels than those that received coconut oil in their diet.

Xu, C.-H., Liang, R.-H., Zhang, S.-Y., & Zeng, J.-H. (n.d.). Protective effect of emu oil on experimental gastric mucosal lesion [Abstract]. Pharmacy Today European settlers soon adopted the use of emu oil and many other natural remedies that the Australian Aboriginal people provided. Researchers found that when breastfeeding mothers used an emu-based cream for a 24-hour period beginning soon after delivery, the breast areola and nipple skin was more hydrated. Essential fatty acids: Emu oil is high in omega-3, omega 6, and omega-9 fatty acids. These help reduce inflammation, ease muscular pain, and arthritic joint pain. They may also help relieve signs of wrinkles, scars, and blemishes by nourishing the skin cells.Bennett, D. C., Code, W. E., Godin, D. V., &Cheng, K. M. (2008, September 11). Comparison of the antioxidant properties ofemu oil with other avian oils [Abstract]. AnimalProduction Science, 48(10), 1345-1350 Zanardo V, Giarrizzo D, Maiolo L, et al. Efficacy of topical application of emu oil on areola skin barrier in breastfeeding women. J of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine. 2015;21(1):10-13. doi:10.1177/2156587215588653

In people who had ulcers, applications of various levels of emu oil had a protective effect. In some cases, the oil even reduced the size of the ulcers. Breast sensitivity

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The most popular benefit of emu oil is its use as an anti-inflammatory. It also contains compounds that have antioxidant properties. Ahmadraji, F., & Shatalebi, M. A. (2015).Evaluation of the clinical efficacy and safety of an eye counter pad containingcaffeine and vitamin K in emulsified emu oil base. Advanced Biomedical Research, 4, 10 . Retrieved from Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk to their doctor before using emu oil. It is important to consult a doctor about the possible uses of emu oil and if it will affect a pregnancy.