What Is Emu Oil?
Emu oil is the oil made by refining the fat of the bird. These birds are native to Australia. Even though they are birds, they cannot fly; they are flightless. This oil is rich in antioxidants like polyunsaturated fats and carotenoids. They have been used for a long time to heal wounds and treat many other common skin conditions, as they are believed to have anti-aging properties and anti-inflammatory properties. Emu oil is used for conditions like dry skin, high cholesterol, sore muscles, and wound healing.
How Does It Work?
Emu oil has chemicals called fatty acids. These chemicals will help to reduce pain, swelling, and other signs of inflammation. For skin, they can have moisturizing effect and cosmetic benefits on the skin like mineral oil.
What Are the Contents of Emu Oil?
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Oleic acid.
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Palmitic acid.
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Linoleic acid.
What Are the Uses of Emu Oil?
Emu oil can be used for topical treatment or can be mixed with other things and used. When mixed with other lotions, this oil helps it to be absorbed faster. This oil can also be used as an oral supplement in capsules. This is effective for cholesterol and inflammation when taken through the oral route. The following are the uses of emu oil:
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Moisturizer - When emu oil is used as a moisturizer, they prevent water loss and dryness of the skin. It works as an effective moisturizer and improves the hydration of the skin. Some studies show they have fewer side effects for people suffering from eczema and dermatitis.
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Weight and Cholesterol - When a person is sensitive to fish oil, they can have emu oil instead of it. They can help to control obesity when proper exercise and diet control are done. The fatty acids found in emu oil have many good effects.
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Skin Aging - For the skin, this oil is effective as a moisturizer and has a positive effect on collagen production. Collagen keeps the skin elastic and wrinkle-free. Intake or application of emu oil can help reduce the effects of aging on the skin by keeping it elastic, lump, and wrinkle-free. Also, the antioxidant properties of this oil keep the signs of aging in the skin from oxidative stress away. The first sign of skin aging is seen under the eyes. So one can use under-eye creams with emu oil, vitamin K, and caffeine, which will help fight these signs. It is also effective against dark circles under the eye.
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Inflammation - Emu oil has anti-inflammatory properties. So when these emu oil supplements are taken orally, they are effective for inflammation of the gastrointestinal system, like inflammatory bowel disease. They are also rich in fatty acids and can contribute to gut health. Studies show that they can benefit absorption from the intestine, gastric emptying, intestinal transit, and all the inflammation in the body.
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Wounds, Scars, and Sun Damage - Emu oil is effective for healing wounds. It can also have other benefits like increasing the hair follicles around the wound, lightening the spots on the skin, lightening the skin acne scars, and reducing the scarring from the wounds.
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Nipple Sensitivity - The emu oil, when used around the nipples and areola, will help to keep them hydrated, which is useful for new mothers. This will help to reduce the pain around the nipples and the trauma from breastfeeding. They do not affect the areola's temperature, pH, or elasticity. Use a warm cloth to remove the excess emu oil after some and before breastfeeding, as not many studies show this oil's safety in infants.
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Bugs - Emu oil has natural substances that repel insects. The terpenes in the emu oil may also be effective against cockroaches, head lice, and other bugs. Hence they are used as bug repellents. But these terpenes might also attract mosquitos, so one should use other repellents for mosquitoes.
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Hair and Nails - They positively affect hair growth when used with peppermint oil to massage the scalp. They can promote the growth of new hair follicles. When taken as a supplement, emu oil is found to be effective for hair and nails. Other than that diet rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids will help improve hair density and be good for brittle nails and hair. The effects may be seen after two to three months of using them.
How Much Emu Oil Should One Take?
The desired amount or dodge of emu oil has yet to be studied and understood fully. More studies and research are needed to determine this. The study's already available result has used varying amounts of oils in different populations; hence that cannot be considered.
What Are the Side Effects of Emu Oil?
There are no known side effects or dangers in using emu oil for a long period. But it should not be used with poisonous substances when applied to the skin, like the oil from poison oak or ivy, as the emu oil enhances the absorption of the oil into the skin and then can have some effects from them.
What Precautions Need to Be Taken?
There is little-known information about the side effects of using emu oil for a long period; hence there is no need for any precautions when it is applied on the skin surface for up to six weeks. There are not enough studies to support the safety of emu oil use in pregnant and breastfeeding women; hence, it is better to avoid them during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Conclusion
Emu is a large bird native to Australia. This oil has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are used for various properties. Because of these properties of this oil, this is wounds, scars, skin aging, inflammatory conditions, and hair and nails. Before using them, one should consult a doctor if they have other health conditions. Also, the use of emu oil in pregnancy and breastfeeding women are not encouraged as there are not enough studies to support their use and efficiency.
