Emu Oil

Emu are large birds that are raised all across the United States. The birds are prized for their naturally lower fat meat, as well as for leather used in crafts and goods, and for oil. The oil is obtained from a layer of fat under the emu skin that is refined when the bird is being processed for food. Several claims about the health benefits of emu oil have yet to be proved in the scientific community, but some promising studies indicate emu oil holds some interesting possibilities.
See also : Ostrich Oil

Special Precautions of Emu Oil

• Emu oil and ostrich oil are fat that went through a refining process that include sterilizing and deodorizing. People eat their meat, keep the fat from the meat and turn it into oil. Some companies also use their leather, eggs, claws and feathers to make products to make $$.
• Most Emu Oil products are commercial formulas which contain a high amount of chemicals and paraben preservatives (not to mention peroxide).

The benefits of Emu Oil are

Emu oil contains chemicals called fatty acids that might reduce pain and swelling (inflammation). There is some evidence that emu oil might work better for sudden (acute) inflammation than for ongoing (chronic) inflammation.

• Transdermal Properties : Emu oil transports products quickly through the skin, getting ingredients to the source of the problem.. Many products contain phospholipids, but emu oil does not. This makes it highly penetrating and allows it to absorb through the skin easily. Studies by Dr. Robert Nicolosi, Director of The Center for Chronic Disease Control and Prevention, University of Massachusetts, suggest that the delivery of nutrient properties directly into the blood might be greater with emu oil than other oils currently on the market in medication and cosmetic products.
• Effects on Cholesterol and Skin : Research at the University of Massachusetts showed that emu oil lowered LDL and raised HDL in hamsters when ingested. These results were published in "Nutrition Research" magazine in 2004. When compared to mineral oil for use on skin, emu oil is much less comedogenic and less greasy. Participants in this study published on the Emu Oil Institute website stated a unanimous preference for the emu oil.
• Anti-Inflammatory : Studies published by the Emu Oil Institute show a reduction in inflammation, swelling and pain associated with arthritis. A 1993 study was conducted over a 3-month period. In 14 days, emu oil had eliminated all inflammation caused by arthritis joint swelling and bone abrasion due to lack of cartilage and none of the patients experienced pain in their joints after 14 days of topical application.
• May stimulate skin growth.
• Emu Oil stimulates hair growth : Scientific studies have exposed that Emu Oil is a very penetrating anti-inflammatory factor that can revitalize epidermis cells and fix DNA. In essence it wakes up the inflamed and smaller hair follicles to the anagen (growth) stage.