Pure emu oil has become popular in recent years due to the many health benefits it offers. The amazing absorption abilities of the oil makes it ideal for use on skin, muscles and joints. It penetrates fast and travels deep through the skin without clogging the pores.
Even so, does emu oil actually work? The answer is a resounding yes. This is all thanks to the healthy compounds it contains. The key compounds include the following:
- Fatty acids. On average fatty acids make up 98- 99% of the oil.
- Oleic acid or omega 9 makes up 41- 46% which helps improve insulin sensitivity, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure and enhances skin permeability by fighting wrinkles and blemishes.
- Linoleic acid or omega 6 makes up 22-23%. This compound eases muscular aches and joint pain associated with arthritis.
- Vitamin A is known for maintaining a healthy metabolism and an excellent tonic for the skin
- Sapogens which have an overall health properties including antiaging
- Terpines which have antiseptic qualities
- Vitamin E is necessary for maintaining healthy cell membranes.
Skin health
In addition to moisturizing the skin, Emu oil has a positive effect on collagen production. Collagen is one of the compounds that keep the skin elastic, plump and wrinkle-free. The emollient properties in the oil is believed to thicken the skin thereby reducing the appearance of blemishes or wrinkles. Using Emu oil generally helps hydrate and rejuvenate the skins external layers and promotes a more youthful looking skin.
In addition to being a perfect skin moisturizer, emu oil has been found to help in healing cuts, burns and bruises. Most people also use emu oil for hair growth. This is because the linoleic acid in emu oil causes hair follicles to increase. This is also the compound that offer protective benefits from scarring, lightens up age spots and decreases acne scars. Applying Emu oil two times daily on a cracked heel or on a fungal infection on the toes or finger helps heal the affected skin. It is also good to note that pure emu oil increases the production of collagen which helps wounds to heal quickly
Relief Chronic Joint Inflammation
This is the most popular benefit of Emu oil. Thanks to its healthy antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory activity, the emu oil helps reduce chronic inflammation. When used as a massage oil two to three times a day it helps treat arthritis pain. It is also antibacterial and contains vitamin A which contains antioxidant abilities. Emu oil helps in osteoporosis, migraines and is said to prevent bone loss induced by chemotherapy. The reduction in inflammation not only helps relieve pain and stiffness, but also prevents further damage and scar formation within the joints.
Even with all these benefits, you need to remember that emu oil pros and cons depend on how the oil has been extracted. Some manufacturers use impurities that may end up hurting you. With that being said, you have to be very careful where you buy your emu oil capsules, creams and other products from.