Emu oil is extracted from the second largest bird in the world, the Emu. The Emu is a flightless bird native to Australia. While it is best known for the oil, it is layered for its meat which is a rich source of protein and has a remarkable vitamin rich nutritional profile. The benefits of the meat include low fat, low calories as well as saturated fat. The meat also has high levels of essential fatty acids as well as antioxidants. However, while the meat is impressive, in this post we shall focus on emu oil uses.
Why Emu Oil?
Aborigines have been using emu oils for centuries to treat joint, muscle and skin problems. This is all thanks to the wide range of beneficial fatty acids contained in the oil which include linolenic, linoleic, oleic and eicosenoic acids. As a result, the oil is used to treat a wide range of problems which include eczema, burns, muscle inflammation, arthritis and psoriasis. Throughout the last decade, researchers have proven some of the emu oil benefits claimed by Aborigines. With that out of the way, let’s take a look at the proven benefits of using emu oil.
Inhibit Chronic Joint Inflammation
One of the main uses of the oil is inhibiting chronic joint inflammation. The oil has proven to be very effective when it is applied on the skin. The best thing is, unlike other steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, emu oils have no side effects. Another study confirmed that the use of the oil over affected joints led to strong anti-inflammatory properties and was very effective in the treatment of arthritis. In this study, Emu oil was found to be as effective as using 3,000 milligrams of ibuprofen.
Treating Wounds
When it comes to the treatment of wounds, emu oils showed great promise. A study done to check the effects of the oil on burns found that in three days using the oil helped reduce swelling and effusion. Emu oil did not have any adverse effects either. Still on answering the question on does emu oil really work, the study found that the use of emu oil lowered the levels of pro-inflammatory substance TNF-alpha and also enhanced skin repair and new skin formation.
Heal Scars
Does emu oil help scars heal? The answer is yes. When applied twice daily, emu oil lotion improved the appearance of scars, cuts, wounds and wrinkles within just 2 days.
Research is proving that most of the emu oil benefits that are claimed by Aborigines are not farfetched. The most important thing you ought to do is make sure you purchase the oil from a reputable manufacturer/distributor. Emu oil that contains additives may end up hurting you or having poor results.