Emu oil is prepared from the fat of an emu. The emu is a large, flightless bird that is native to Australia. The bird is farmed in Australia, Europe, United States, and Canada. While it is eaten, most farmers farm it for its oil. The oil is used to treat conditions like dry skin, high cholesterol, scars, sore muscles and a range of other conditions. If you are thinking about buying this oil, there are a few things you need to understand.
How is the oil made?
The emu has a thick layer of fat on its back. The fat is extracted and refined through several all-natural processes to produce emu oils. Different manufacturers use varying techniques in refining the fat into oil. While some use all-natural processes, others may use synthetic additives. This is why you have to be very careful where you buy your oil from. The all-natural oil is the best to go with.
How is it absorbed by the skin?
The big question you may have is this; does emu oil really work? The answer is yes. The oil can be taken orally or applied on the skin over the area that needs to be treated. The oil is transdermal which means through or by way of the skin. The oil’s lipid composition is similar to that of our skin. This is what allows it to be absorbed more effectively through the layers of the skin. When it is absorbed, the oil releases its natural ingredients which are what lead to the many health benefits. When applied to the skin, it also moisturizes and offers a range of cosmetic properties that resembles mineral oil. The oil further contains fatty acids which reduce swelling and pain.
How is the oil used?
The emu oil uses are diverse. Some people even use it to grow hair, prevent scaring and so much more. Here are the main uses:
- Relieve joint pain caused by breast cancer drugs
- Reduce skin damage caused by radiation therapy
- Reduce scaling rash on the face and scalp
The oils are also used to treat:
- Burns
- Wrinkled or dry skin
- Hemorrhoids
- Coughs
- Diabetic nerve pain
- Insect bites
- Shingles
- Sore muscles
- Wound healing
- Weight loss
- High cholesterol
How do you tell you are getting the best emu oil?
There are different grades assigned to emu oils. Grade A is the highest quality and can last up to 2 years when stored properly. High quality refined oil has no odor, it is light in color and quite tasteless. Fully refined oil is ingestible. Checking where the oil was sourced and manufactured will let you know its quality.
While emu oil is not an FDA approved drug, research has proven that the oil does work in treating a range of conditions. The important thing is to purchase it from a reputable manufacturer and use it as directed.