Health Dictionary
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Emu oil
Introduction
Emu oil is an oil made from refined fat of the Emu, a bird native to Australia. It has been used for over 1000 years by the Australian aborigines in the treatment of burns,cut wounds,bruise and as a pain reliever for bone muscle and joints disorder. Emu oil is approximately 70% unsaturated fatty acids. The largest component is oleic acid – a mono-unsaturated fatty acid. Emu oil also contains about 20% linoleic (Omega 6) acid and 1-2% linolenic (Omega 3) acid. There is some evidence to suggest that the oil may have medicinal benefit.[1] It is frequently used topically to soften skin and is frequently found in ointments for dry cracked heels.
Emu oil has been shown in studies to aid in reducing scar formation in healed burned wounds,muscle sprain and arthritis, due to its strong anti-inflammatory properties.
Emu oil is a complete neutral lipid, since emu oil lacks phospholipid, making it highly penetrating to the skin.[2][3]
References
- ↑ Yoganathan, S. et al. 2003. Antagonism of croton oil inflammation by topical emu oil in CD-1 mice. Lipids 38:603-7. PMID 12934669
- ↑ Emu Oil Properties: Background, study, and guide for uses accessed 17 April 2007
- ↑ Emu Oil Proven To Be Medical Wonder High Beam Encyclopedia, from Business Wire, 8/10/1998 – accessed 17 April 2007