Emuoil is rich in antioxidants likecarotenoidsandpolyunsaturated fats.
It has long been used in many cultures to heal wounds and treat common skin disorders.
It’s believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties.
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Emu oil is made from the refined fat of emus, large flightless birds native to Australia.
The oil is sold online and in supplement stores as a topical ointment.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Verywell / Getty Images
What Is Emu Oil?
Emu oil comes from the fat of the emu, a large flightless bird.
The fat is made of compounds called fatty acids that may reduce pain and swelling.
Emu oil also has skin moisturizing properties.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
There are purported claims of uses for emu oil but the research on uses in humans is limited.
Here’s what the current research says about the purported benefits.
However, larger studies are needed to confirm effectiveness.
Another study found emu oil reduced itching associated withseborrheic dermatitis, but not as much as standard medical treatments.
What Are the Side Effects of Emu Oil?
Emu oil has not been thoroughly researched.
It’s also not clear whether emu oil causes side effects.
Who Should Not Use Emu Oil?
Emu oil is not recommended for children.
Not enough research has been done to show that it would be safe or effective for children to use.
If you’re pregnant orlactating, you should not take emu oil in any form.
Children should not use these products either.
There has not been enough research to show that it is safe and effective for these groups.
A 2016 study looked at using emu oil whilebreastfeeding.
They can recommend options that have been proven to be safe and effective for you and your baby.
Dosage: How Much Emu Oil Should I Take?
There is not enough scientific evidence to determine a standard or appropriate dose of emu oil.
More research is needed on dosages for specific health needs and populations.
Studies investigating emu oil have used varying amounts of the product.
There are also emu oil sprays, moisturizing creams, and lotions enriched with emu oil.
Emu oil can be purchased online, at a health food store, or directly from a farmer.
Summary
Emu oil is a product refined from the fat from emus.
Claims have been made about its uses for various health conditions, but research is lacking.
As with other supplement products, emu oil is not approved by the FDA for any use.
Before purchasing emu oil, check with your healthcare provider to ensure it is appropriate for you to use.
At this time, more research is needed before this supplement can be recommended for any use.
Some companiessuggest using their emu oil on body piercings, but it has not been specifically studied.
It’s important to follow the aftercare for a piercing that is given to you to prevent infections.
Vemu B, Selvasubramanian S, Pandiyan V.Emu oil offers protection in Crohn’s disease model in rats.
BMC Complement Altern Med.
2015 Jul 1;92(3):650-8. doi:10.1016/j.ijrobp.2015.02.028.
2013 Jun;18(6):477-81.
2015;21(1):10-13. doi:10.1177/2156587215588653
