Overview

The emu is a large, flightless bird, native to Australia. It is also farmed there as well as in the United States, Canada and Europe. Emu oil prepared from the fat of this bird and is used to make medicine.

People use emu oil for conditions such as high cholesterol, dry skin, wound healing, sore muscles, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

How does it work ?

Emu oil contains chemicals called fatty acids. These chemicals might reduce pain and swelling (inflammation).

When emu oil is applied to the skin, it has moisturizing and cosmetic properties that resemble mineral oil.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

  • Joint pain caused by breast cancer drugs. Early research shows that applying emu oil reduces joint pain caused by drugs used to treat breast cancer. However, applying other oil that contains different ingredients also seems to work.
  • Skin damage due to radiation therapy. Early research shows that applying emu oil during and after radiation therapy doesn't prevent skin damage better than cottonseed oil.
  • Scaling rash, usually on the scalp and face (Seborrheic dermatitis). Applying emu oil to the skin might improve symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. But it doesn't work as well as creams containing clotrimazole or hydrocortisone.
  • Burns.
  • Coughs.
  • Diabetic nerve pain.
  • Dry or wrinkled skin.
  • Hemorrhoids.
  • High cholesterol.
  • Insect bites.
  • Shingles.
  • Sore muscles.
  • Weight loss.
  • Wound healing.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of emu oil for these uses.

Side Effects

Emu oil is possibly safe for most people when applied to the skin in appropriate amounts for up to 6 weeks. It is not known if emu oil is safe when taken by mouth.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Emu oil is possibly safe for most people when applied to the skin in appropriate amounts for up to 6 weeks. It is not known if emu oil is safe when taken by mouth. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of emu oil during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions ?

We currently have no information for EMU OIL overview.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of emu oil depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for emu oil. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.