Dosage

Emu Oil Dosage and How to Use It

There is no scientifically established standard dosage for emu oil. Although emu oil has been used both topically and as an oral supplement, clinical studies are too limited to determine an effective dose, frequency or duration of use for treating any particular health condition.

Topical Use of Emu Oil

Emu oil is most commonly used externally as a skin-care or massage oil. For cosmetic use, a small amount can be applied to clean skin and gently massaged until absorbed. The amount needed depends on the size of the area and the formulation of the particular product.

Commercial creams, lotions and other products containing emu oil can vary greatly in concentration, so the directions supplied by the manufacturer should be followed rather than applying a universal dosage.

Because individual skin reactions vary, people trying pure emu oil for the first time may prefer to test a small amount on a limited area of skin before using it more extensively.

Emu Oil for Pain or Inflammation

Experimental studies have found anti-inflammatory effects from topical emu oil in animal models, but this research has not established a treatment dose for arthritis, muscle pain or other inflammatory conditions in humans.

Emu oil therefore should not be treated as a topical medication with a defined schedule such as applying a certain number of teaspoons every few hours. It can be used as a massage or cosmetic oil, but persistent joint or muscle pain may require a different approach depending on its cause.

Emu Oil Capsules and Oral Use

Emu oil is also sold in capsules and other oral supplement forms. However, there is currently no evidence-based standard daily oral dose of emu oil and insufficient clinical research to establish its effectiveness for a particular health condition.

Animal and laboratory studies have investigated oral emu oil in areas such as intestinal inflammation, but results from experimental models cannot be directly translated into a recommended human dose.

For this reason, taking one or two capsules per day should not be presented as a universal dosage. Anyone choosing an oral emu oil supplement should follow the amount stated on the individual product label and consider other dietary fats, supplements and medications being used.

More Is Not Necessarily Better

Emu oil is primarily a mixture of fatty acids. Increasing the amount does not necessarily increase any potential benefit, and a larger oral dose also increases calorie and fat intake.

The medically reviewed Drugs.com review of emu oil notes that clinical trials are insufficient to establish either topical or oral dosing recommendations.

For a broader overview of the oil, its composition and research, see Emu Oil.

This page provides general information and does not establish a medical dosage for emu oil.