Emu Oil Health Benefits

Emu Oil Health Benefits

Emu oil has a long history of topical use and has attracted scientific interest because of its fatty-acid composition, moisturizing properties and possible anti-inflammatory activity. It is widely used in skin-care products, massage oils, creams and lotions.

However, many health claims historically made for emu oil are based on traditional use, laboratory research or animal studies rather than large clinical trials in humans. The evidence is therefore much stronger for describing emu oil as an emollient and cosmetic oil than for presenting it as a treatment for specific diseases.

Moisturizing and Emollient Properties

One of the most straightforward benefits of emu oil is its ability to act as an emollient. Oils help soften the outer layers of the skin and reduce the dry or rough feeling associated with loss of surface lipids.

Emu oil contains substantial amounts of oleic acid and linoleic acid along with other fatty acids. This composition contributes to the way the oil spreads across and interacts with the skin. Emu oil is only one of many oils used as emollients in skin care. Other oils commonly used for this purpose include jojoba oil, grapeseed oil and argan oil, although their fatty-acid profiles and skin feel differ considerably.

Possible Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Several experimental studies have reported anti-inflammatory effects from topical emu oil. In animal models, emu oil has reduced some measurements of inflammation and inflammatory signaling.

These results are scientifically interesting, but most of this research has been conducted in mice or rats. They do not establish emu oil as an equivalent to ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medications in humans.

Emu oil may be comfortable to use as a massage oil around tired muscles and joints, but it should not be described as a proven treatment for arthritis or chronic pain.

Skin Care

Emu oil is used in cosmetics for dry skin and as an ingredient in creams, lotions, soaps and other topical preparations. A small human patch-test study found no significant skin sensitization from a single application of the tested emu oil, although a small safety study cannot establish that every product will be suitable for every person.

Claims that emu oil can eliminate acne, eczema, wrinkles, age spots, scars or stretch marks are much less certain. Moisturizing the skin may improve softness and appearance, but that is different from treating a diagnosed skin disorder or permanently removing scars.

Wounds and Burns

Research into emu oil and wound healing has produced mixed results, and much of it has involved animals. Some experimental studies have reported reduced inflammation or changes in wound healing, while others have found delayed healing under particular conditions.

A small randomized human pilot study also investigated emu oil in patients receiving radiation therapy. It suggested that topical use was feasible and generally safe, but did not establish a clear clinical advantage over the comparison oil. Larger studies were considered necessary.

Emu oil therefore should not be considered a substitute for appropriate care of burns, open wounds or infected skin.

Hair and Scalp

Emu oil is included in some shampoos, conditioners and scalp products because it functions as an oil and conditioning ingredient. Experimental research has explored its possible effects on hair follicles and its use as a carrier for other ingredients.

There is not enough clinical evidence, however, to conclude that emu oil by itself prevents or reverses human hair loss.

Oral Emu Oil

Research has also explored oral emu oil in experimental models of gastrointestinal inflammation and tissue injury. These studies have generated scientific interest, but human clinical evidence remains insufficient to recommend oral emu oil for inflammatory bowel disease or other medical conditions.

The current evidence is summarized in the medically reviewed Drugs.com monograph on emu oil and in published research on emu oil and gastrointestinal inflammation.

What Are the Most Realistic Benefits?

Based on current evidence, the most realistic reasons for using emu oil are as a moisturizing topical oil, an ingredient in cosmetic formulations and a massage oil. Its fatty-acid composition and experimental anti-inflammatory properties remain interesting areas of research.

That is considerably different from claiming that emu oil cures dozens of diseases. For many of the broader therapeutic claims made about it, good-quality human studies are still needed.

Read more about the oil itself, its production and composition on the Emu Oil overview.