Emu Oil Reference Guide

Emu Oil

Emu oil comes from the emu, a prehistoric bird that is thought to have roamed the outback of Australia nearly 80 million years ago and still exists today.

Much like the Native Americans' relationship with the bison, the Aborigines of Austrailia looked upon the emu as the core of their very existence. The emu provided them with food, clothing, shelter and spiritual sustenance.

Emu oil is rendered from the thick layer of subcutaneous fat on the back of the bird. Most commonly, it is used for the production of cosmetics but has also been proven to have medical properties, as an intensive pain reliever used in the treatment of chronic arthritis, strains, sprains, and muscle pain. It is also widely used as a wound healing accelerant.

Emu oil is a good emollient and water-binding agent with anti-inflammatory properties. However, not all emu oil sold on the market today is of animal origin.

Valued for thousands of years by the Australia’s native Aborigines for its healing powers, emu oil offers many natural qualities to help that can be beneficial to one’s health.

Emu oil is a proven anti-inflammatory, with effects comparable to that of ibuprofen;

a bacteriostatic, meaning that it does not promote the growth of bacteria; a Hypoallergenic, which means it is not known to cause skin irritation or have any side effects; a highly penetrating oil that absorbs without leaving a greasy feel; and a non-comedogenic, meaning that it does not clog pores.

Emu oil naturally contains Vitamin E, which is a major antioxidant and healing agent; Vitamin A, a known skin repairer and antioxidant; Linoleic acid, which helps to ease muscle aches and joint pain; Oleic acid, which is a proven skin cell regenerator and anti-wrinkle agent; Sapogens, proven skin softeners; and Terpines, known antiseptics.

Emu oil products make wonderful moisturizers that can smooth and condition rough elbows, knees and heels; soften and moisturize hands and cuticles; reduce the itching and flakiness associated with dry skin; and protect the face and hands from wind and weather.

Best of all, emu oil skin care products contain powerful antioxidants, as well as a known skin cell regenerator and anti-wrinkle agent, helping to improve the condition of aging skin. Offering both skin-thickening and moisturizing properties, emu oil skin care products help counter the wrinkles and dry, scaly, thinning skin that commonly occur with aging by moisturizing, lubricating and replenishing dry or irritated skin on the face, hands and body: and by preventing additional moisture loss by forming a protective barrier.

Naturally enriched with pain relieving and anti-inflammatory agents, emu oil products also reduce discomfort and soothe sore muscles and joints offering a fast respite from leg cramps, muscle aches, pains and pulls. Used increasingly in sports medicine, emu oil products are applied by professional sports teams and fitness centers around the world.

Finally, the natural bacteriostatic, anti-inflammatory and cell regeneration properties of emu oil help repair minor wounds quickly and with less scarring. These same qualities have also been shown to help reverse the effects of hair loss as well as certain chronic skin disorders. In addition, these properties can help:

- lessen the pain and scarring of burns and sunburns

- alleviate the discomfort of eczema, psoriasis, diaper rash and shingles

- reduce pain and infection from insect bites & stings

- assist in the repair of skin damage, including scars, wrinkles and stretch marks