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The emu, which is a fast running and
flightless bird native to Australia is currently being farmed on a
worldwide basis for its valuable oil, leather and low-fat, high protein
meat. Obtained from the large bird's thick layers of fat, the oil is
rich in essential fatty acids. Thousand of years ago, the native
Australians used this oil to heal wounds and for protection from the wind,
sun and other weather elements.
However,
in the tropical countries, the oil is mostly used to treat minor cuts,
irritations and to moisturize the skin. Some manufacturers claimed that
the oil can also help to relieve pain, arthritis treatment, reduce
cholesterol in our body, and reverse the sign of ageing by thickening the
skins and reducing wrinkles. There are also some who market it for
diabetes treatment, Lyme disease and attention deficit disorder.
The oil
is available in the form of lotions, shampoos, creams, lip balms, soaps
and also in capsules to be taken, which can contain 500mg to 1g of the
oil.
The
American Emu Association says that the oil has no side effects, but
however no careful studies have examined the supplement's safety in human.
Few
scientific studies of emu oil exist. Laboratory investigations have shown
that it can help reduce swelling and speed healing of wounds in some
rodents. A study in humans showed that the oil is a strong moisturizer
that most participants found preferable to mineral oil. There is no
clinical evidence supporting other claims about the oil.
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