Emu oil is rich in antioxidants like carotenoids and polyunsaturated fats. It has long been used in many cultures to heal wounds and treat common skin disorders. Emu oil is believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties.
This article will go over the claims made about emu oil, and whether there is any scientific evidence to back up using emu oil as a supplement.
Purported Uses of Emu Oil
Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian nutritionist, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Emu oil is not approved by the FDA for any use. There are purported claims of uses for emu oil but the research on uses in humans is limited.
Emu oil has been studied in lab and animal studies for:
Mucositis (inflammation of the mouth) Inflammatory bowel disease Arthritis Skin health (e. g. , rash, dry, flaky skin) Lowering cholesterol Hair growth Insect removal Diabetes
There is NOT enough evidence to support using emu oil for any of the above conditions in people because there is a lack of human research.
More studies in humans would need to be done showing that it is safe and effective before emu oil could be recommended for certain health conditions.
What Are the Side Effects of Emu Oil?
Emu oil has not been thoroughly researched. It’s not known whether emu oil interacts with other medications and supplements that are taken by mouth or put on the skin.
Since there is not enough research, we don’t know about the short-term or long-term safety of using emu oil. It’s also not clear whether emu oil causes side effects.
If you’re using emu oil and think you are having side effects, stop using it and contact your healthcare provider.
Who Should Not Use Emu Oil?
If you’re pregnant or lactating, you should not take emu oil in any form. Children should not use these products either. There has not been enough research to show that it is safe and effective for these groups.
A 2016 study looked at using emu oil while breastfeeding. It found that putting emu-oil cream on the breasts’ areolas daily reduced cracking and bleeding. However, the researchers did not see if the emu oil was safe for the nursing infants.
If you want to use a cream to protect your skin while you’re breastfeeding, ask a lactation consultant or your healthcare provider. They can recommend options that have been proven to be safe and effective for you and your baby.
Dosage: How Much Emu Oil Should I Take?
There is not enough scientific evidence to determine a standard or appropriate dose of emu oil. More research is needed on dosages for specific health needs and populations.
Studies investigating emu oil have used varying amounts of the product. It’s also important to remember that animal test subjects are generally under medical supervision.
What Happens If I Take Too Much Emu Oil?
Since there is no set dose for emu oil, it is not known what amount of emu oil would be considered an overdose.
As a general guideline, never take more than the manufacturer’s recommended dosage of a supplement or product. Check your emu oil product label or insert for dosing guidelines.
If you experience side effects of any kind while you are using emu oil, stop using it and contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Emu Oil Interactions
There are no known interactions between emu oil and medications or other supplements; however, this is because there has not been enough research.
Please check with your healthcare provider before using emu oil if you have any questions or concerns.
It is essential to carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss any potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
How to Store Emu Oil
Store emu oil according to the manufacturer’s directions on the package. Throw it away according to the guidelines on the packaging (for example, a “best by” or “use by” date).
If the emu oil has changed color or consistency and/or has a spoiled smell (oils can go rancid), stop using it and throw it away.
Sources of Emu Oil & What to Look For
Emu oil comes in many topical applications, including unrefined oils and highly refined oils in glass dropper bottles. There are also emu oil sprays, moisturizing creams, and lotions enriched with emu oil. Emu oil can often be purchased online, at a health food store, or directly from a farmer.
Remember that supplement products are not strictly regulated in the U.S. once they are on the market. In some cases, a product could be contaminated or contain ingredients other than what is listed on the label.
It is illegal for any company to market a dietary supplement product as a treatment or cure for a specific disease.
Summary
Emu oil is a product made from refined fat from emus. Claims have been made about its uses for various health conditions, but research is lacking. As with other supplement products, emu oil is not approved by the FDA for any use.
While it’s been investigated in lab and animal studies for several purported uses, there is not enough human evidence to prove that emu oil is safe or works in humans.
Before purchasing emu oil, check with your healthcare provider to ensure it is appropriate for you to use. At this time, more research is needed before this supplement can be recommended for any use.
Unless a maker explains how they got the oil, it’s not possible to tell if the emu died for another reason or specifically so that the oil could be harvested.
Sometimes, a product can be contaminated or contain ingredients other than those listed on the label.
It’s important to purchase any supplement product from a trusted source. Look for products tested by a third party, such as USP, ConsumerLabs, or NSF.
Remember that it is illegal for any company to market a dietary supplement product as a treatment or cure for a specific disease.
