Six verified advantages of emu oil:
** strait up, let's talk emu oil**
Ever wondered what the big fuss about emu oil is? Here's the lowdown on this unique oil, derived from the creature you'd usually spot at the zoo - the emu. Believe it or not, it packs a punch when it comes to skincare and potentially broader health benefits. Dive in and discover its potential uses and tips for selecting quality products without any BS.
So, what's the deal with this bird oil, anyway?
Emu oil - the bomb-ass body oil and supplement
Emu oil comes from the goodness of emu fat. Yes, you read that right - it's made from an ostrich-like bird native to Australia.
This oil is hella hydrating, helping lock in moisture for your skin and possibly reducing the appearance of skin aging. You can pick it up at pharmacies, grocery stores, or online; just be selective with quality products that don't contain nasty chemicals or fragrances. Generally, it's considered safe for use on skin, but do a patch test to ensure your skin doesn't have a reaction.
Understanding Emu Oil
Emu oil is a bright yellow liquid extracted from the emu, an ostrich-like, flightless bird native to Australia. It's mainly composed of fat taken from deposits beneath the skin. Post fat extraction, the liquid gets filtered, refined, and processed, removing bacteria and contaminants, leaving pure emu oil. Some oils undergo greater processing, which influences the oil's level of essential fatty acids.
What's in emu oil?
Emu oil is brimming with unsaturated fatty acids. It's a fantastic source of:
- oleic acid
- palmitic acid
- linoleic acids
- antioxidants like flavones, polyphenols, carotenoids, tocopherol, and phospholipids
These powerful compounds give emu oil its impressive health benefits.
What can you use emu oil for?
Emu oil is versatile AF - check it!
- Hydrates the skin: Helps keep your skin plump and moisturized.
- Insect repellent: Contains terpenes, a molecule that may deter some bugs; however, it has the potential to attract mosquitoes.
- Treats seborrheic dermatitis: A 2013 study found that emu oil might alleviate symptoms like itching, scaling, and redness associated with seborrheic eczema.
- Relieves digestive disease symptoms: Reduced ulcerative colitis symptoms in mice in a study, and another animal study indicated that a combo of emu oil and aloe vera eased Crohn's disease symptoms in rats. Further research is required to explore its effects in humans.
- Prevention of skin aging: Promotes the generation of collagen, helping skin maintain its elasticity and youthfulness. Its antioxidant properties might also fight aging caused by free radicals, but we need more research.
- Stimulates hair and nail growth: A study with mice found that emu oil encourages hair and nail growth. Though, more research is needed for definitive results.
Using emu oil
Emu oil is a breeze to use. Add it to your regular skincare regimen with these options:
- Brush it through your hair
- Apply it to your cuticles and nail beds
- Mist some emu oil solution onto your scalp
- Mix some in your creams, lotions, and oils
- Gently pat some under and around your eyes
- Massage it into your skin after your usual moisturizer
Where to buy and what to look for
Emu oil has become popular, so you can find it at local pharmacies, grocery stores, or online. Quality bottles typically cost $10 to $30 and can last up to 2 years. Select suppliers with reputable refinement processes, and focus on ethical farming practices. A contaminated product can cause irritation like hives or rashes.
Opt for brands certified by the American Emu Association. Their website provides a list of approved vendors.
Is emu oil safe?
Emu oil is generally considered safe for topical use, but there is a chance it can trigger skin irritation or an allergic reaction, particularly when using a low-quality product. Always run a patch test before applying it extensively. Apply a small amount behind your ear or on the inside of your arm and wait 24 hours to check for a reaction.
Cautionary Notes:
- Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult a healthcare provider before using emu oil.
- For those with psoriasis, eczema, or open cuts, consult a doctor before using emu oil.
tldr
Emu oil is oil derived from emu fat. It provides impressive hydration and possibly reduces signs of skin aging. Research suggests it may stimulate hair and nail growth, but more research is needed to confirm its effects.
Always do a patch test before using emu oil and opt for high-quality products without contaminants or harsh additives.
Emu oil is generally considered safe, but consult a healthcare provider if you have a skin condition or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Emu oil, derived from an ostrich-like bird called the emu, is packed with skincare benefits and potentially broader health advantages.
- This oil contains unsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid, palmitic acid, and linoleic acids, as well as antioxidants such as flavones, polyphenols, carotenoids, tocopherol, and phospholipids.
- The versatile emu oil can be used for various purposes, including hydrating the skin, acting as an insect repellent, treating seborrheic dermatitis, and potentially relieving digestive disease symptoms.
- Some animal studies suggest emu oil may help alleviate symptoms of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, but further research is needed to explore its effects in humans.
- Emu oil also has anti-aging properties, possibly fighting aging caused by free radicals due to its antioxidant content, and may stimulate hair and nail growth.
- To use emu oil, you can add it to your hair, skincare products, or apply it directly to your skin, being mindful to start with a small amount for a patch test, particularly if you have sensitive skin.
- When purchasing emu oil, seek out verified suppliers with reputable refinement processes, ethical farming practices, and consider brands certified by the American Emu Association.
