Emu oil is said to have medicinal benefit and to be useful for various purposes. Although the emu is an Australian flightless bird, not all emu oil is of animal origin.

There are two different types of emu oil, with different origins. The first type is made by rendering down the fat of the emu. Vegetarian emu oil is also sold, made from a particular native plant.

Emu Oil – Primitive Miracle Elixir Or Carnival Snake Oil

The Emu is the national bird of Australia. But like other Ratites (ostrich, rhea, kiwi and cassowary) with flat breastbones and no wing muscles, it can’t fly. The species has been traced to the Outback some 80 million years ago.

Central to the Aborigines lives, the emu (Kaylala in Aborigine), provided food, clothing and shelter and a bit of mythological mystery.

According to Aboriginal mythology, before the creation of the sun, the world was barely lit by distant starts and the moon. The Emu and the Brolga – two earth creatures – had an argument over whose future chicks would be more important. In the heat of the argument, the Brolga grabbed an emu egg from the nest and hurled it into the sky. The egg erupted, the yolk bursts into flames, the flames ignited piles of wood from the Sky People. And thus, the sun was created.

In the 1990’s emu farms joined the U.S. agricultural landscape to offer a healthier alternative to red meat. Nearly 100% of the emu is utilized. The meat is eaten, the feathers are used for a variety of clothing and commercial products, the toenails and beaks are used for jewelry, the bones are used for pet treats, and the fat - we'll get to that…

Aborigines oral history dating back tens of thousands of years extols the therapeutic qualities of emu oil. Emu skins were draped from trees and the heat of the sun was used to melt oil out of the thick pad of fat on the birds back. The oil was used to treat burns, cuts, bruises, dry skin, muscle aches, inflamed joints and arthritic pain.

From The City To The Outback

In the early 1960’s, a young Australian physician ventured into the harsh environment of the Outback to open a clinic for Aborigines. He found they all had beautiful, healthy, soft skin. 80 year olds had the skin of a 30 year old. There was rarely any skin problems such as cancer, acne, psoriasis or eczema. Why?… according to the Aborigines, it was the emu oil.

The doctor brought some oil back to study in University labs.

The earliest reported research was done by Dr. Peter Ghosh at the University of Sydney and Dr Michael Whitehouse at the University of Adelaide.

All That and More - The Growing Claims of Emu Oil

Emu oil has since traveled well beyond the Outback. It’s a completely natural substance which is being used by pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacturers as well as physicians and compounding pharmacists (pharmacists that make custom medications).

Dr. Barry Sears, researcher and author of Zone Diet books, claims "Emu Oil is an untapped resource and currently now is where aspirin was in the early 1900's."

The miracle of emu oil claims are quite extensive for a single product as well as multi-modal.

As a skin care/cosmetic product, emu oil is nutritive, healing and anti-aging. As a dietary supplement, the oil supplies Essential Fatty Acids. As a medical application, emu oil is pain relieving, anti-inflammatory, burn and wound healing and has even been shown to grow hair.

We’ll look at some of the results from the research labs and some clinical experience of various practicing doctors. But first, let’s look at the composition of the oil and the healing modalities.

That Politically In-Correct Word… FAT

“Fat” has become a highly-charged word in many Western societies, particularly when it comes to what we eat. The depth of that topic is beyond the scope here. But what you do need to understand is the human body needs and uses fat. There are different kinds of fat which can roughly be categorized into good fats and bad fats. The body uses fats for both structural and functional needs.

Structurally, the cells in our body are made of fat. Some fats can be derived from proteins and carbohydrates. But some fats can only come from our diet. If we don’t get these “essential” fats in our diet, cell wall structures become impaired and much like gapping holes in the walls of your home, this is not a good thing.

Functionally, we need fat to produce hormones. Among other things, hormones are involved in the inflammation process and healing as well as cell growth and dying.

The Essential Omegas

There are two types of fat the body cannot produce and must get through diet– Omega 3 (Linolenic) and Omega 6 (Linoleic). Because the body cannot produce them, these are called “Essential Fatty Acids”. (The Omega designation relates to the chemical structure of the fat).

These Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are preferred by the body to manufacture enzymes and hormones. EFAs are also used to produce the hormone-like substance prostaglandins, which are used to regulate heart rate, blood pressure, blood clotting, fertility, conception, and immune functions.

And EFAs are needed to maintain the integrity of the cell wall. Without sufficient EFAs cell walls develop leakages and cannot efficiently eliminate toxins and cleanse the blood.

Emu Oil and Human Skin – More Similar Than Different

In studies done at Auburn University, Dr. Paul Smith, Dr. Margaret Craig-Schmidt and Amanda Brown demonstrated that the fatty acid composition of emu oil was very similar to the composition of human skin oil.

Emu oil is approximately 70% unsaturated fatty acids. The largest component is Oleic acid – a mono-unsaturated fatty acid. Emu oil also contains about 20% Linoleic (Omega 6) acid and 1-2% Linolenic (Omega 3) acid.

Additionally, the oil contains Vitamins A & E – anti-oxidants, Sapogens – skin softeners and Terpines – antiseptics.

When considering why emu oil works Dr. Leigh Hopkins, a Compounding Pharmacist and Clinical Professor of Pharmacology, believes it’s important to recognize that emu oil is one of the basic food groups many Western societies are choosing to severely limit. We’re consuming more of the not good fats and less of the good fats – particularly the Essential Fatty Acids.

Emu Oil Characteristics and Modalities of Action

The main characteristics of emu oil are:
- ability to penetrate the skin
- non-comedogenic (comВ·eВ·doВ·genВ·ic) - does not clog pores
- hypo-allergenic
- natural anti-inflammatory, pain relieving
- highly moisturizing, natural emollient, stimulates skin growth
- good emulsifier

Ability to penetrate the skin. Emu oil is nearly 100% triglyceride which means it is a nearly neutral lipid. Pharmacist and oil researcher Allen Strickland notes there is no phospherous in our skin. Emu oil is as well, non-phospherous which allows it to penetrate the skin. Most cosmetics and any petroleum based products contain phosphor-lipids and are blocked from fully penetrating through the layers of skin.

The oil is a rich source of EFAs and has fatty acid properties similar to human skin. Close to 50% of emu oil is Oleic acid. According to Dr. Craig-Schmidt of Auburn University, Oleic acid enhances the transport of bio-active compounds through the skin. Oleic acid is also anti-inflammatory.

In fact, emu oil has been used as a transport for other compounds. Dr. Dan Rivlin Head of Dermatopathology at Miami's Mt. Sinai Hospital and Professor at the University of Miami Medical School and Julie Brumlik of Dremu have a patent on emu oil and lidocaine. It’s the only penetrating topical anesthesia that works anywhere on the body. Anesthesias such as lidocaine have always been administered by injection.

Non-comedogenic. Emu oil does not clog pores, and therefore does not cause pimples. Other popular oils used in cosmetics such as mineral oil and rubbing oils do clog the pores. Studies done at University of Texas Medical School at Houston produced observational and histological scores of less than 1 which indicates emu oil is a substance not likely to produce a comedogenic response.

Hypo-allergenic. Even at full strength, emu oil has been shown to have irritation levels equivalent to water with no known side effects. Dr. G. R. Hobday of Australia used emu oil in his practice with over 500 patients over the span of 10 years and reported no allergic reactions.

Anti-inflammatory, pain relief. Emu oil reduces pain, swelling and joint and muscle stiffness. Oleic acid is anti-inflammatory and Linolenic acid (Omega 3) eases muscle and joint pain. The potency of the anti-inflammatory effect is similar to ibuprofen – without the side effects.

In a 1993 study done by Dr. Peter Ghosh at Royal North Shore Hospital of Sydney, Australia and Dr. Michael Whitehouse at University of Adelaide, Australia to “Determine the Anti-Arthritic Activity of New Emu Oil Formulation”, the results showed that emu oil had eliminated 100% of arthritic joint swelling in 17 days. And joints and bone pain experienced by patients was completely relieved in 14 days.

Highly moisturizing, natural emollient, rejuvenates skin. The skin is our largest organ (about 17,000 square centimeters for the average person) and is composed of layers.

The first layer – the external layer we see – is the epidermis. The second layer is the dermis. These layers are joined together by “rete pegs” which give the skin tautness and elasticity. The skin gets thinner as we age causing the rete pegs to disappear and the skin to sag and wrinkle.

Professor of Medicine, Physiology, and Dermatology at Boston University School of Medicine Dr. Michael Holick was able to show that emu oil could slow aging and thinning of the skin by 30%. As well, the oil helps grow back the rete pegs and reduces the slackening or looseness of skin that makes wrinkles occur.

Emu oil is also highly moisturizing which plumps up the epidermis making it smoother and softer.

Various skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, keloids, epithelialized wounds and burns have responded well to emu oil treatments. According to Dr. Leigh Hopkins, “The healing has to be occurring within the dermis (skin's lower levels), and in the cells that are viable, that is, cells that can divide.”

Dr. John Griswold of the Timothy J. Harner Burn Center At Texas Tech University Medical Center in a nine month study of 10 burn patients showed the patients unanimously favored emu oil. Additionally, the oil allowed better reduction of scarring and inflammation as compared to the standard treatment.

Good emulsifier. Emu oil has good blendability which means it can be blended with other ingredients to form a cream that does not feel oily on the skin, but still penetrates the skin.

Some of the Published Research

Dr. William Code. Emu Cream Assists Lidocaine: Local Anesthetic Absorption through Human Skin. Emu oil based cream combined with spearmint oil and lidocaine produced a reduced sensation compared to a mixture without emu oil.

Dr. Alexander Zemtsov, Indiana University School of Medicine: Dr. Monica Gaddis, Ball Memorial Hospital; and Dr. Victor Montalvo-Lugo, Ball Memorial Hospital. Moisturizing and Cosmetic Properties of Emu Oil: A Double Blind Study. Comedogenicity of emu oil was significantly lower than that of mineral oil and all subjects stated a preference for emu oil.

Dr. Michael Holick, M.D, Ph.D., Professor of Medicine, Physiology, and Dermatology at Boston University School of Medicine. A study looking at factors that stimulate and inhibit skin and hair growth using emu oil and corn oil. "We found that there was about a 20% increase in DNA synthesis, which means that there was a 20% increase in the proliferative activity, or the growth activity of the skin in the animals that received (a processed emu oil), compared to the animals that received corn oil,"

Dr. Leigh Hopkins, American Emu Association Oil Standards Team. Composition of Emu Oil: The Micro View. Comparing emu oil to human skin oil, the fatty acid composition is quite similar. In both oils, mono-unsaturated oleic acid is the most prevalent fatty acid, followed by palmitic acid, then linoleic acid (Omega 6). The similarity may be one of the factors contributing to the positive effects of emu oil on human skin.

Dr. Thom Leahey, Arthritis Clinic Ardmore Oklahoma. In a two week, double blind, placebo controlled study of arthritis patients, seven of twelve reported significant reduction of pain, swelling and morning stiffness compared to one of eight placebo users.

Dr. Elton J. Lormand, Advanced ENT and Facial Surgery Institute, Cullman Alabama. Research showed a lessening of radiation burns in patients who applied emu oil prior to head and neck radiation treatment compared to patients who did not.

Dr. John Griswold, Timothy J. Harner Burn Center At Texas Tech University Medical Center. Long term study found a statistically significant difference in scar reduction and inflammation in emu oil treated wounds of burn victims.

Some of the Reported Clinical Experiences

Dr. Esta Kronberg, Houston Texas Dermatologist. Began using emu oil for sunburn patients. "When I realized how well it fights inflammation, I began using it for many different problems, all with good results. It works quickly, our patients have been really pleased, and they are intrigued because it is a natural substance." In addition to first and second degree burns, Dr. Kronberg has had good success with rosacea patients. "Even though it is an oil, it seems to heal inflamed, ruddy and raw skin.”

Dr. Marlin Dimond, Glendale Arizona Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon. Emu oil quickly healed the incisions on a double mastectomy patient with minimal scarring and put her 3-4 weeks ahead of schedule for reconstructive surgery.

Dr. Dan Dean, Shepard Michigan. After emu oil saved his thoroughbred race horse – regrowing it’s hair and returning it’s stamina following an allergic reaction – Dr. Dean further researched the oil and began using it with patients. He routinely uses it with skin sores, ulcerations, abrasions and burns. When an 80 year old diabetic with gangrene of the toes and serious heel ulceration, scheduled for a foot amputation was referred to him, he was able to heal the foot with emu oil and save it from amputation.

Not All Emu Oil Is Created Equal

The consumer emu industry is quite young, and as such, reflects a broad diversity of quality. The American Emu Association was formed in large part to establish standards for the young and growing industry in the United States. Recently, the World Emu Association has formed.

A quick search engine query on “emu products” produces offerings primarily from emu farms that raise the birds and began selling emu oil products as well. There aren’t many companies with product experience that are using emu oil in their product line.

When it comes to the quality of emu oil, there are two major factors: the quality of the bird and the quality of the oil refining.

The quality of the bird. As with any other poultry or livestock – was it free range raised, how was it fed, was it given any hormones, antibiotics or steroids. A free ranged bird fed organically will have higher Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids. Hormones and steroids are stored in fats so you don’t want them used on the birds as traces will be present in the oil.

The quality of the refining. The purpose of refining is to remove impurities from the oil without removing or damaging any of the beneficial properties. There’s a significant amount of diversity among the refining processes used and hence, the finished oil products.

“Purity” simply refers to the strength of emu oil. 100% pure means it has not been diluted. “Processing” simply means that the fat was cooked to liquefy it and then strained (clarified).

Refining oil is a multi-stage process. An oil not refined well can carry harmful bacterial and/or can get rancid quickly. When the oil is used in a cream, other ingredients may mask the rancid smell.

The oil can be processed using either caustic chemicals such as lye, or using natural clays. Any chemicals used in the process will leave remnants. While it’s obvious you wouldn’t want to ingest any harmful chemicals, you should also keep in mind that emu oil penetrates the skin. Thus, topical application - like ingestion - will carry chemicals into the body. In fact, the role of the liver is to filter and detoxify. However, bacteria and toxins absorbed through the skin do not pass through the liver.

In another stage of refining the oil is heated to a high enough temperature to eliminate any foreign bacteria, but not too high to lessen the oil integrity. Emu oil is naturally bacteriostatic. Once any foreign bacteria is removed, no bacteria will grow.

Most of the products on the market claim to meet the above characteristics which is the “Fully Refined” standard of the American Emu Association. An additional process which is somewhat new to the emu industry, but is more common in the refining of other animal and plant oils is Molecular Distillation.

David Casilio, MS in Manufacturing Technology from Rochester Institute of Technology states, "to remove odor and not destroy the penetrating properties of emu oil requires a special distillation process that lowers the pressure, which therefore lowers the evaporation temperature. It was found that a high vacuum centrifugal molecular still gave the best results."

In a study which used batches of what was claimed to be “Fully Refined” oil from three different refiners, the process of molecular distillation removed 3-10% additional impurities from the samples. Clearly, the standard of “Fully Refined” still allows for some impurities.

Few manufacturers have added this additional refining method. It does add cost to the refining process, but obviously yields a superior, safer product.

What To Look For

Being a young industry, quality standards are not as evolved as typical products on the drug store shelf. Thus, it’s even more imperative to heed the advice: buyer beware.

What should you look for…

You want to be sure the emus were humanely raised and free of steroids, hormones and antibiotics.

The processing facilities should be USDA and FDA approved.

The refining process should not use caustic chemicals or exceedingly high heat. No synthetic anti-oxidants or preservatives should be used. The additional procedure of Molecular Distillation is strongly preferred.

The product manufacturer should maintain on file a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) which documents properties and test data of each oil batch.

The product should offer a money back satisfaction guarantee.

While it is a natural substance, it is an animal product and thus, not vegetarian.

Bibliography

EmuPharm, Why Emu Oil Works, Dr. Leigh Hopkins

Explore Magazine, Volume 8 Number 1 1997, Emu Oil: The Undiscovered Secret, Serena DuBois

Nexus Magazine, Volume 6 Number 3, April/May 1999, Food For The Skin – An Absorbing Report, Maurice J. Czarniak BSc, BPharm, FPS

Emu Oil Institute, The Latest Technologies Come To Emu Oil Refining, David L. Long

American Oil Chemist Society Newsletter on Ratites, Processing of Ratite Oils, E. Hernandez, Food Protein R & D Center Texas A & M University

American Emu Association News, September 1994, October/November 1994, March 1995.

Emu, Today and Tomorrow, November 1994, July 1995, October 1995, February 1996.

Experimental Study to Determine the Anti-Arthritic Activity of New Emu Oil Formulation, 1993, Dr. Peter Ghosh at Royal North Shore Hospital of Sydney, Australia and Dr. Michael Whitehouse at University of Adelaide, Australia

Moisturizing and Cosmetic Properties of Emu Oil: A Double Blind Study, 1994, Dr. Alexander Zemtsov, Indiana University School of Medicine: Dr. Monica Gaddis, Ball Memorial Hospital; and Dr. Victor Montalvo-Lugo, Ball Memorial Hospital

Composition of Emu Oil: The Micro View, 1997, Dr. Leigh Hopkins, AEA Oil Standards Team

Emu Cream Assists Lidocaine: Local Anesthetic Absorption through Human Skin, 1997, Dr. William Code