Emu Oil
OTHER NAME(S): emu oil
Overview
Emu oil comes from the emu, a flightless bird native to Australia. Most products that contain emu oil are applied to the skin, although some are taken by mouth. The benefits of using emu oil for any purpose are not well defined, and it is not clear what side effects it may cause. Before using emu oil, make sure to tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any medicines or supplements you may be using.
Uses
What is emu oil used for?
Emu oil is used for various reasons, but its benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons for using emu oil include the following.
- Dry skin
- Muscle or joint pain
- To improve the health and appearance of the skin
Note: Emu oil is available as a dietary supplement and in skin care products. The FDA has not reviewed emu oil for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here. Learn more about cosmetics here.
How does emu oil work (mechanism of action)?
Emu oil comes from the fat underneath the skin of the emu, a flightless bird native to Australia. The oil is rich in polyunsaturated fats and also contains various nutrients, including carotenoids, flavonoids, and polyphenols. It is possible that these chemicals can act as antioxidants and help reduce swelling (inflammation). Most emu oil products are applied to the skin. Although some emu oil products are taken by mouth, the risks and benefits of these products are unclear.
Products containing emu oil are often applied to the skin to improve its appearance and reduce dryness. However, emu oil may not work any better than other popular oils, creams, and lotions that are used for these reasons. It is also unclear whether applying emu oil to the skin can help with muscle or joint pain. Very little research has been done to study the effects of emu oil, and its benefits are not well defined.
Natural substances, such as emu oil, contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific emu oil product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.
How should I store emu oil?
You should store emu oil according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of emu oil?
There is not enough research to know what side effects may be caused by emu oil. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.
There may be side effects of emu oil that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of emu oil?
While less common, the most serious side effects of emu oil are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Emu oil may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using emu oil and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Precautions
Who should not use emu oil?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use emu oil.
- Emu oil
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific emu oil products they stock.
What should I know about emu oil before using it?
Emu oil is available as a dietary supplement and in products that are applied to the skin. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.
Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.
Keep emu oil out of the reach of children.
Natural substances, such as emu oil, contain many different chemicals and nutrients. The amount of each chemical and nutrient in a specific product can change for many reasons, including the area where the emu lived, the types of foods that it ate, its level of activity throughout life, and the way that the oil was made. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.
The FDA has not tested emu oil products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.
What should I tell my health care provider before using emu oil?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if emu oil is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how emu oil could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if emu oil passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does emu oil interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between emu oil and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect emu oil.
Does emu oil interact with medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
The interactions between emu oil and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with emu oil is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking emu oil with any medicines.
Dosing
What should I do if I accidentally use too much emu oil?
If you or someone else has used too much emu oil, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to use emu oil safely. Do not use more than recommended.
References
- Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology: “Emu oil-based lotion effects on neonatal skin barrier during transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life.”
- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]: “Emu Oil.”
- Experimental Biology and Medicine: “Intestinal homeostasis is restored in mice following a period of intestinal growth induced by orally administered emu oil.”
- International Journal of Radiology Oncology, Biology, Physics: “Double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of processed ultra emu oil versus placebo in the prevention of radiation dermatitis.”
- Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatolology: “Emu oil: a novel therapeutic for disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.”
- Journal of Research in Medical Sciences: “Comparing the efficacy of emu oil with clotrimazole and hydrocortisone in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis: a clinical trial.”
- Supportive Care in Cancer: “Randomized phase II placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy of topical pure emu oil for joint pain related to adjuvant aromatase inhibitor use in postmenopausal women with early breast cancer: JUST (Joints Under Study).”