In traditional Australian aboriginal medicine, rendered emu fat is touted as a virtual panacea. Traditional healers believed that emu oil could eliminate infections, inflammation and many forms of skin disease. According to a 1998 report in the medical journal "Inflammopharmacology," scientific investigations have validated many of the historical uses of emu oil, including its use as a topical pain reliever. However, emu oil products are associated with several significant disadvantages.
Animal Welfare
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) opposes the farming of emus for their meat and oil. According to the ASPCA, non-domesticated animals experience unacceptable levels of stress during farming, capture and slaughter. Animal rights activists may reject the medicinal use of emu oil because of the harm it causes to emus.
Misleading Advertising
Some manufacturers and distributors of emu oil engage in deceptive advertising. In a consumer guide entitled "How to Spot Health Fraud," the U.S. Food and Drug Administration cites emu oil as an example of a "natural" product illegally promoted as a drug. The marketers in the example claimed that emu oil could cure Alzheimer's disease, cancer, diabetes, heart disease and infections. Some of these conditions are very serious and warrant treatment with conventional medical techniques; consumers should be wary of any unproven promoted as a "cure" for any disease.
Insufficient Evidence
According to "Inflammopharmacology," preliminary scientific evidence supports the use of emu oil as an arthritis treatment. However, the authors of the report acknowledge that more studies are needed before a firm recommendation can be made. No long-term, large-scale human studies have investigated the benefits and risks of routine emu oil use.
Inconsistent Quality
"Inflammopharmacology" reports that commercial emu oil products vary widely in their potency. Natural variations, poor manufacturing policies, product contamination and other factors can impact emu oil's medicinal potency. Because of this, some preparations may be inert, while others may be unusually powerful.
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