Emu oil has been valued for centuries as a food, medicine, preservative and energy source. In modern naturopathic medicine, health care providers may recommend emu oil as a treatment for a variety of ailments, particularly inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Few human trials have investigated the long-term benefits and risks of emu oil, and its use remains controversial among mainstream practitioners. Consult a qualified health care provider before using emu oil or any naturopathic remedy as a drug or dietary supplement.
History
According to a report published in the medical journal "Inflammopharmacology," aboriginal cultures of Australia have traditionally valued emu oil as a medicine. These hunter-gatherer groups historically hunted the emu for its meat and sinew; the hunters would then render the oil for use in medicine. In the 1990s, consumer interest in traditional medicine spawned a resurgence in the medicinal use of emu oil. It is now manufactured and sold throughout the Western world as a dietary supplement and over-the-counter topical drug.
Benefits
Scientific investigations have validated many of the traditional benefits associated with emu oil. According to "Inflammopharmacology," triglyceride fats in emu oil suppress arthritis symptoms and modulate autoimmune symptoms. Emu oil is an excellent natural source of linoleic acid, an anti-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid, and it may offer nutritional benefits as a fat source. However, more large-scale human studies are needed before scientists can firmly recommend emu oil as a treatment for any disease or condition.
Considerations
While emu oil shows promise as a topical, nontoxic treatment for arthritis, no studies have investigated its efficacy as a treatment for any other condition. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration highlighted emu oil in a consumer advisory entitled, "How to Spot Health Fraud." The authors of the report cited an emu oil manufacturer that claimed the product could cure serious illnesses such as cancer and diabetes. Patients interested in taking emu oil should understand that its medicinal use is largely unproven.
Controversy
Animal welfare organizations including the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) disapprove of farming emus for meat and oil. As a non-domesticated species, emus undergo extreme emotional and physical stress in captivity. The ASPCA reports that transportation and slaughter are unacceptably stressful for emus and other wild animals, so conscientious consumers may choose to avoid emu products.
Safety
Unlike most conventional treatment options, emu oil is associated with few or no known side effects. Most high-fat products, including emu oil and fish oil, can cause gastrointestinal distress. However, "Inflammopharmacology" reports that emu oil is not toxic to the stomach; it does not cause ulcers or stomach bleeding like common NSAID pain relievers. Additionally, emu oil presents none of the anticoagulant effects associated with these drugs and does not increase the risk of hemorrhage. Although preliminary evidence is encouraging, patients should use caution when taking any drug or supplement. No studies have investigated emu oil's long-term safety.
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