Aboriginal Australian cultures have used emu oil for centuries. The fatty tissues of this ostrich-like bird provide a rich, nontoxic source of healthy fats like linoleic acid. According to a report by the University of Queensland, emu oil appears to be an effective topical treatment for arthritis and poses few risks to the patient. However, there are many dangers and disadvantages associated with emu oil products. Consult your health care provider before using emu oil to treat any disease or condition.
Misuse and Deceptive Advertising
In the consumer guide "How to Spot Health Fraud," the U.S. Food and Drug Administration cites emu oil as a product that has been marketed as a drug without the approval of any governing body. An emu oil manufacturer claimed that the product cured a variety of serious illnesses, including cancer and AIDS. Patients who use emu oil in lieu of conventional therapies may experience serious illnesses or death. If you are sick, your health care provider may recommend emu oil as a complementary treatment. However, it cannot be a substitute for conventional medical care for people with life-threatening ailments.
Variations in Product Quality
The U.S. government regulates emu oil as a dietary supplement rather than as a drug. Manufacturers may take advantage of lax regulations by distributing products of dubious strength of efficacy. Scientists at the University of Queensland noted that commercial emu oil products vary considerably in their potency and purity; some products may be extremely effective, while others may be virtually inert. No government organization oversees the testing of emu oil products, so some may contain unapproved or dangerous contaminants. Seek emu oil brands that offer third-party verification of their products' strength and purity.
Danger to Animals and Handlers
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, emus and other nondomesticated animals undergo extreme stress when they are farmed for meat and oil. Because they are not domesticated, emus in captivity may display unusually aggressive behavior toward human handlers and other animals. While this poses no direct threat to the end-consumer, it places unnecessary strain on the emus and the people who raise and slaughter them.
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