Emu oil is a versatile product derived from the rendered and refined fat of the emu, a flightless bird related to the ostrich. The bird is indigenous to Australia. The commercial farming of emus gained broader practice during the 1980s and is now a global industry. The American Emu Association states that the oil has healing, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. It is used in cosmetics and body treatments.
Source
The emu is a flightless bird indigenous to Australia. Like other birds belonging to the ratite group of birds, such as ostriches, rhea and kiwi, it can run fairly quickly---up to 30 miles per hour---and has feathers that appear similar to hair because of their structure. They are raised on farms in many parts of the world including the United States. They are raised primarily as a source of lean meat and for the oil made from their rendered and refined fat. Their claws, feathers and leather made from their skin are also sold commercially.
Good Fat
Three gallons (13.6 liters) of oil can be rendered and refined from the fat present in an emu's body. Cosmetics and alternative medicinal treatments include emu oil in their recipes, because of its perceived beneficial effects. The oil's high linoleic acid content, composed of omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 essential fatty acids, make it beneficial for those seeking to lower their cholesterol. Research conducted at the Center for Health and Disease at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell supports the anecdotal claims that emu oil possesses anti-inflammatory, healing and anti-aging properties.
Uses
Human skin is composed of three layers, epidermis, dermis, and subcutnaeous fat. When applied to the skin, emu oil passes easily through the exterior layer of skin, the epidermis, to the lower dermis where nerves and blood vessels connect to the skin and the subcutnaeous fat level where the skin attaches to muscle and bone. This makes it an excellent choice for body care and and alternative treatments, because the oil acts as a carrier for the active ingredients. Lotions, soaps, shampoos and skin treatments containing emu oil are sold to treat psoriasis, hair loss, acne, fine lines and wrinkles, and arthritis. Pure emu oil and emu oil supplements are also available.
Regulation
Vendor members of the American Emu Association abide by three rules in their manufacture and trade of emu oil. One rule states that crude emu oil must meet the association's specifications in order to be eligible for further refinement and trade. Another rule outlines the grading system applied to emu oil in order to determine the applications for which the oil can be used, soap or industrial, cosmetic or nutritional and pharmaceutical. The third details the standard trade net weights for emu oil. Additional rules define how the oil is packaged, transported and delivered.
The American Emu Association also offers a certification program based on these rules. Certified emu oil has been tested by an American Oil Chemist Society chemist for compliance with the grading system. It is assigned a batch number for tracking. Participants are also required to keep a record and sample of their certified batches for two years.
Availability
Emu oil products are not widely available. Individuals who want to try them have two options. They can search for local vendors---usually smaller health food stores and alternative therapies and alternative medicines providers. If a local supplier is not available, several options exist on the internet. As with any purchase made online, it is best to seek reputable vendors (see Resources).
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