(NaturalNews) Used for thousands of years by the Aborigine of Australia, emu oil treats a wide variety of skin issues, from scars to wrinkles and eczema. And yet, if we only utilize the oil topically, a whole spectrum of health benefits is missed. Allergies, inflammation, arthritis, headaches and cardiovascular disease all respond to this unusual oil.

Derived from an ostrich-like bird native to Australia, emu oil is rich in fatty acids -- such as linoleic, oleic and stearic acids. Due to its composition, emu oil provides exceptional skin penetrability, which in turn encourages remarkable benefits. Emu oil is known to reduce:

• inflammation,
• bruising,
• muscle pain and
  
• stiffness.

The oil also tackles stubborn cases of eczema, acne and wrinkles. Similarly, emu oil improves the appearance of scars, burns, stretch marks and sun damage. Many of these benefits are attributed to high levels of the following:

Vitamin A -- helps repair skin damage through antioxidant properties

Oleic acid -- regenerates skin cells and prevents wrinkles

Sapogens -- agents that soften the skin

Linoleic acid -- eases muscle and joint pain

Terpine -- provides antiseptic action

For all that, the rewards of emu oil aren't just skin deep. Taken internally, the oil alleviates an impressive number of health complaints.

Additional advantages

What makes emu oil so special is the ability to soothe inflammation within the body. According to this study, when lab animals were given emu oil, chemotherapy-induced intestinal damage was significantly diminished. The team discovered that acute inflammation of the intestines and mucosal architecture greatly improved with the ingestion of the oil. The researchers concluded that emu oil is a viable nutritional supplement for the treatment of intestinal disorders.

Another study at the University of Massachusetts found that a diet of emu and olive oil was more effective at lowering cholesterol than coconut oil. Hamsters were fed either 10 percent coconut oil or refined emu and olive oils, along with 0.05 percent cholesterol, for eight weeks. The animals given the emu and olive oil diet had reduced aortic cholesterol ester concentrations and notably lower plasma cholesterol, compared with the coconut oil-fed animals.

Moreover, testimonials have shown that internal use of emu oil also relieves:

• carpal tunnel syndrome,
• gum disease,
• migraine headaches,
• high blood pressure and
• and rheumatoid arthritis.

Not all emu oils are equal, however. Since different grades of the oil are available, it's important to source from a reputable company. Lower-quality examples are often blended with other oils or use inferior processing practices. Instead, opt for brands that are triple-refined without chemicals and have an "A" grade rating.

Sources:

http://www.sciencedirect.com

http://www.google.com

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

http://www.google.com

http://undergroundhealthreporter.com

http://www.earthclinic.com

http://www.google.com

About the author:
Carolanne believes if we want to see change in the world, we need to be the change. As a nutritionist, wellness coach and natural foods chef, she has encouraged others to embrace a healthy lifestyle of green living for over 13 years. Through her website www.Thrive-Living.net she looks forward to connecting with other like-minded people who share a similar vision.

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