Emu are large flightless birds that are native to Australia. Think of them as an angry ostrich. The Karen of the bird world, if you will. They are a member of the Ratite family. They can grow over six feet, weigh upwards of one hundred and thirty pounds, and have razor-sharp claws. They are modern-day dinosaurs. The Australian army tried to fight them and lost. That's not a joke. Enjoy reading about the emu war; it's a great rabbit hole to go down.
What Is Emu Oil?
Emu oil is derived from the layer of fat between the muscle groups and skin of both male and female emu. That felt is processed and turned into oil. Emu oil has been prized for centuries for its rich nutrient content and fantastic skin benefits. The Aboriginal peoples in Australia have used it in countless ways for a very long time. When emus are killed for food, the fat is used to make emu oil. Their fat is a byproduct, and emu is not killed just to make emu oil, despite false claims on certain websites that emu is only used for their fat. Nothing is wasted; the entire animal is used.
Refined Versus Unrefined Emu Oil
Before we get too much into all things emu oil, it’s important to note that there is a big difference between unrefined and refined emu oil. We define unrefined (for the purposes of this article) as leaving the naturally occurring full range of compounds and nutrients in the emu oil. Nearly all of the emu oil sold in the US is heavily refined, triple-refined, ultra-refined, or even six times refined (more is not always better). This strips out lots of the good stuff but makes it much easier for companies to store, package, use in cosmetics, etc. It’s also much cheaper than making unrefined emu oil. So that’s why it is so common. When we talk about all of the wonderful things in emu oil in this article, we are talking about UNREFINED emu oil. Don’t buy refined emu oil if you want all the amazing benefits and nutrients that emu oil has to offer. Unfortunately, it is hard to find emu oil containing all its natural compounds and nutrients in the way they occur in raw emu fat because it is not as profitable. For example, it is much easier to put ultra-refined emu oil into a softgel than unrefined emu oil because it flows more freely.
How is emu oil produced?
Emu oil is typicaly made in a just a few ways. This is the most common way refined and ultra-refined emu oil is made:
The fat is rendered and then filtered. Then, the oil is filtered with clays or treated with powerful solvents (you don’t want these particular ones in your oil) at high temperatures and pressure. The impurities (many of what are considered impurities are compounds we would consider beneficial, but they make the oil harder to work with for cosmetic companies), pigments (same as with impurities, many of these pigments have benefits, we don’t want them removed), and bacteria are absorbed into the clays or solvents and then removed through filtration.
Next, the oil is vacuum deodorized to remove even more compounds for ultra or triple-refined oils.
Removing bacteria is good, but we don’t want lots of good stuff stripped out. We are not fans of doing things just because it makes it more profitable and easier for corporations.
We think there are better ways of making emu oil, which we will discuss later.
Several companies claim to sell cold-pressed or cold-processed emu oil. Emu fat is not like olive oil; it cannot be cold-pressed. Any company claiming to sell cold-pressed emu oil is full of it. Emu fat must be rendered to make the oil. We think there are better ways of making emu oil, which we will discuss later.
Where does emu oil come from?
Emu oil can come from various countries, but genetics is a huge factor (but not the only one) in whether or not you get the best emu oil.
Most of the Emu in Canada and the US (where most emu oil sold in the US comes from) are descendants of old zoo stock from the 1960s. The inferior genetics of these birds are very different from those in Australia, and the emu oil produced from them is not nearly as potent as Australian oil.
This is because Australian farmers and researchers have spent decades working to have their emu flocks produce fat that matches the fat of wild emu, which produce the highest potency oil. This was done through specialized diets, husbandry, and breeding practices. In the US and Canada, breeding focused instead on producing birds with the most meat. This results in a very different oil, which is far less potent, but there is a lot more profit per bird because of the increased amount of meat.
What do Emus Eat?
What the emu eat greatly impacts the nutrient density and fatty acid profile of the oil. Emu should be allowed to roam freely and eat their natural diet, including a wide array of young plants, fruits, seeds, insects, small reptiles, mice, and more. They even eat some stones to help with digestion. Emus are basically big chickens when it comes to diet and will eat a wide variety of foods. We even saw one company advertising emu oil made from emu that only ate vegetarian feed, which is a terrible idea. All farm-raised emu will have their diet supplemented with some feed. The problem comes when, instead of being allowed to range freely, they are given a diet of primarily corn, which results in an oil much higher in omega-six instead of omega-nine. In addition, that diet will result in lower levels of vitamin k2. Truly free-range emu is best, with supplemental feed that is more than just corn. Emu kept in warmer climates will be able to spend more time foraging. Meanwhile, emu kept in cold climates will have a more feed-based diet.
Emu harvesting
Another important factor in the quality of emu oil is when the harvesting is done. A lot of companies do it at one year of age before the emu are sexually mature. Emu that are young and have not gone through a breeding season will have lower levels of nutrients and beneficial fatty acids. However, emu are fully or nearly fully grown at one year, so it’s cheaper for companies to harvest them at one year of age, so that’s what most companies do. Emu should be harvested at three years of age to get the most potent and beneficial oil after the emu has been through at least one breeding season.
Advantages of emu oil
Unrefined Emu oil is packed with important fatty acids and nutrients. It contains the following fatty acids:
Myristic Acid
Palmitic Acid
Palmitoleic Acid
Stearic Acid
Oleic Acid
Conjugated Linoleic Acid
Linoleic Acid
Linolenic Acid
The fatty acid profile of unrefined emu oil will vary from season to season as the emu's diet changes with the seasons, depending on what forage is available to them.
When the emu are fed correctly, emu oil is low in omega-six. Unfortunately, most emu are not fed properly, which creates an oil with more omega-six and less omega-nine than it should have. Many fatty acid profile claims on emu oil labels are based on old information from reference material, not the actual fatty acid profile of the oil you are buying. People consume far too much omega-six in their diet, and it’s not a good idea to supplement with lots more of it. Many companies claim emu oil to be a good source of omega-three, but this is not the case. Emu oil contains very little omega-three, and it is in the form of linolenic acid, an omega-three precursor, not the EPA and DHA we need. It should not be considered an omega-three supplement. It would be more accurate to call it an omega-nine supplement. Unrefined emu oil also contains small amounts of vitamins A (as retinoids), D, and E.
Emu oil and vitamin K2
Unrefined emu oil is well known for containing vitamin K2 in the mk-4 form. Vitamin K in food comes in three main forms.
K1 - As found in green vegetables.
K2 as Mk-7 - This is found in fermented foods like natto and tempeh, as well as most vitamin K supplements.
K2 - Mk-4 - Found in grass-fed aged hard cheeses (like good Parmigiano Reggiano), organ meats, and fish roe.
Unrefined emu oil is one of the richest food sources of the Mk-4 form of vitamin K2. This form is much more potent than the other forms of vitamin K. Unfortunately, it is primarily found in foods that most people don’t eat much of or at all.
We call the Mk-4 subform of vitamin K2 the grass-fed vitamin because organ meat, fatty meats, whole milk, eggs, and fat from grass-fed animals provide the best source of K2 Mk-4. These animals convert the vitamin K1 in the grass into vitamin k2 Mk-4.
Claims of vitamin k2 content were one of the biggest problems we encountered when evaluating emu oil products. We have serious reservations about the testing methods used by a number of well-known labs for vitamin k2 in emu oil and whether they are accurate or correct ways to test the vitamin k2 content of emu oil. Many foods or plants may have a nutrient, but different testing methods may be required to measure that nutrient. Some foods may have compounds that can inhibit normal detection methods that work well for other foods, which must be considered with the vitamin k2 content of emu oil. It's not the same as testing vitamin k2 in natto or tempeh or k1 in a vegetable. At this time, we are not confident of many companies' claims for vitamin K2 content in their emu oil. Some companies are using claims based on old reference materials, which are in many cases inaccurate, and using them to say how much k2 is in their oil; they are not actually testing the vitamin k2 content of their emu oil. In addition, the amount will vary from season to season and year to year because of changes in the emu's diet. We have seen k2 claim amounts from several companies, which are much higher than what would naturally occur in emu oil. We do not believe this to be because of dishonestly on the part of those companies (we could be wrong on this; some of the companies may be being less than ethical) but because of issues with the testing methods many labs are using. So, while we know vitamin K2 Mk-4 is present in emu oil, we will not make claims about the vitamin K content until we feel confident that the testing methods and results are accurate.
emu oil for the skin
Unrefined emu oil is wonderful for the skin and hair. The unique blend and ratio of fatty acids are deeply moisturizing and soothing for the skin.
You don’t need to worry about unrefined emu oil turning your skin oily or triggering a breakout to rival your teenage years. Emu oil is quickly absorbed, doesn’t feel greasy when applied, and is non-comedogenic, so it doesn’t block your pores. When applied to the skin, it does not leave an oily or sticky feeling but instead sinks into your skin with super speed. It is fragrance-free, gentle enough for a baby, and perfect for the most sensitive skin.
Unrefined emu oil can separate, which can reduce its effectiveness, so make sure you shake the oil well before use.
Applying emu oil to your face:
We recommend applying emu oil at night after your usual cleansing routine for oily or combination skin. You can use emu oil on its own or layer it over your regular moisturizer for an added boost of hydration.
For dry skin, we recommend using a couple of drops of emu oil at night and on top of your daytime moisturizer. You can wear it under your makeup without clogging pores or affecting makeup application.
Applying emu oil to your body:
The easiest way is to add a few drops of pure emu oil to your bath water. If bathtubs aren’t for you, you can also apply emu oil to damp skin after you shower (for enhanced absorption). Add a few drops onto the palm of your hand and moisturize from top to toe. Apply it to your hands, feet, and anywhere between before sleeping.
Here are some great ways to use unrefined emu oil on your skin.
Chapped lips
Ditch the petroleum-based chapsticks and use emu oil instead. The soothing and moisturizing effects of the emu oil work fast.
Tattoo and piercing aftercare
You may think the pain is worth it during a piercing or tattoo; but what about afterward? Your skin may be very irritated, flaky, scabby, or itchy around the piercing or body art area. It may be tempting to pick or scratch at it, but it will only worsen it. Instead, use a few drops of emu oil on the affected skin three times or more daily.
Dry and cracked winter heels
In winter, with the dry air, our heels may become dry, flaky, and cracked. The deeply moisturizing nature of emu oil is what that skin needs.
Place your feet in warm water for ten minutes. Take them out and apply the emu oil while they are still damp.
Before bed, apply the emu oil again.
Do this daily, and in no time, you can say goodbye to those unsightly cracked heels.
Sore nose and upper lip
Sometimes, our noses run a lot in the winter, and we blow them a lot. This can lead to dry, chapped skin and soreness around the nose. Use a few drops of emu oil three times or more daily and watch things turn around.
Chapped face because of the cold air and wind
Emu oil has you covered. Apply 2-3 times a day, and your skin will be happy again before you know it.
Dry skin patches
Apply a few drops of emu oil three times per day and watch that dry skin disappear.
Dry outer ear
Sometimes, the outside of our ears can dry in the winter. Massage a drop or two of emu oil into the area 2-3 times daily.
Massage oil
Emu oil is deeply penetrating and makes an excellent massage oil. You can also add your herbal oil to it, which works as an excellent carrier. For example, mix a few drops of arnica oil into it for a wonderful massage oil for those tired muscles.
Hair and scalp oil
Is your hair or scalp feeling dry and frizzy? Massage in a bit of emu oil after showering each day.
Bug bites and stings
Unrefined emu oil is wonderfully soothing and works quickly.
Joint massage oil
Massage emu oil into your joints and the area around it for two minutes at a time, three times a day.
Babies
Emu oil is wonderful for soothing and nourishing a baby's sensitive skin. Apply as needed. Perfect after a bath.
Pets
Emu oil is great for dogs and cats. Does your pet's skin, paws, or nose need extra support? Emu oil is safe for pets and makes an amazing moisturizer for these spots needing extra care. Apply three times a day in the beginning until desired results are achieved, then once daily for maintenance.
This oil has so many amazing uses; the sky is the limit!
How do you use emu oil supplements?
While emu oil has a lot of uses topically, it’s also great to take as a supplement.
First, make sure you shake the bottle well. Emu oil has very little taste, so it is easy to take. You can take it with a spoonful or mix it into cold foods and beverages. Alternatively, capsules are a great option if you cannot stomach the thought of taking an oil.
It’s important to use it daily at the full dosage and take it for enough time to get the best results. It can take up to twelve weeks for the full effects.
Emu oil does not need to be stored in the fridge after opening. It is best stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
As always, talk to your healthcare practitioner before starting any supplements.
What should you look for in an emu oil supplement?
There are many important things to consider when choosing an emu oil supplement or topical oil.
Care for the animals
It’s important that the company either owns the farms from which they get the oil or monitors them closely to ensure the animals are well taken care of and treated.
Diet
It’s important that the emu are allowed to eat their natural foods at a free range and that their supplemental feed is balanced so it helps to create a fat profile that matches wild emu as closely as possible.
Testing
The oil must be tested for impurities, contaminants, and rancidity.
Color of the oil
The best emu oils are cream to light yellow.
You’ll find that when the weather is a little colder, or if you’ve kept your oil in the fridge, the oil will solidify and will be harder to get out of the bottle (this can happen to the capsules, too – they look white and cloudy when it's cold). Alternatively, when the weather is warm, the oil will come out easily and have a nice golden color (or clear, depending on the light!). If your oil is white and thick, don’t panic – it’s still safe to use and hasn’t gone ‘rancid’. All you need to do is rest your oil bottle in a warm water bowl for about 5 minutes, shake well, and use as normal.
Australian source
Look for emu oil that comes from Australia, from farms that carefully monitor the flock's genetics.
Unrefined and properly processed
Look for unrefined emu oils that contain the full range of beneficial compounds, nutrients, and fatty acids.
Farm-to-bottle
Look for emu oil companies that manufacture their own oil and control the process from the farm to the oil production process. Most emu oil companies don’t make their oil or have relationships with the farms and have a contract manufacturer bottle it and slap their label on it. You don’t want that kind of emu oil.
Emu Spirit Emu Oil
Finding a great emu oil supplement was a lot like the fairy tale with the princess, who had to kiss a bunch of frogs to find her prince. We found a lot of emu oils that claimed to be awesome and had great marketing, but when we started to dig into them, they were anything but.
After kissing a lot of frogs, we were lucky to come upon an amazing Australian company that checked off all of our boxes.
Emu Spirit’s emu oil products contain the synergistic activity of all aspects of emu oil, including its temperature-sensitive omega fatty acids. They are one of only a very, very small number of emu oil companies that control all stages of production, from farm farming of the emus to the processing and rendering of the fat into pure oil at their Melbourne-based manufacturing facilities. A true farm-to-table emu oil. They are a great partner for our Farm-To-Bottle Project. They are certified by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). This is a much stricter standard than the US FDA GMP standards.
Their emu are sourced from licensed Australian emu farms that they partner with and carefully monitor. The emu are free-range, and in addition to whatever they forage, the diet is supplemented with a non-GMO feed. They are not given growth hormones or antibiotics.
They only use three year old emus that have gone through a normal breeding season to ensure the most potent oil.
They have a patented rendering process, Oiltek, exclusive to their emu oil. It was developed by a world-leading oil chemist. It creates a stable, 100% pure oil that maintains the same structure and nutrient profile as raw emu fat. For example, it preserves the vitamin K2 (as mk-4) content. It is much gentler and without the drawbacks of modern emu oil processing.
We are so excited to partner with them to provide this incredible emu oil.
Emu oil questions and support
If you have questions about emu oil, please email us at info@rooted-nutrition.com, and we will be happy to help!
