How Emu Oil Relieves Muscle and Joint Pain

Pure emu oil alone has shown the ability to relieve pain and decrease the inflammation associated with many conditions from arthritis, burstitis, tendonitis to injuries and fibromyalgia. The potency of the anti-inflammatory effect from Emu Oil is similar to ibuprofen without the negative side-effects frequently common with non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) or corticosteroid based anti-inflammatory medications.

One of the most impressive studies was one done by Drs. Whitehouse and Ghosh in Australia. Each of these clinicians has over 25 years of experience and published extensively on the evaluation and development of drugs used for arthritis. They applied straight emu oil over a 14 day period to participants with chronic pain due to arthritis, joint swelling and bone abrasion due to lack of cartilage. Day 1 showed 1% improvement, day 4 – 30%, day 5- 50%, day 11 – 82% and by day 14 - 100% pain reduction. Swelling was also measured. Day 1 – 2% improvement, day 6 – 22%, day 12 – 40%, and by day 14 – 100%.

For people with allergies or skin sensitivities I recommend massaging pure emu oil into the muscle or joint a couple of times a day. The oil will work to reduce inflammation. This process will build on itself and best results will be seen in 5 - 7 days.

If a person is not allergic or sensitive to mint or pepper plant derivatives like menthol or capsicum I recommend trying a formulated pain cream using emu oil as the base carrier. Emu oil’s strong transdermal abilities allow it to penetrate deep through multiple layers of skin, muscle and cartilage while taking other encapsulated compounds along for the ride. This process has been coined by Doctors as “the emu oil express”. Formulations which mix emu oil with other natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic compounds like arnica oil, menthol, capsicum, MSM, willow-bark, witch hazel etc. can be very powerful.

Formulated emu pain relief creams work in a twofold manner. First the mint or pepper plant derivatives work to quickly override nerve signals to the brain. The person will feel coolness or warmth as a “mask” instead of the pain. This alone doesn’t offer a long term solution to a chronic condition – but it feels better instantly and reminds one to reapply the cream a few times a day.

Then the other ingredients like the emu oil, arnica, willow bark, witch-hazel, MSM etc. work to increase blood flow, so that toxins and waste materials can be removed from the site to reduce inflammation and swelling while providing nutrient materials and oxygen to encourage new cell growth.

Watch for emu oil content - some products have only 5% emu oil. Studies indicate that a minimum 12-15% emu oil appears necessary to maintain the oils anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally some products propose to carry compounds such as chondrotin and glucosamine through the skin. Initial studies indicate that these molecules are too large to pass through the skin and are more effective when taken orally. This too is an area requiring more research.

Additionally for those with chronic inflammatory pain issues I recommend taking emu oil as a dietary supplement. A few drops a day can be mixed into food or your smoothie. It is not unpleasant tasting – just a bit “oily”. Some people prefer to take gel caps. Emu oil provides a blend of Omega 3, 6 and 9 essential fatty acids, which have been proven to not only reduce inflammation but also greatly improve cholesterol levels, skin conditions and elevate mood and energy levels.

Some studies have indicated that certain ratios of the Omegas are better for optimal results. Because of that you may see Emu Oil blended with other oils like Flax Seed for an Omega 3 boost. Ingesting emu oil in either fashion can replace fish oil in your diet with the same or better results and no fish burps.



You will find that most members of the American Emu Association offer a money back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied with the results. This has been fairly standard in our industry to encourage consumers to feel comfortable trying a new product and because we believe so strongly in the oils properties. So give emu oil a try you have nothing to lose but the pain.