Emu Oil Hair Growth Benefits

After hundreds of years of relative obscurity, emu oil is surfacing as one of the latest all-natural trends in both the beauty and health-care industries. Its benefits and capabilities are astounding, and its versatility as either a topical ointment or ingestible substance makes it truly remarkable. Emu oil is the great regenerator: It heals bones and joints and repairs skin. These regenerative effects can also be experienced on the hair.

Background

Emu oil is an all-natural oil derived from the non-edible portions of the emu, which is a flightless relative of the ostrich (lately popularly raised in the United States for its low-fat meat). Although the oil, like the bird it comes from, has only recently begun to garner attention in the United States, aboriginal tribes in Australia have availed themselves of the healing powers of the emu for ages. Aborigines used it mostly topically, as massage oil on achy muscles and joints or as salve on cuts and burns. Emu oil's biggest claim to fame lies in its ability to cause cellular regeneration in the skin. It is an excellent topical ointment for burns and scars and has even proven effective in the reduction of wrinkles and the renewing of elasticity in the skin. Hypoallergenic, antibacterial and rich in beneficial fatty acids, emu oil is becoming a hot topic for beauty and health-care enthusiasts.

Benefits--Skin

Emu oil thickens the skin by providing important moisture that is often depleted by aging or environmental stresses. The dermis layer of the skin, in which oil and sweat glands reside, tends to thin and become fragile over time. Emu oil penetrates deeply enough to replenish vitality to this important layer of the skin, essentially reversing many of the most stubborn signs of skin aging. It restores elasticity to dehydrated skin, thereby preserving that sought-after "youthful glow." As a combination anti-inflammatory and scar reducer, it is also an ideal treatment for acne. It is capable of reducing the outward swelling associated with pimples while simultaneously combating the internal bacteria causing the pimple and helping the skin to repair itself once the pimple is gone. Likewise, many symptoms of eczema can be alleviated by regular use of emu oil because of its capacity to penetrate deeply and moisturize completely. The antibacterial component of the oil also can guard cracked skin from infection. Lastly, emu oil can be used to fade stretch marks and remedy various fungal conditions that can develop on the body, particularly on the feet and fingernails.

Benefits--Internal

Not only is emu oil useful in topical capacities, it can have internal pharmaceutical effects as well. It is a great supplemental source of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. It has also been proven to dramatically relieve arthritis pain in some people, both through topical application and ingestion. One study conducted by Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital, for instance, recorded noticeable results in arthritis patients in as little as two weeks. There are countless studies and personal testimonials on record lauding its potency as an anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic miracle cure. People have allegedly regained motion in joints that were previously locked up by arthritis simply by using emu oil on a regular basis. There is also some indication that emu oil may aid in lowering cholesterol.

Benefits--Hair

As it turns out, hair can also benefit greatly from regular use of emu oil treatments. Shampoos and conditioning products are available with emu oil as an ingredient. Its regenerative capabilities are not limited only to the skin. Hair can also experience nearly three times its normal cellular activity with the help of emu oil. The visible effect of this activity is that of awakening: Hair will appear livelier, healthier and more resilient to environmental and hormonal stresses. Since it is anti-fungal and antibacterial, emu oil will break down undesirable buildup and residue at the scalp and roots, thereby increasing volume and manageability. Naturally, the moisturizing properties of the oil make it an ideal ingredient for conditioners. As always, emu oil is gentle and all-natural, which means hair isn't fried by harsh chemicals often found in cleansers and conditioners.

Conclusion

The list of emu oil's positive effects on the body reads like a "who's who" of desirable health and beauty attributes: hypoallergenic, anti-fungal, antibacterial, moisturizing, healing, deeply penetrating, therapeutic, anti-inflammatory, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, replenishing and, of course, versatile. As a remedy for both external and internal ailments, emu oil embodies the quintessential holistic super-product, and many of its restorative properties can also be useful to the hair. There are lines of hair products based entirely upon emu oil, putting its healing and moisturizing powers to work on the hair.