Page 23 - Florida Sentinel 10-14-16 Online Edition

Health
What Is Emu Oil?
Emu oil is taken from the fat of the emu, a flightless bird native to Australia that resembles an ostrich, and predominantly comprises fatty acids. Thousands of years ago, the aborigines of Australia, known to be one of the oldest groups of people on Earth, were the first to use emu fat and oil to treat skin infections. Since then, emu oil has become so popular that doctors recommend it
for the treatment of burns and other skin conditions. When used topically and orally, emu oil is known to possess anti-inflamma- tory properties that can help treat a number of health issues, in- cluding muscle pain, migraines and skin conditions.
Emu Oil Benefits
1. Benefits the Gastrointestinal System IF Taking Chemo and Radiation Therapy
Mucositis usually occurs as an ad-
verse effect of chemotherapy and ra-
diotherapy treatment for cancer. Based
on these findings, researchers con-
cluded that emu oil is able to improve
intestinal repair, and it can form the
basis of an adjunct to conventional treatment approaches for in- flammatory disorders affecting the gastrointestinal system.
2. Improves Skin
Emu oil absorbs into the skin eas- ily. The oil is also able to break through the barrier of the skin and penetrate deep within the surface, allowing it to act as a powerful mois- turizer. It can be used to smooth rough elbows, knees and heels; soften the hands; and reduce itching
and flakiness from dry skin. Because of emu oil’s anti-inflam- matory properties, it has the power to reduce swelling and a number of skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema. It also stimulates skin cell regeneration and circulation, so it can help those suffering from thinning skin or bed sores, plus it helps to reduce the appearance of scars, burns, stretch marks, wrinkles and sun damage.
3. Relieves Pain from Breast-Feeding
Topical application of emu oil
can relieve painful, dry and cracked
nipples that are experienced by
mothers when they begin breast-
feeding. Mothers used emu oil-
based cream on the areola, and the
treatment was effective in improv-
ing hydration of the area while it did not affect skin pH, temper- ature or elasticity.
4. Promotes Healthy Hair and Nails
The antioxidants present in emu oil pro- mote healthy hair and nails. The vitamin E
helps reverse environmental damage to hair and promote circu- lation to the scalp. Emu oil can be used for the hair to add mois- ture and promote hair growth.
It’s also beneficial for the nails by moisturizing the cuticles and reducing inflammation that may be caused by a condition like toenail fungus.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 11-B