Fibromyalgia Treatment: Emu Oil
Emu oil products represent a type of natural therapy for fibromyalgia, since its medicinal properties have been used to treat many common symptoms of fibromylagia syndrome. Emu oil has been used as a natural treatment of pain symptoms as well as other fibromyalgia related symptoms in Australia for over 1,000 years. More recently, emu oil products have been made available for a variety of purposes, including cosmetic and medicinal.
What is Emu Oil?
Emu oil is derived from the fat of the emu, a large bird that is native to Australia. It is comprised of the following:
- oleic acid (a mono-saturated fatty acid)
- linoleic acid (omega 6)
- linolenic acid (omega 3)
Linolenic acid is known to temporarily ease discomfort associated with muscle and joint pain, making it particularly useful for individuals suffering from fibromyalgia symptoms. Emu oil also lacks phospholipids which gives it highly penetrating qualities when applied to the surface of the skin. It is considered a non-comedogenic meaning that it does not clog the pores, allowing for quick and deep penetration of the skin in order to target specific areas.
Emu Oil and Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Emu oil is a natural anti-inflammatory treatment that has been used to relieve some of the symptoms of fibromylagia. It has long been used for the treatment of arthritis, muscle and joint pain, skin conditions and for the treatment of burn victims to minimize the appearance of scarring.
Other known symptoms of fibromyalgia that emu oil may help alleviate include the following:
- headaches including sinus headaches
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- dry skin and skin rashes
- eye irritation
- hair loss
- muscle spasms
- sprains
- shingles
- muscle soreness
- tired feet
- varicose veins
- wounds
- vulvodynia
Benefits of Emu Oil for Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia symptoms are varied and there are many associated conditions that may be experienced by individuals with fibromylagia. As such, emu oil can offer a natural treatment for a variety of these symptoms.
In particular, women may suffer from vulvodynia, a condition that causes vulvar pain and is characterized by a thinning of the vulvar skin. Typical treatments that are recommended by physicians in cases of vulvodynia include yeast infection creams and antibiotics, which often further irritate the affected area. In this instance, emu oil offers a non-streoidal and natural form of alternative treatment.
Emu Oil and Fibromylagia Treatment
There are a variety of products available that incorporate emu oil along with other beneficial ingredients for the treatment of fibromyalgia symptoms. Some individuals with fibromyalgia use emu oil as part of an all-body massage to reduce pain symptoms.
Emu oil is also available in oral capsule form. These are often combined with Glucosamine and Chondroitin and are used to treat inflammation. However, pure emu oil has not yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. It is recommended that patients try using different types of emu oil products in order to learn which type of treatment best helps to treat fibromyalgia symptoms.
Speak to a health care provider about alternative fibromyalgia treatment options for your particular needs.