The Basics
What is Emu Oil / Dromiceius novahollandiae?
Applied to the skin for relief from sore muscles, aching joints, pain or inflammation; to improve healing of wounds, cuts, and burns; to reduce bruises and stretch marks; to reduce scarring and keloids; to heal surgical wounds caused by removing skin for skin grafts; to reduce redness due to acne; and to soften dry cuticles and promote healthy nails.
Brand names for Emu Oil / Dromiceius novahollandiae
N/A
How Emu Oil / Dromiceius novahollandiae is classified
Anti-Infective Agents – Local, Complementary Therapies, Cosmetics, Oils
Emu Oil / Dromiceius novahollandiae During Pregnancy
Emu Oil / Dromiceius novahollandiae pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Emu Oil / Dromiceius novahollandiae while pregnant
N/A
Taking Emu Oil / Dromiceius novahollandiae While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Emu Oil / Dromiceius novahollandiae?
Emu oil is a mixture of fatty acids derived from the fat of the emu (Dromiceius novahollandiae). It contains linoleic, linolenic myristic, oleic, palmitic, palmitoleic, and stearic acids. It has been used as a moisturizing agent and some animal data indicate that in might promote wound healing and decrease inflammation. An emu oil-based cream (Clemulina Pus cream, Sitar Laboratories, Padua, Italy) applied to the nipples and areolas of breastfeeding mothers after each nursing appeared to improve skin hydration. Whether this led to reduced nipple cracking or any effects on nursing infants was not studied.[1]
Maternal / infant drug levels
Emu oil is a mixture of fatty acids derived from the fat of the emu (Dromiceius novahollandiae). It contains linoleic, linolenic myristic, oleic, palmitic, palmitoleic, and stearic acids. It has been used as a moisturizing agent and some animal data indicate that in might promote wound healing and decrease inflammation. An emu oil-based cream (Clemulina Pus cream, Sitar Laboratories, Padua, Italy) applied to the nipples and areolas of breastfeeding mothers after each nursing appeared to improve skin hydration. Whether this led to reduced nipple cracking or any effects on nursing infants was not studied.[1]
Possible effects of Emu Oil / Dromiceius novahollandiae on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Emu Oil / Dromiceius novahollandiae
Aloe, Lanolin, Peppermint.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Zanardo V, Giarrizzo D, Maiolo L, Straface G. Efficacy of topical application of emu oil on areola skin barrier in breastfeeding women. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2016;21:10-3. PMID: 26080458
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
