With summer just around the corner, Aussie mums are stocking their medicine cabinets with essentials to keep their kids healthy through those long, hot days. Insect repellent to keep mosquitoes at bay, antibacterial cream to treat cuts and wounds, moisturiser to relieve dry skin, aloe vera to soothe sunburns... and the list goes on. But what if we told you that one all-natural product could sort all those ailments and more? Here are some of the incredible uses and benefits of pure emu oil for children.

Soothe problem skin

Toss all those half-used tubes of cream you’ve been using to treat chapped skin, eczema, rosacea, rashes and other skin issues, and apply a few drops of emu oil to your kids’ skin instead. Because it’s rich in antioxidants and easily absorbed, it effectively soothes a range of complaints. Emu oil is even gentle enough to use on sensitive newborn skin.

Relieve the pain of bumps and bruises

A recent review published in the journal Nutrition found emu oil to have potent anti-inflammatory effects. When your little ones suffer from minor injuries due to bumps and tumbles, massage oil onto the affected area to minimise swelling and relieve pain.

Repel insects and treat bites

Before you head out on a bush walk, rub some emu oil on your children’s exposed skin. Naturally occurring substances known as terpenes will repel mosquitoes and other pesky bugs. Forgot to slather it on before you left? Emu oil can also help soothe insect bites by reducing inflammation.

Treat cuts, scrapes and scratches

Emu oil is the perfect remedy for minor skin wounds thanks to its anti-inflammatory and bacteriostatic properties that help relieve pain and prevent bacteria from reproducing. The antioxidants in emu oil may also help protect the skin from further damage and the linoleic acid could prevent scarring.