Why Emu Oil?

EMU OIL

Natural foods advocates and physical fitness minded people, concerned by society's growing dependence oil pills and the rising cost of conventional drugs, have partially fueled a growing movement that has quietly woven its way into Australian , American and many other cultures. There has been a tremendous upsurge of public awareness as more and more of nature's health secrets are being revealed. Millions of health conscious people around the world are interested in the many options that natural remedies offer, such as through holistic healing and homeopathic and natural therapies.
Interest in alternative health fields is also being promoted by natural health colleges that provide a large range of programs in naturopathy, nutrition, holistic health sciences.

Of all the natural products available to the consumer today, few can boast the versatility of one of the oldest substances on earth ... emu oil. In the upcoming pages, we'll explore some of the many applications, studies and benefits of this natural, healthy oil.

Emu Oil From a Dietary Perspective

A documented university study showed that over 70% of the fatty acids in emu fat are of the unsaturated variety. These polyunsaturated and mono-unsaturated fats lend to lower blood cholesterol.
Emu oil has also been documented to contain Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids. Although the human body needs these fatty acids for many functions, it cannot produce them and consequently must obtain these acids from the diet. Emu oil provides these essential fatty acids.

As a Topical Ingredient

Emu oil has been applied topically to the skin, both alone and in combination with other ingredients, for an enormous range of applications. The unique composition of emu oil makes it an excellent enhancement for many types of products, including those that provide skin care and moisture (face and body creams), those that penetrate the skin's surface (arthritis and pain creams), and those that offer skin protection (lip balms and sunscreens).

What the Doctors Say..

More and more medical specialists are discovering the beneficial properties of emu oil and are adopting it into their treatment techniques. This section identifies a few of the many medical specialists who are using, researching and promoting emu oil.

Emu Oil The Natural Approach  

Staying physically fit by jogging several times a week as well as working out with a trainer, Dr. Howard Hagglund relates that his trainer, who has "bad arthritis in his elbows," was once injured by an accidental kick. "He tried some emu oil and really liked it," says Hagglund. "And since then everybody in the gym is wanting it!"
"Emu oil keeps the joint warm and doesn't overheat it, and doesn't have that nasty smell like some of the other athletic rubs have," notes Hagglund, who has supplied emu oil products to Olympic weight lifting trainees. as well as to children with injured knees.
"And I am using it in my practice," relates Hagglund, who currently has patients using the oil. "The results are good," says Hagglund.

Emu Oil For Pain Management Techniques  

With a special interest in pain control, Dr. William Code of Duncan, British Columbia was intrigued when he was first introduced to the beneficial properties of emu oil.
"I've been working with emu oil for three years now," says Code. I've always been impressed With how well it goes into the skin and lubricates it without leaving a greasy film. "To this point I think there's a variety of opinions as to why it goes through the skin so well on humans and in many animals as well, particularly horses, who have thin skin like humans" Dr. Code has explored combining emu oil with topical anaesthetics in an effort to increase the speed of the penetration of the anaesthetic. The benefit is the ability to quickly anaesthetise the skin without the use of needles for common procedures such as sutures.

Clinical Professor of Pharmacy gives perspective on Emu Oil

Dr. Leigh Hopkins of Doylestown, Pennsylvania has been researching and using emu oil for years. "My perspective is that general good health is really what we're seeking and that is why everyone should have adequate intake of at least 50 essential nutrients and that includes the essential fats that are contained in emu oil," says Hopkins. "My observations are that those people that receive the greatest benefits from the oil do so because they are lacking a full complement of the essential nutrients in their diet," relates Hopkins. "Also, there are signs and symptoms that are apparent that predict whether or not individuals will be responsive or not to the oil. And those signs and symptoms reflect the deficiency of those fats in their diet and in some instances it's not that they don't have fat in their diet but it's that they don't have the right balance of fats. So there's a quantity and a quality that's critical to that observation"
Adds Hopkins: "General diet with its attention to avoiding the large caloric stores, tends to treat fat as calories rather than as essential nutrients. And that is why emu oil does so well. People do not appreciate that fats are critical to successful health and so avoiding them sets up the situation that enables emu oil to be a very effective product, which makes women (who tend to avoid fats more than men) good candidates. So women will be particularly pleased with the benefits they obtain from the oil"

Doctors of Chiropractic

Dr. Patty Headly of Tonkawa, Oklahoma and Dr. Ron Westbrook of Decatur, Texas see a small portion of the 20 million Americans who regularly see a chiropractor, and every one of those patients has experienced the benefits of emu oil and chiropractic treatments.
I have started using massage treatments in my practice," explained Dr. Headly. "Since I have been doing massage, emu oil has become a major part of my practice. I do both massage and adjustments and the emu oil is used virtually from head to toe. People with chronic shoulder and knee problems get help from the adjusting, but the emu oil really does the final trick during the massage. I find it absolutely amazing" I can get results using chiropractic alone on lower back pain," said Dr. Headly. "However, it seems that when I use the emu oil in conjunction with the chiropractic, the relief is quicker and the muscles stay relaxed longer, and therefore the treatment last longer!'
"What I enjoy most about using the emu oil is that I have a lot more freedom of motion when massaging," said Dr. Westbrook. "The patient is more comfortable because I am not pulling on the skin, and there are no offensive odours such as you have with the conventional creams. However, the most significant observation that I have made is that the treatments with the oil last longer than without. The oil relaxes the muscles so well that the treatments hold for a longer period of time," he explained. I can push the spine back, but by the time the patient gets back into their car, it can be out of alignment again because the muscles and tendons are just too tight," explained Dr. Headly. "With the oil and massage working together, and the deep penetration, the loosened muscles hold longer"

A Podiatrist Helps Patient's Aching Feet

Dr. Bernard J. Hersh has been familiar with emu oil's reputed benefits for several years. In the beginning I was using the oil itself to heal skin," relates Hersh. The fact is that emu oil really is therapeutic in keeping a moisture barrier within the skin so that it doesn't dry and crack and it works fine. ", After working with pure emu oil Dr. Hersh was introduced to emu oil product formulations. Over 50 of Hersh's patients are actively using emu oil products and Hersh relates that patient's reactions are enthusiastic.I will keep using the oil and I think I've just begun to scratch the surface," says Hersh.
"The basic premise is that no topical medication can work until it has penetration into the skin," add Hersh. "And it has been proven that emu oil has incredible penetration properties. So whatever substance you put with emu oil you will get penetration and will obtain the best therapeutic effect. That's why emu oil is so good, it's a natural emollient, skin softener with tremendous texture!'
There's a revolution today which Hersh feels emu oil fits into. "We're steering more toward the natural products, which seem to be gaining momentum," says Hersh.

Studies

Numerous studies have been and are currently being conducted throughout the world on many facets of emu oil, including its composition, benefits, applications in different industries and the resulting properties of compounds formulated with the oil. Following is a review of some of the current research studies as well as completed studies which have been conducted on emu oil.

Comedogencity Testing

One of the major drawbacks of using any oil in skin care or cosmetic applications is its common tendency to clog up pores and subsequently cause acne.
Comedogencity (pore-clogging) testing of emu oil conducted at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston resulted in both observational and histological scores of less than 1. The interpretation of this score reveals that the oil Is considered to indicate a substance that is unlikely to produce a comedogenic response during human use and is therefore considered to be a negative result .
The final assessment of the report stated: "On the basis of observational and histologic testing from comedogenicity, the emu oil used in this test, from 25% to 100%, is non-comedogenic" Despite the fact it is an oil, emu oil was demonstrated to be a non -pore-clogging substance.

Fatty Acid Analysis

A fatty acid analysis was conducted by Dr. Margaret C. Craig-Schmidt, Associate Professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Science, at Auburn University. Dr. Craig-Schmidt noted that the properties of the emu oil made it quite suitable to be used by the cosmetic industry.
In addition to cosmetic uses, laboratory experiments and analysis of emu oil both in Australia and in the US have confirmed that emu oil has the ability to reduce inflammation of the joints. Emu oil naturally contains a high level of linolenic acid, (a substance known to ease muscle ache and joint pain) and oleic acid, which provides a local anti-inflammatory effect.

Penetrability

The penetrating effect of emu oil, according to pharmacist and oil researcher Allen Strickland of Alabama, may be related to its nonphosphorous composition.
"Our skin is phospholipid deficient. In other words, there's no phosphorus in our skin. If you put anything on your skin that has phosphorus in it, your skin is 'programmed' to keep it from penetrating. Anytime you put anything on your skin that is phospholipid deficient, or has no phosphorus, it penetrates right through",
"It was interesting to note that when I looked through the literature concerning the drug and cosmetic industry," expressed Dr. Craig-Schmidt, "I learned that this (oleic) fatty acid is a known enhancer of transport of bio-active compounds through the skin. In other words, the high presence of oleic acid in the emu oil may be one of the reasons that it is able to penetrate the skin to a large degree and at the same time be able to carry active compounds through the skin where they can have an effect in the body'

For Arthritis Pain

A preliminary study conducted by Dr. Thom Leahey of the Arthritis Clinic in Ardmore, Oklahoma, in 1995 to determine what effect emu oil has on hands afflicted with arthritis produced some positive indications that emu oil may substantially reduce the pain caused by arthritis.
In this 2 week study, 7 of the 12 emu oil users reported a significant reduction in pain, morning stiffness and swelling. Only 1 of the 8 mineral oil (placebo) users related the same results," reported Dr. Leahey.
Dr. leahey maintains a personal theory that the oil may have its greatest impact on early stages of arthritis pain. I don't know if any topical aid would be beneficial for chronic or burnout arthritis, where the cartilage has been virtually destroyed. 1 suspect the oil reduces inflammation around and within joints, and assists in allowing a greater freedom of movement," he reasoned.

New Oil Formulation for Arthritis

According to the report, Experimental Study to Determine the Anti-Arthritic Activity of a New Emu Oil Formulation (EMMP), by Peter Ghosh of the Royal North Shore Hospital of Sydney, Australia and Michael Whitehouse of the University of Adelaide Australia, a joint research project was initiated to determine if emu oil showed antiinflammatory anti-arthritic activity in laboratory animals. According to the report, both Dr. Whitehouse and Ghosh "had been engaged in arthritis research for over 25 years and have published extensively on the evaluation and development of new anti-arthritic drugs"
Results from the project indicated that (for antiinflammatory response) the most potent formulation was achieved when methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen), isopropanol and menthol were combined with emu oil" Apparently, a "synergistic effect was occurring between the emu oil and the methyl salicylate, for the antiinflammatory activity of the combination was greater than the sum of either component when used alone (with isopropanol) "

Proliferative Activity of the Skin

Michael Holick, M.D, Ph.D., Professor of Medicine, Physiology, and Dermatology at Boston University School of Medicine, conducted a study involving a processed emu oil, and the results were so outstanding that they quickly became a topic of conversation in many medical and other journals.
Dr. Holick had been interested in looking at factors that stimulate and inhibit both skin and hair growth.
'We depilated some mice and we then topically applied, in a blinded fashion, (a processed emu oil) and corn oil to two different groups of mice, and we did this for two weeks," he explained.
'We found that there was about a 20% increase in DNA synthesis, which means that there was a 20% increase in the proliferative activity, or the growth activity of the skin in the animals that received (a processed emu oil], compared to the animals that received corn oil," said Dr. Holick.
"We found that there was an enhancement in the growth activity of the hair follicles. So it gives us a very good scientific indication that we were stimulating skin growth," Dr. Holick elaborated.

Clinical Usage and Property Observation

In Emu Oil - A Clinical Appraisal of this Natural and Long Used Product, Dr. G.R. Hobday of Australia reported that emu oil had been frequently tested by government and private laboratories, indicating no steroids, hormones or even bacteria when suitably treated.
Commenting on the use of the oil by over 500 patients in 10 years, Dr. Hobday noted that there had never been any allergic reactions from the emu oil reported to him.
Most significantly, Dr. Hobday affirmed that "From clinical experience with emu oil, it became obvious that its two major actions were its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to penetrate the skin. it also appears to provide some solar protection'
Dr. Hobday's 10 years of clinical usage of emu oil focused on the skin. The report reveals that "After advising patients of its experimental nature I have prescribed emu oil for use in three main areas: dry skin problems, treatment of muscle aches and pains, and treatment of wounds which had epithelialized'
Results of usage in these three areas are summarised as follows:

Skin
· Eczema - emu oil and creams made of emu oil reduce irritation and inflammation of the skin
· Keloids - significantly reduces recent keloid scarring
· Burns - appears to promote faster healing with less pain and scarring
· Donor sites in skin grafting - reduced pain and less scarring
· Psoriasis - limited benefit in some patients

Joints
· joint pain - reduced pain, swelling, and stiffness most evident where the joint is close to the skin surface, such as hands, feet, knees, and elbows.
· Bruising and muscle pain - significant benefit to recent bruising and-muscle pain where injury is relatively superficial. Significant reduction in sports related muscle strains post-exercise emu oil massage.

Recent wounds
Epithelialized wounds - reduced scar tissue formation, soothing of wounds after surgery by anti-inflammatory action.
The report concluded that emu oil usage has reached a point where additional clinical studies are merited to determine its place in the "medical armamentarium"

Treatment of Burns
Dr. John Griswold, Director of the Timothy J. Hamer Burn Center, affiliated with the University Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas, compiled results from 10 burn patients over a nine month period. The purpose of the project was to analyse the involvement of emu oil in the healing process of burn wounds. This initial report identified two important results from evaluation of the data.
1. Patient comments almost unanimously favoured emu oil as an end result and during application.
2. There was a unanimous difference noted in photographs taken of the wounds as far as reduction in scarring and inflammation done by three observers blinded as to which areas were treated with emu oil and which areas were control wounds. This difference was statistically significant.

A Study of Emu Oil: Is it What Your Skin Is Thirsty For?

Dr. Alexander Zemtsov of Texas Jech University conducted a study oil the moisturising and cosmetic properties of the oil and its potential use in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry.
Dr. Zemtsov asked himself the question "Why would a company want to use emu oil in their products?" The proof is in the results, he says. It has been proven and documented that the claims about the oil - penetrating, emulsifying, non-comedogenic, non-irritating, and highly moisturising - are true.

Skin Thickening Study.

A recently completed skin thickness study using emu oil on elderly patients has indicated exciting results. Plans for a more extensive study are currently being developed.

Veterinary Uses.

"I have discovered numerous benefits to using the oil," confessed Dr. Matthew Zimmer. "The epithelial character of the oil is beneficial. The oil also tends to be bacteriostatic, it keeps the wounds moist, and has transport capability which are big advantages"
Dr. Zimmer says that by combining emu oil with an antibiotic or with DMSO and treating sutured wounds with the mixture, he has not had to change bandages as frequently and has been able to release injured animals sooner.
"When 1 combine the normal ringworm treatment with the emu oil, I have found that the disease patch will disappear at a quicker rate," explained Dr. Zimmer. In dairy cows, I have found that the emu oil works great on sore, chapped, or ulcerated teat ends. This is one of the main areas that I use the pure oil on because we are talking about milk production here. Drugs will show residues in milk and you cannot have milk enter in the line with those kinds of residues. As far as I know, emu oil doesn't appear to have any residue activity at all. it is similar to a bag balm or udder balm'

Emu Oil Quality Standards

Many developing commercial industries have product standards that consist of both self-imposed recommendations or requirements to protect industry interests and of those demanded by buyers who desire certain characteristics or qualities that fit their needs.
Standards for emu oil are currently being developed by the Australian and American Emu Association's Oil Standards Committees.

Patents

Worldwide, an increasing number of inventors, doctors, surgeons. pharmacists and veterinarians share an escalating interest in emu oil with consumers - many of whom are more than willing to share testimonials about their personal triumphs with this unique oil. And as scientists race to find just exactly how the oil works, new applications for patents on processed oil and its uses continue to emerge.
A US patent issued in July of 1995, "Anti - inflammatory Composition Derived from Emu Oil" revealed that 4 inventors had isolated a yellow-colored component from emu oil that appeared to be at least one of the active ingredients responsible for the oil's renowned anti-infiammatory activity.
The impact of this documentation on the anti -inflammatory properties of emu oil has effects that reach far beyond emu enthusiasts. Kristi Tomlin, registered pharmacist in Blackwell, Oklahoma, acknowledges that the main problem with anti-inflammatories currently on the market is their side effects.
"The oral anti-inflammatories eventually cause stomach discomfort arid irritation, which in turn leads to other problems," she reports. "For those able to endure this irritation, the next problem is that the anti- inflammatory eventually stops working. The patient eventually builds a tolerance for the medication, leaving it ineffective"
Topical applications, too, leave much to be desired. "Most of the topical applications which require no prescription use an ingredient derived from a Mexican pepper. Although the warmth it produces contributes to relief, the products often irritate and even burn the skin," Kristi observes.
Summarily, the majority of anti -inflammatories on the market today produce side effects that are often so severe, the consumer must weigh their benefits against their side effects. However, in the case of emu oil, laboratory irritation tests conducted by Emu Ranchers Incorporated (ERI) in 1991 revealed that even at full strength, emu oil generated irritation levels so low that the results were comparable to that of water.
In laboratory and clinical tests, as well as marketing studies oil new products, pure emu oil and compounds formulated with it have generated surprisingly little irritation. Even current research of the oral consumption of bacteria-free emu oil has yet to reveal adverse side effects from oil use. A pharmaceutical grade of emu oil possessing anti-inflammatory properties with minimal side effects could alleviate some of the most pressing concerns regarding the use of anti-inflammatories in the medical profession today.
Further, the 1995 patent revealed that the "biologically active yellow-coloured component may be included in topical, oral arid systemic compositions for the treatment or prophylaxis of musculoskeletal and/or dermatological conditions arising from inflammatory reactions of environmental or systemic origins"
Other findings elaborated on within the patent "clearly identify the yellow components in emu oil as possessing remarkable prophylactic anfi-inflammatory/immuno-regulant , apart from their ability to modulate disease once initiated In other words, it has the ability to arrest the onset of inflammation (such as in joints) and allow the immune system to work closer to its greatest capacity. The patent provides table after table of experiments conducted with other oils, fats, and compounds used and readily available on the market today.
Another patent, "Therapeutic Uses of Emu Oil" was awarded in December of 1995. The patent invention abstract reveals that "emu oil is therapeutically used in methods for lowering cholesterol, triglycerides and low density lipoprotein and increasing high density lipoprotein; preventing and treating allergies; and relieving discomfort associated with menstruation. Additionally, emu oil acts as an effective chemical buffet- in combination with glycolic acid'
Four more emu oil related patents were granted during 1997 alone: Compositions Comprising Lidocaine And Emu Oil And Methods Of Use Thereof (Dec 16,1997), Methods Of Using Emu Oil And Active Fractions Thereof As An Insect Repellent (Oct. 14, 19 97), Therapeutic Uses Of Emu Oil (Sep. 2, 1997), and Method Of Using EMU Oil As An insect Repellent (May 6, 1997).
The 1997 patent abstracts and summaries contain some exciting findings, indicating the a amazing number of applications in which emu oil may be used.

Lidocaine and Emu Oil

The patent "Compositions Comprising Lidocaine And Emu Oil Arid Methods Of Use Thereof" was granted to inventor Daniel Rivlin of Miami Florida The patent abstract relates that "...the present compositions and methods permit rapid and effective anaesthesia of cornified skin, such that various surgeries and interventions can be performed without the need for subcutaneous injections of local anaesthetics... "
Rivlin, who specialises in dermatology, says "The thing that interested me was the ability of the oil to penetrate through the skin - the transdermal penetration. And for years I had been thinking about how great it would be to have a product that could be used as a vehicle to help penetrate lidocaine (an anaesthetic) into the skin so that needles wouldn't have to be used. After I was told about the oil I decided to give it a try and worked out a formulation and that's how the patent came about"

Emu Oil as an Insect Repellent

The patent "Methods Of Using Emu Oil And Active Fractions Thereof As An Insect Repellent" was assigned to AgraQuest, Inc., Davis, California. The patent relates that its three inventors, have established a method for repelling biting insects by using a topically applied mixture containing emu oil and/or diluted emu oil.

Therapeutic Uses of Emu Oil

"Therapeutic Uses of Emu Oil" US Patent# 5,662,9 21, was issued in September of 1997.
The patent invention abstract reveals that "Emu oil is therapeutically used in methods for lowering cholesterol, triglycerides and low density lipoproteins and increasing high density lipoproteins; and treating allergies; and relieving discomfort associated with menstruation.
Interestingly, observations in the patent assert that "It has been discovered that administration of emu oil on a regular basis results in lowering cholesterol, triglyceride and low density lipoproteins (LDL's) and increasing levels of high density lipoproteins (HDL's) it also states that "regular use of emu oil results in improving the rate of growth and condition of nails. Additionally emu oil can be used to prevent scarring when applied to a newly received cut or burn. It also diminishes old scars'
Further patent data may of high interest especially to women, for it relates that "stretch marks, such as those acquired during pregnancy, can be prevented by application of emu oil. Additionally, application of emu oil diminishes or completely erases existing stretch marks" The patent makes a total of 4 claims.

First World Patent

The first patent in the world pertaining to the use of emu oil preparations was awarded in 1990. This patent summarised tests whereby an active component of emu oil was demonstrated to have anti- inflammatory properties. Pharmaceutical compositions consisting of emu oil and dermal transport enhancing compounds were disclosed as useful topical anti -inflammatory treatments.
Interestingly, the patent recognises that "the strong absorption of UV light in the range of 260-34Onm exhibited by the emu oil would also contribute to this dermal -protecting property since radiation within this wavelength is known to be associated with connective tissue/cell damage and carcinogenesis". The patent indicates that the oil alone can be effective on topical inflammation and appears to be a natural sunscreen.

Applications For Emu Oil

Today, emu oil is being applied to a wide range of maladies and afflictions, and has been formulated into hundreds different types of personal care products for consumers. It is being used in cosmetics, skin care products, burn creams and lotions, arthritis pain formulations, perfumes, sunburn relief products, lip balms, etc. it is being used by veterinarians as a moisturising aid and for scar reduction, as well as by pet owners in pet shampoos and hair care products. The use of emu oil as an ingredient has been sought for its natural anti-inflammatory, moisturising, and therapeutic properties. Accordingly, when combined with other ingredients such as isopropyl alcohol, it has been shown to demonstrate a synergistic penetrating ability.
Emu oil is currently being used in and for the following applications:
· Cosmetics
· Massage oils
· Pharmaceutical and Health care
· Therapeutic Products
· Burns Bruising, Sprains and Muscle Pain due to falls sports and athletic related muscle problems
· Veterinary

The following are excerpts from the article "Making The Case for Emu Oil in the Prevention of Coronary Artery Disease" by Dr. Leigh Hopkins:
Heart disease remains a major cause of premature death despite a dramatic decline in many Western countries over the last 25 years. In addition to obesity and smoking, a number of risk factors have been linked to heart disease including:
· high low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels
· high triglyceride levels
· high blood pressure
· low high density lipoproteins (HDL)
· an increased clotting tendency
Each of these metabolic risk factors can be regulated by dietary changes, particularly by alterations in dietary fat intake.
The question remains, what is the right mix of fats in the diet? Very thin and very overweight people can have imbalances if in their fats. The body needs an optimum dietary fat mixture Emu oil contains a fat mixture that is nearly identical to the fat profile of the human body. It is a little higher in the essential fat portion, which is likely to be a benefit. Therefore, emu oil can be considered to be a balanced fat. Consumption of emu oil will help balance the excess quantities of saturated fat in most diets. Since the body's fat stores have accumulated over many years, it will take many months or years to correct these stores to their proper balance. Emu oil and a proper weight control and exercise program are a prescription to better health.
To summarise: Dietary fatty acids have pharmacologic as well as physiologic actions. low levels of PUFA and MUFA are strong biological market's that predict premature death from coronary artery disease and cancer. Polyunsaturated fats and their eicosanoid metabolites are potent biological modifiers. The proper balance of fats in the diet, as found in emu oil, is critical to a healthy life.
The following are, excerpts from the article "Using Emu Oil for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome" by Dr. Leigh Hopkins:
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a repetitive stress injury reported at an increasing rate in the US work force. Anyone who does repetitive work with their hands and arms is susceptible. Musicians, cooks, writers, typists and others complain of finger stiffness in the morning, a weakened grip and pain in the hands and wrists.
The syndrome occurs when the tendons in the wrist become inflamed after some type of aggravation such as typing or writing. These tendons pass between the bones and ligaments in the palm of the hand in a constricted area called a tunnel. Treatment includes resting the hands using splints. Oral and injected anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen are also common treatments. Surgery may be used to expand the tunnel and reduce the pressure on the nerve that is causing the pain.
An uncommon but very effective treatment is to take vitamins B6 and B2 Emu oil may act in an anti-Inflammatory manner to relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome similar to oral anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and Motrin. Vitamins B6 and B2 can be taken for 3 months at a daily dose of 300 mg for each vitamin. These should be taken in 100 mg doses at each meal. If, after a trial of 3 months there is no benefit from the use of emu oil and the B vitamins, you should seek other therapies since permanent nerve damage may occur in some people.
Note: The information provided is strictly educational and not intended as medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment, consult your physician.

Using Emu Oil To Lose Weight

The following are excerpts from the article "Using Emu Oil to lose Weight ... or....Why Emu Oil Increases Your Metabolic Rate" by Dr. Leigh Hopkins:
Weight control is a national obsession and obesity is an expanding problem. There appear to be as many diet programs as dieters.
It is important to understand what factors influence our metabolic rate. Eating a fat may seem not to make sense if a individual seeks to lose weight.
Of the approximately 50 nutrients which must be eaten, linoleic acid (found in emu oil) has the highest daily requirement. Obese people may require more essential fats than thin people. To have a successful diet, all 50 essential nutrients must be eaten in adequate quantities, otherwise the body will not work at peak efficiency. Simply assuring adequate quantities of these 50 nutrients may increase a sense of well being and energy and result in a lower weight by increasing a low metabolic rate.
While the essential fatty acids contain all the calories of other fats, they are only used for energy when they are taken in excess, otherwise, they are very metabolically active. They stimulate metabolism, increase metabolic rate and oxidation, and thereby increase the rate of consumption of fats and glucose. When essential fats are 12-15% of the total calories they help a person to lose weight and stay slim. Essential fats are used for structural, hormonal and electrical functions, not for energy. Hence, essential fats help in weight control.
It is very important to understand that a reduction in calories does not necessarily result in successful weight loss. Why? Because the body ratchets down its metabolic rate during caloric restriction. This is a normal defensive response as the body tries to conserve energy when it detects pending starvation due to inadequate calories.
To have a successful weight reduction program, an increase in the metabolic rate is desirable in order to burn more calories. Exercise causes an increase in the metabolic rate and burns calories.
In summary, a successful dieting program requires the ingestion of all 50 of the essential nutrients. The essential nutrient with the largest daily requirement is linoleic acid which is found in emu oil. These nutrients plus adequate calories required for the resting metabolic rate are the foundation for a weight reduction program. Careful calorie reduction and increased exercise will aid in the gradual loss of weight.
Note.. The information provided is strictly educational and not intended as medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment, consult your physician.

The Benefits of Emu Oil

Research has demonstrated that the emu possesses a unique oil which bears closer scrutiny as a valuable commodity in a marketplace that favours natural, environmentally friendly products and demands effective relief without side effects.

Properties

Emu oil has been documented to exhibit the following properties and/or used for the following
purposes:
· anti-inflammatory activity
· moisturising
· cholesterol reduction
· penetration enhancer for topical skin products
· significant epidermal proliferative activity
· non-comedogenic (non pore-clogging)
· significant wound healing agent to provide essential fatty acids
· significantly reduces recent keloid scarring
· to promote faster healing of burns with less pain and scarring
· weight reduction
· excellent emulsifier
Though the oil has been used in commercial applications for some time in Australia, the first emu oil products produced in the United States did not appear until 1992.

Emu Oil Today

Emu oil appears to be one of the undiscovered secrets of the modern world. As a natural ingredient that has enjoyed a treasured place among the ancient peoples of Australia for centuries, it has just begun to share its benefits to the Industrialised world in the last decade. This natural remedy has already found a place in the international cosmetic marketplace and aggressive research and marketing by companies who have identified its value are racing for the lead in a competitive marketplace.
A growing cache of testimonials, research data, and unmistakable benefits from the oil has lead to an exploration of a myriad of commercial applications. It has invited the scrutiny of the medical profession, the scientific community and the health -conscious consumer to explore the health related aspects of the oil. It shows promise as an organic additive in applications as diverse as medicine, food, and even industrial equipment. This natural substance offers the benefits of pain relief without the side effects of harsh drugs. No other oil offers the versatility of emu oil.

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