Emu Oil is receiving a lot of recognition as a preventative measure to stop stretch marks from occurring and to minimize the appearance of existing stretch marks.
Researchers believe there are two common factors in the occurrence of stretch marks. The first - insufficient supply of elastin and collagen fibers in the skin; the second - rapid weight gain over a short period of time such as pregnancy, adolescent growth spurts and body building. The most common areas affected by stretch marks are those where skin is thinner such as the hips, breasts, buttocks, thighs and abdomen.
Stretch marks occur when thin skin is stretched to the point of breaking down, similar to elastic losing its' elasticity. This breakdown actually occurs in the dermis (mid layer of skin) where collagen and elastin fibers allow skin to stretch and then shrink back into shape. When there are not enough fibers present the underlying layer tears; the body then responds by producing an excess of collagen to fill in the tear which results in scar tissue visible through the epidermis (top layer of skin).
Hormones and steroids can inhibit the production or cause an abnormal formation of collagen and elastin fibers. Increases in the level of these hormones occur naturally during pregnancy and adolescent growth spurts; as a result of certain illnesses like Cushings disease and through the use of hormonal or steroid based medications. There is also a genetic factor. "Basically, if your mother had them, you're probably going to have them," says Leslie Baumann, MD, director of the University of Miami Cosmetic Group and author of The Skin Type Solution.
Stretch marks affect as many as 90% of all women (and many men), she says, and they are not easy to get rid of. Once they have passed the initial stage, when they are red or purple, to the later stages, where they become white or silver -- often with deep indentations -- they are much more challenging to treat.
Many young mothers have begun applying emu oil to their skin during the first trimester. The oil has proven to thicken skin by plumping the underlying dermis and subcutaneous layers. The oil delivers bio-nutrients which assist the body in the production of collagen, elastins and new skin cells. Thicker, healthier skin is much more pliant and stretchable and will not succumb to the deep tears associated with stretch marks. Body builders and young teens can enjoy the same protection and the added benefits of reduction of pain and inflammation.
If scars are still newly formed (red and inflamed from broken blood vessels) the oil can assist by reducing inflammation and inhibit excessive build up of collagen before it occurs. If scars are older and white, due to loss of pigmentation, the oil can still reduce the appearance, but don’t expect overnight results.
Just a few drops of emu oil go a long, long way and it’s best to apply small amounts frequently to nourish skin than a lot of oil at one time.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Monday, August 2, 2010
Emu Oil and Pets
This is my pal, Mr George Squigglemire. When George first joined my household at about 18 months of age, he was introduced to me as "Squiggy". However, after a few weeks of that he clearly instructed me to call him "George". I appended the Squigglemire to honor his birth name.
Those first few days with George were pretty rough because he kept scratching and chewing on himself. I assumed he had flees and did my best to bathe and spray him until we could get an appointment with the veterinarian. We were told there was no sign of flees, but that the breed (Shar Pei) is known to have extensive skin problems. We talked a bit about diet. Then she mentioned a fish oil gel caps for pets which I could administer with a simple jaw pry - throat pop - nose blow maneuver - I told her about Emu Oil (packed with Omega 3, 6 and 9) which my cat licks off my legs. We agreed to give it a try.
I gave George a measuring teaspoon of emu oil (he weighs 50 pounds) twice a day for a week, then cut that in half. He had actually stopped scratching by day 3 but still had some hot spots which I wanted to see fully healed. I did apply emu oil topically to the spots then kept his attention averted for a few minutes while the oil soaked in. I know emu oil stops the itch when I get bug bites or rashes - so I can only assume it made him feel better. That face of his doesn't give a lot away.
Now I just give George a good size dollop on his food a couple of times a week for maintenance. If he starts to scratch, usually at a change of seasons, I put him back on a regular dosage for a week and he's fine.
At bath time I haul George kicking, panting and whining into the shower and use our all natural dog shampoo bar with emu oil. I'm not going to try and tell you that he loves it - because he hates it. But I love the slightly less death deifying application of a bar soap rather than trying to open a shampoo bottle with my teeth while I hold his squiggling (finely figured out where he got his name) body under the water as his leash wraps around my legs. I also love the herbal scent and his coat is nice and shiny after. So if your dog or cat is suffering with any type of skin ailment - give our pet quality emu oil a try. Added benefit will be reduced joint inflammation which also affects many of our pets.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Try Something New - Try Emu
Emu is a very lean (97% fat free) red meat similar to beef in both taste and appearance. Emu are higher in protein, vitamin C and iron compared to beef; lower in cholesterol compared to chicken. Emu gives red meat lovers what they want and health conscious consumers what they need. In fact, the American Heart Association recognizes emu meat as a healthy alternative to beef.
Tips for Cooking Emu Meat
The tenderness and texture of emu meat enables it to be prepared in a variety of ways. It is best prepared lightly grilled or pan fried. Though emu meat has similar characteristics to extra lean beef, there are also some differences. Emu meat is very dark with little or no marbling. Since most fat is deposited in a layer between the meat and the hide, the meat has very little fat even on the outside of the cut.
Since emu is low in fat, it doesn't need to be cooked as long or with as high a temperature as most other meats. For broiling a steak, move the broiler rack down one notch from where you would broil beef. Turn the steak quicker than you would turn a beef steak. Emu is best when cooked rare to medium rare. Chopped or ground emu will cook faster than beef. Since it contains very little fat, it should be cooked at low temperatures. Shrinkage should be minimal due to the low fat content and slow cooking.
Emu Recipes
SALAD WITH EMU FILLET AND PEARS WRAPPED IN PANCETTA
Salad Ingredients: 1 pound emu fan fillet 3 pears ripe but not soft, 12 slices pancetta, small bunch red leaf lettuce, torn into pieces, handful of arugula stemmed.
Marinade Ingredients: 2 cloves garlic roughly chopped, 2 sprigs lemon thyme crumbled, 1 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup red wine, 2 crushed black peppercorns and 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar.
Pear Vinaigrette Ingredients: 1 pear peeled, 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/2 tablespoon honey, 1 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
To make the marinade: Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Place the emu in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before cooking. For best results and flavor, leave for up to 72 hours.
To make the vinaigrette: Peel pear and cut in half lengthwise, remove core and cut up into small pieces. Combine the pear pieces, balsamic vinegar, and honey in a saucepan, bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer gently until the pear softens. Remove from heat and puree. Cool, and whisk in the olive oil. Season to taste.
Peel and core the pears for the salad. Cut each pear in half lengthwise, then cut each half into three pieces lengthwise. Wrap each pear piece in pancetta and secure with a toothpick.
Remove the emu from the marinade and place in a saut頰an with the wrapped pears. Sear over high heat until the emu is rare to medium rare and the pancetta is crisp. Do not overcook emu. It is very lean and will dry out. Remove from the heat and rest for 3 minutes to let the juices reabsorb.
To serve, toss 1/2 the dressing through the lettuce and arugula, reserving the rest. Place salad on plate, slice the emu into thin slices and arrange on top of salad with the pancetta-wrapped pears. Drizzle the reserved dressing over the salad. Serves 2.
EMU STUFFED BELL PEPPERS
From Kristine Elison at Portabella Catering of Amherst, MA
Makes 10 portions - great recipe for a party
10 Medium size bell pepper 6 - 8 oz.
A combination of red, yellow, orange and green is best.
1 pound ground emu
2 Tbs olive oil
1/4 cup garlic-minced
1 cup red onion-diced
1 cup fresh corn
4 cups ground tomatoes
3 cups cooked brown basmati rice
2 Tbs balsamic vinegar
2 Tbs fresh parsley-chopped
1/4 cup scallions- chopped
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1 cup gorgonzola cheese-crumbled
2 tsp kosher salt
to taste - fresh ground pepper
Preheat oven to 350. Cut tops off of peppers, dice and set aside. Clean insides of seeds, and place in muffin tins.
Saute Garlic and onion in a large skillet with olive oil for 5 minutes over medium heat. Add emu, balsamic vinegar, cayenne pepper, cumin and 1 tsp of salt. Cook emu until browned.
Transfer emu to large mixing bowl. Add rice, diced pepper tops, fresh corn, ground tomatoes, parsley, scallions and 1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese. Season with remaining salt and fresh pepper.
Stuff bell peppers and top with remaining gorgonzola cheese. Bake in muffin tins for 30 minutes or until peppers are soft and stuffing is hot.
EMU KABOBS
1 lb. emu fillet
1 onion, chopped
1 inch fresh ginger root, grated
3 Tbsp. lemon juice
4 Tbsp. soy sauce
3 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 tsp. sesame oil
Mix together marinade ingredients. Cut emu fillet into cubes. Marinade meat for 1 hour in refrigerator. Thread meat onto bamboo skewers (previously soaked in water for 10 minutes). Broil or grill over hot coals, brushing with marinade, until done. Serves 4.
SPICY ROASTED EMU
2 small emu fillets
½ tsp. cardamom seeds
2 tsp. Juniper berries
1 Tbsp. cracked pepper
2 tsp. coriander seeds
2 cloves garlic
2 Tbsp. flavored vinegar (either balsamic or raspberry)
1 Tbsp. olive oil
Crush spices and garlic together. Rub mixture liberally over fillets, coating thickly. Refrigerate for one or two hours. Heat olive oil in pan; when hot add fillets and sear on all sides. Transfer to baking dish and cook in a hot oven (450º F) for 8-12 minutes. Remove from baking dish and allow meat to set by standing in a warm place for 15-30 minutes. Slice diagonally, fan on serving plate and serve with Balsamic Jus Sauce.
BALSAMIC JUS SAUCE
1 cup low-fat beef broth
1 cup port or red wine
1 Tbsp. red currant jelly
2-3 tsp. balsamic vinegar to taste
¾ stick unsalted butter, cut into small cubes (to reduce fat, use 2 Tbsp. fat-free natural butter flavor sprinkles and increase wine to 1½ cup)
Boil stock, wine and red currant jelly together until mixture thickens and is reduced by one-third. Whisk in butter cubes or butter sprinkles, a few cubes or tablespoons at a time. Add balsamic vinegar.
Tips for Cooking Emu Meat
The tenderness and texture of emu meat enables it to be prepared in a variety of ways. It is best prepared lightly grilled or pan fried. Though emu meat has similar characteristics to extra lean beef, there are also some differences. Emu meat is very dark with little or no marbling. Since most fat is deposited in a layer between the meat and the hide, the meat has very little fat even on the outside of the cut.
Since emu is low in fat, it doesn't need to be cooked as long or with as high a temperature as most other meats. For broiling a steak, move the broiler rack down one notch from where you would broil beef. Turn the steak quicker than you would turn a beef steak. Emu is best when cooked rare to medium rare. Chopped or ground emu will cook faster than beef. Since it contains very little fat, it should be cooked at low temperatures. Shrinkage should be minimal due to the low fat content and slow cooking.
Emu Recipes
SALAD WITH EMU FILLET AND PEARS WRAPPED IN PANCETTA
Salad Ingredients: 1 pound emu fan fillet 3 pears ripe but not soft, 12 slices pancetta, small bunch red leaf lettuce, torn into pieces, handful of arugula stemmed.
Marinade Ingredients: 2 cloves garlic roughly chopped, 2 sprigs lemon thyme crumbled, 1 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup red wine, 2 crushed black peppercorns and 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar.
Pear Vinaigrette Ingredients: 1 pear peeled, 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/2 tablespoon honey, 1 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
To make the marinade: Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Place the emu in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before cooking. For best results and flavor, leave for up to 72 hours.
To make the vinaigrette: Peel pear and cut in half lengthwise, remove core and cut up into small pieces. Combine the pear pieces, balsamic vinegar, and honey in a saucepan, bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer gently until the pear softens. Remove from heat and puree. Cool, and whisk in the olive oil. Season to taste.
Peel and core the pears for the salad. Cut each pear in half lengthwise, then cut each half into three pieces lengthwise. Wrap each pear piece in pancetta and secure with a toothpick.
Remove the emu from the marinade and place in a saut頰an with the wrapped pears. Sear over high heat until the emu is rare to medium rare and the pancetta is crisp. Do not overcook emu. It is very lean and will dry out. Remove from the heat and rest for 3 minutes to let the juices reabsorb.
To serve, toss 1/2 the dressing through the lettuce and arugula, reserving the rest. Place salad on plate, slice the emu into thin slices and arrange on top of salad with the pancetta-wrapped pears. Drizzle the reserved dressing over the salad. Serves 2.
EMU STUFFED BELL PEPPERS
From Kristine Elison at Portabella Catering of Amherst, MA
Makes 10 portions - great recipe for a party
10 Medium size bell pepper 6 - 8 oz.
A combination of red, yellow, orange and green is best.
1 pound ground emu
2 Tbs olive oil
1/4 cup garlic-minced
1 cup red onion-diced
1 cup fresh corn
4 cups ground tomatoes
3 cups cooked brown basmati rice
2 Tbs balsamic vinegar
2 Tbs fresh parsley-chopped
1/4 cup scallions- chopped
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1 cup gorgonzola cheese-crumbled
2 tsp kosher salt
to taste - fresh ground pepper
Preheat oven to 350. Cut tops off of peppers, dice and set aside. Clean insides of seeds, and place in muffin tins.
Saute Garlic and onion in a large skillet with olive oil for 5 minutes over medium heat. Add emu, balsamic vinegar, cayenne pepper, cumin and 1 tsp of salt. Cook emu until browned.
Transfer emu to large mixing bowl. Add rice, diced pepper tops, fresh corn, ground tomatoes, parsley, scallions and 1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese. Season with remaining salt and fresh pepper.
Stuff bell peppers and top with remaining gorgonzola cheese. Bake in muffin tins for 30 minutes or until peppers are soft and stuffing is hot.
EMU KABOBS
1 lb. emu fillet
1 onion, chopped
1 inch fresh ginger root, grated
3 Tbsp. lemon juice
4 Tbsp. soy sauce
3 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 tsp. sesame oil
Mix together marinade ingredients. Cut emu fillet into cubes. Marinade meat for 1 hour in refrigerator. Thread meat onto bamboo skewers (previously soaked in water for 10 minutes). Broil or grill over hot coals, brushing with marinade, until done. Serves 4.
SPICY ROASTED EMU
2 small emu fillets
½ tsp. cardamom seeds
2 tsp. Juniper berries
1 Tbsp. cracked pepper
2 tsp. coriander seeds
2 cloves garlic
2 Tbsp. flavored vinegar (either balsamic or raspberry)
1 Tbsp. olive oil
Crush spices and garlic together. Rub mixture liberally over fillets, coating thickly. Refrigerate for one or two hours. Heat olive oil in pan; when hot add fillets and sear on all sides. Transfer to baking dish and cook in a hot oven (450º F) for 8-12 minutes. Remove from baking dish and allow meat to set by standing in a warm place for 15-30 minutes. Slice diagonally, fan on serving plate and serve with Balsamic Jus Sauce.
BALSAMIC JUS SAUCE
1 cup low-fat beef broth
1 cup port or red wine
1 Tbsp. red currant jelly
2-3 tsp. balsamic vinegar to taste
¾ stick unsalted butter, cut into small cubes (to reduce fat, use 2 Tbsp. fat-free natural butter flavor sprinkles and increase wine to 1½ cup)
Boil stock, wine and red currant jelly together until mixture thickens and is reduced by one-third. Whisk in butter cubes or butter sprinkles, a few cubes or tablespoons at a time. Add balsamic vinegar.
Emu Oil and Burns
One of the most amazing things emu oil can do is assist the body in healing from burns. Whether from sun; fire; chemicals; radiation or friction - emu oil has been found to relieve pain, reduce swelling and redness, speed the healing process and minimize scarring.
When applied to sunburned skin it immediately cools and takes away pain and tightness. We've seen many very painful sunburns fade without blistering or peeling. Emu Oil’s bio-nutrients then assist the body to repair the skin from sun damage so it’s a good idea to continue to apply the oil even after the redness has gone.
For burn testimonial and Hamar Burn Center Study results.
When applied to sunburned skin it immediately cools and takes away pain and tightness. We've seen many very painful sunburns fade without blistering or peeling. Emu Oil’s bio-nutrients then assist the body to repair the skin from sun damage so it’s a good idea to continue to apply the oil even after the redness has gone.
For burn testimonial and Hamar Burn Center Study results.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Jenny McCarthy - Author, Actress, Activist, Comedian, Model Uses Emu Oil
Jenny McCarthy recently thanked emus for her beautiful complexion. Quoting from Entertainment Today
"The 36-year-old star is a huge fan of the unusual beauty product – which is made from the fat of the giant birds – and is convinced it helps her fight the ageing process.
A source told the National Enquirer magazine: “Jenny loves the oil because it sinks deeper into the skin than other oils – and it’s so incredibly potent at fighting off wrinkles, she applies it just once every two days.”
Emu oil has long been lauded for its anti-ageing properties, and is also said to help wounds and burns heal.
Jenny is not the only star said to be enamoured with the moisturiser - Goldie Hawn and Demi Moore are also said to be fans.
‘High School Musical’ star Zac Efron also stocked up on jars of the cream after having his appendix removed last year.
A source said at the time: “Zac applies emu oil daily to a scar he got from his appendectomy earlier this year. He can't handle having imperfect abs and the oil, which is made from the bird's fat is said to fade scars. It is already working.”
I would also like to take a moment to bring one of Jenny's passionate interests to your attention. She has teamed up with Jim Carey to create an organization called Generation Rescue. This is an international movement of scientists and physicians researching the causes and treatments for autism, ADHD and chronic illness, while parent-volunteers mentor thousands of families in recovering their children. Watch this quick video intro by Jim and Jenny.
Jenny has also recently co-authored with Dr. Jerry Kartzinel a new book "Healing and Preventing Autism Today"
If you know someone with an autistic child please refer them to this book and organization. There is alot of help out there for them.
"The 36-year-old star is a huge fan of the unusual beauty product – which is made from the fat of the giant birds – and is convinced it helps her fight the ageing process.
A source told the National Enquirer magazine: “Jenny loves the oil because it sinks deeper into the skin than other oils – and it’s so incredibly potent at fighting off wrinkles, she applies it just once every two days.”
Emu oil has long been lauded for its anti-ageing properties, and is also said to help wounds and burns heal.
Jenny is not the only star said to be enamoured with the moisturiser - Goldie Hawn and Demi Moore are also said to be fans.
‘High School Musical’ star Zac Efron also stocked up on jars of the cream after having his appendix removed last year.
A source said at the time: “Zac applies emu oil daily to a scar he got from his appendectomy earlier this year. He can't handle having imperfect abs and the oil, which is made from the bird's fat is said to fade scars. It is already working.”
I would also like to take a moment to bring one of Jenny's passionate interests to your attention. She has teamed up with Jim Carey to create an organization called Generation Rescue. This is an international movement of scientists and physicians researching the causes and treatments for autism, ADHD and chronic illness, while parent-volunteers mentor thousands of families in recovering their children. Watch this quick video intro by Jim and Jenny.
Jenny has also recently co-authored with Dr. Jerry Kartzinel a new book "Healing and Preventing Autism Today"
If you know someone with an autistic child please refer them to this book and organization. There is alot of help out there for them.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
How Emu Oil Relieves Muscle and Joint Pain
Pure emu oil alone has shown the ability to relieve pain and decrease the inflammation associated with many conditions from arthritis, burstitis, tendonitis to injuries and fibromyalgia. The potency of the anti-inflammatory effect from Emu Oil is similar to ibuprofen without the negative side-effects frequently common with non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) or corticosteroid based anti-inflammatory medications.
One of the most impressive studies was one done by Drs. Whitehouse and Ghosh in Australia. Each of these clinicians has over 25 years of experience and published extensively on the evaluation and development of drugs used for arthritis. They applied straight emu oil over a 14 day period to participants with chronic pain due to arthritis, joint swelling and bone abrasion due to lack of cartilage. Day 1 showed 1% improvement, day 4 – 30%, day 5- 50%, day 11 – 82% and by day 14 - 100% pain reduction. Swelling was also measured. Day 1 – 2% improvement, day 6 – 22%, day 12 – 40%, and by day 14 – 100%.
For people with allergies or skin sensitivities I recommend massaging pure emu oil into the muscle or joint a couple of times a day. The oil will work to reduce inflammation. This process will build on itself and best results will be seen in 5 - 7 days.
If a person is not allergic or sensitive to mint or pepper plant derivatives like menthol or capsicum I recommend trying a formulated pain cream using emu oil as the base carrier. Emu oil’s strong transdermal abilities allow it to penetrate deep through multiple layers of skin, muscle and cartilage while taking other encapsulated compounds along for the ride. This process has been coined by Doctors as “the emu oil express”. Formulations which mix emu oil with other natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic compounds like arnica oil, menthol, capsicum, MSM, willow-bark, witch hazel etc. can be very powerful.
Formulated emu pain relief creams work in a twofold manner. First the mint or pepper plant derivatives work to quickly override nerve signals to the brain. The person will feel coolness or warmth as a “mask” instead of the pain. This alone doesn’t offer a long term solution to a chronic condition – but it feels better instantly and reminds one to reapply the cream a few times a day.
Then the other ingredients like the emu oil, arnica, willow bark, witch-hazel, MSM etc. work to increase blood flow, so that toxins and waste materials can be removed from the site to reduce inflammation and swelling while providing nutrient materials and oxygen to encourage new cell growth.
Watch for emu oil content - some products have only 5% emu oil. Studies indicate that a minimum 12-15% emu oil appears necessary to maintain the oils anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally some products propose to carry compounds such as chondrotin and glucosamine through the skin. Initial studies indicate that these molecules are too large to pass through the skin and are more effective when taken orally. This too is an area requiring more research.
Additionally for those with chronic inflammatory pain issues I recommend taking emu oil as a dietary supplement. A few drops a day can be mixed into food or your smoothie. It is not unpleasant tasting – just a bit “oily”. Some people prefer to take gel caps. Emu oil provides a blend of Omega 3, 6 and 9 essential fatty acids, which have been proven to not only reduce inflammation but also greatly improve cholesterol levels, skin conditions and elevate mood and energy levels.
Some studies have indicated that certain ratios of the Omegas are better for optimal results. Because of that you may see Emu Oil blended with other oils like Flax Seed for an Omega 3 boost. Ingesting emu oil in either fashion can replace fish oil in your diet with the same or better results and no fish burps.
You will find that most members of the American Emu Association offer a money back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied with the results. This has been fairly standard in our industry to encourage consumers to feel comfortable trying a new product and because we believe so strongly in the oils properties. So give emu oil a try you have nothing to lose but the pain.
One of the most impressive studies was one done by Drs. Whitehouse and Ghosh in Australia. Each of these clinicians has over 25 years of experience and published extensively on the evaluation and development of drugs used for arthritis. They applied straight emu oil over a 14 day period to participants with chronic pain due to arthritis, joint swelling and bone abrasion due to lack of cartilage. Day 1 showed 1% improvement, day 4 – 30%, day 5- 50%, day 11 – 82% and by day 14 - 100% pain reduction. Swelling was also measured. Day 1 – 2% improvement, day 6 – 22%, day 12 – 40%, and by day 14 – 100%.
For people with allergies or skin sensitivities I recommend massaging pure emu oil into the muscle or joint a couple of times a day. The oil will work to reduce inflammation. This process will build on itself and best results will be seen in 5 - 7 days.
If a person is not allergic or sensitive to mint or pepper plant derivatives like menthol or capsicum I recommend trying a formulated pain cream using emu oil as the base carrier. Emu oil’s strong transdermal abilities allow it to penetrate deep through multiple layers of skin, muscle and cartilage while taking other encapsulated compounds along for the ride. This process has been coined by Doctors as “the emu oil express”. Formulations which mix emu oil with other natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic compounds like arnica oil, menthol, capsicum, MSM, willow-bark, witch hazel etc. can be very powerful.
Formulated emu pain relief creams work in a twofold manner. First the mint or pepper plant derivatives work to quickly override nerve signals to the brain. The person will feel coolness or warmth as a “mask” instead of the pain. This alone doesn’t offer a long term solution to a chronic condition – but it feels better instantly and reminds one to reapply the cream a few times a day.
Then the other ingredients like the emu oil, arnica, willow bark, witch-hazel, MSM etc. work to increase blood flow, so that toxins and waste materials can be removed from the site to reduce inflammation and swelling while providing nutrient materials and oxygen to encourage new cell growth.
Watch for emu oil content - some products have only 5% emu oil. Studies indicate that a minimum 12-15% emu oil appears necessary to maintain the oils anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally some products propose to carry compounds such as chondrotin and glucosamine through the skin. Initial studies indicate that these molecules are too large to pass through the skin and are more effective when taken orally. This too is an area requiring more research.
Additionally for those with chronic inflammatory pain issues I recommend taking emu oil as a dietary supplement. A few drops a day can be mixed into food or your smoothie. It is not unpleasant tasting – just a bit “oily”. Some people prefer to take gel caps. Emu oil provides a blend of Omega 3, 6 and 9 essential fatty acids, which have been proven to not only reduce inflammation but also greatly improve cholesterol levels, skin conditions and elevate mood and energy levels.
Some studies have indicated that certain ratios of the Omegas are better for optimal results. Because of that you may see Emu Oil blended with other oils like Flax Seed for an Omega 3 boost. Ingesting emu oil in either fashion can replace fish oil in your diet with the same or better results and no fish burps.
You will find that most members of the American Emu Association offer a money back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied with the results. This has been fairly standard in our industry to encourage consumers to feel comfortable trying a new product and because we believe so strongly in the oils properties. So give emu oil a try you have nothing to lose but the pain.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
What Is So Special About Emu Oil?
Emu oil has been used for thousands of years by the Australian aborigines for the treatment of burns, wounds, bruises, and as a pain reliever for bone, muscle, and joints. Labs are currently analyzing the oil to determine how it works. Studies conducted have shown:
Emu Oil has highly trans-dermal capabilities. Emu Oil gets through skin, nails and hair. Skin is your body's largest organ. Its job is to keep foreign elements out of your system. Emu oil penetrates the skin only because it is so chemically similar. First it is comprised of almost 100% triglycerides (fatty compounds also called lipids); second none of the lipids contain phosphorus, and third a large number of these fatty compounds are oleic acid, also known as Omega 9. Your skin has abundant triglycerides and so recognizes the Emu Oils essentially similar nature. Being phosphorus deficient your skin blocks any compounds which contain phosphorus - Emu Oil's lack of the mineral means that blocking responses are not triggered (most petro based oils contain phosphorus); and finally Omega 9 in Emu Oil works as a carrier to encapsulate other ingredients and bring them through the skin.
Emu Oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown emu oil to aid in the relief of joint and muscle pain and inflammation. The potency of the anti-inflammatory effect from Emu Oil is similar to ibuprofen without the negative side-effects frequently common with non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) or corticosteroid based anti-inflammatory medications.
One of the most impressive studies was one done by Drs. Whitehouse and Ghosh in Australia. Each of these clinicians has over 25 years of experience and published extensively on the evaluation and development of drugs used for arthritis. They applied straight emu oil over a 14 day period to participants with chronic pain due to arthritis, joint swelling and bone abrasion due to lack of cartilage. Day 1 showed 1% improvement, day 4 – 30%, day 5- 50%, day 11 – 82% and by day 14 - 100% pain reduction. Swelling was also measured. Day 1 – 2% improvement, day 6 – 22%, day 12 – 40%, and by day 14 – 100%.
Emu Oil appears to “fine tune” the body’s healing and reduces scarring. Emu oil contains eicosanoids, hormone like compounds that trigger your body to increase blood flow and oxygenation down to the cellular level. Eicosanoids also affect membrane and even cell permeability. This assists the body to bring in oxygen and new raw materials and take away toxins. Additionally, swelling of injured tissue brings in extra collagen and fibroblasts (connective tissue cells) which add to platelet aggregation and begin the scarring process. By keeping the pathways open emu oil speeds the healing process and reduces scarring.
These same processes appear to relieve symptoms of many inflammatory skin ailments like eczema, psoriasis and other dermatitis.
Emu Oil is biostatic. Bacteria, virus and fungus will not grow in emu oil. By using AEA certified oil you can feel comfortable that you are not bringing unwanted organisms to open and soft tissues like the inside of your mouth or an open wound.
Emu Oil has deep moisturizing properties. Emu Oil does more than just hydrate the skin – it delivers collagen, elastins, hyper-oxygenating eicosanoids and other nutrients to the deepest layers of tissue where new skins cells are created. This helps your skin regain lost elasticity and stimulate the collagen fiber network to regain tone and firmness. Studies have shown that emu oil applied twice a day for a 14 day period can thicken skin up to 30%, with an overall group average of 14%.
The remaining X-factor. As if all of these properties are not enough, there is still another enhanced healing and rejuvenation mechanism that renowned researcher and author Dr. Barry Sears has termed the "X" factor. It is not known if some particular unidentified compounds or specific ratio of compounds is creating enhanced healing. We will let you know when the researchers have more information on this unknown aspect of Emu Oil.
Emu Oil has highly trans-dermal capabilities. Emu Oil gets through skin, nails and hair. Skin is your body's largest organ. Its job is to keep foreign elements out of your system. Emu oil penetrates the skin only because it is so chemically similar. First it is comprised of almost 100% triglycerides (fatty compounds also called lipids); second none of the lipids contain phosphorus, and third a large number of these fatty compounds are oleic acid, also known as Omega 9. Your skin has abundant triglycerides and so recognizes the Emu Oils essentially similar nature. Being phosphorus deficient your skin blocks any compounds which contain phosphorus - Emu Oil's lack of the mineral means that blocking responses are not triggered (most petro based oils contain phosphorus); and finally Omega 9 in Emu Oil works as a carrier to encapsulate other ingredients and bring them through the skin.
Emu Oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown emu oil to aid in the relief of joint and muscle pain and inflammation. The potency of the anti-inflammatory effect from Emu Oil is similar to ibuprofen without the negative side-effects frequently common with non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) or corticosteroid based anti-inflammatory medications.
One of the most impressive studies was one done by Drs. Whitehouse and Ghosh in Australia. Each of these clinicians has over 25 years of experience and published extensively on the evaluation and development of drugs used for arthritis. They applied straight emu oil over a 14 day period to participants with chronic pain due to arthritis, joint swelling and bone abrasion due to lack of cartilage. Day 1 showed 1% improvement, day 4 – 30%, day 5- 50%, day 11 – 82% and by day 14 - 100% pain reduction. Swelling was also measured. Day 1 – 2% improvement, day 6 – 22%, day 12 – 40%, and by day 14 – 100%.
Emu Oil appears to “fine tune” the body’s healing and reduces scarring. Emu oil contains eicosanoids, hormone like compounds that trigger your body to increase blood flow and oxygenation down to the cellular level. Eicosanoids also affect membrane and even cell permeability. This assists the body to bring in oxygen and new raw materials and take away toxins. Additionally, swelling of injured tissue brings in extra collagen and fibroblasts (connective tissue cells) which add to platelet aggregation and begin the scarring process. By keeping the pathways open emu oil speeds the healing process and reduces scarring.
These same processes appear to relieve symptoms of many inflammatory skin ailments like eczema, psoriasis and other dermatitis.
Emu Oil is biostatic. Bacteria, virus and fungus will not grow in emu oil. By using AEA certified oil you can feel comfortable that you are not bringing unwanted organisms to open and soft tissues like the inside of your mouth or an open wound.
Emu Oil has deep moisturizing properties. Emu Oil does more than just hydrate the skin – it delivers collagen, elastins, hyper-oxygenating eicosanoids and other nutrients to the deepest layers of tissue where new skins cells are created. This helps your skin regain lost elasticity and stimulate the collagen fiber network to regain tone and firmness. Studies have shown that emu oil applied twice a day for a 14 day period can thicken skin up to 30%, with an overall group average of 14%.
The remaining X-factor. As if all of these properties are not enough, there is still another enhanced healing and rejuvenation mechanism that renowned researcher and author Dr. Barry Sears has termed the "X" factor. It is not known if some particular unidentified compounds or specific ratio of compounds is creating enhanced healing. We will let you know when the researchers have more information on this unknown aspect of Emu Oil.
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