Emu oil has been found to reduce inflammation in soft tissue. This includes skin, muscles, and cartilage in joints.

Arthritis

Osteo arthritis is the breakdown of cartilage and fluids in the joints caused by the aging process. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system improperly identifies the synovial membranes that secrete the lubricating fluid in the joints as foreign. The result is inflammation and destruction of the cartilage and bone surfaces. Eventually joint pain appears with stiffness and swelling especially after inactivity. It can occur at any age, but the peak is between the ages of 25 and 55. Women are affected three times more often than men.

Emu oil is capable of relieving inflammation of both types of arthritis (as well as any other soft tissue inflammation from other causes).  It acts only on the soft tissue which means there still must be enough cartilage left in the joints to act upon.  Emu oil also tends to work faster on joints with the greatest exposure to the skin surface, such as hands, feet, knees, and elbows whereas inflammation in a joint such as the hip may not respond as well.

Steroids and NSAID’s(non steroidal anti-inflammatory) are the drugs of choice.  DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide), a sulfuric derivative of petroleum, penetrates through all layers of skin to get to the joint and reduces inflammation. It has an unpleasant residual odor, not unlike garlic, and causes sensitivity reactions in many (used mostly in veterinary medicine). Hyalgan and Synvisc are fluids injected directly into the joint capsule (viscosupplements) and can relieve pain for months. They substitute for natural hyaluronic acid, a lubricant that breaks down in joints affected by osteo arthritis. Celecoxib resembles sulfa drugs, is generally safer than NSAID's and is less likely to cause stomach upset. Arthrotec and Meloxicam are other drugs used to reduce inflammation of arthritis. A new drug called Enbrel (etanercept) is a protein similar to the one the body produces naturally and it targets rheumatoid arthritis in a unique way. All conventional medications have some side effect and should be used with caution.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Pain and numbness result from excessive wrist flexion or extension from work-related activities. Repetitive use of hands, pushing, rubbing, pulling  in a limited motion swells the tendons inside the tendon sheaths at the wrist. The tendon in the sheath thickens and rubs against the sheath wall creating friction and eventually seizing up. Emu oil rubbed on the affected area along with internal vitamin B6 supplementation helps to relieve inflammation and pain. Frequent and regular stretching the hands in a full range often also helps to prevent the muscles and tendons from bunching up.

Bruises
Emu oil helps to relieve the tenderness and pain of bruised skin much better than arnica, a herbal remedy used for centuries by Europeans for bruised skin tissue. Our Arthritis Formula is especially effective if applied immediately after an injury that typically results in bruising occurs.

Gout
Gout is an accumulation of uric acid crystals in joints usually caused by a bad diet of rich foods, red meat, and general obesity along with little physical activity.  Alcohol consumption may aggravate gout symptoms. The pain is usually substantially greater than arthritis and affects mostly the large toes, wrists, and knees. It is much more common in men. Allenpurenall is a prescribed medication for gout.  Many gout sufferers find our Arthritis Formula lessens the inflammation and pain caused by gout.

Lupus
Lupus is a disorder that causes the body’s own defenses to mistakenly attack the DNA and proteins within healthy cells. In those who may be genetically predisposed, Lupus is believed to be a mutation that disrupts the body’s waste disposal mechanism within the cells. It is more common among women, can cause arthritic type pain, blood vessel inflammation and kidney failure. Emu oil is unlikely to reduce the inflammation caused by lupus though it may help reduce the blistering and peeling of the skin around the mouth area sometimes caused by SLE (systemic lupus erthematosus).

Fibromyalgia
Nearly six million Americans (mostly caucasian women) are believed to be affected by fibromyalgia. It is often classified under chronic fatigue syndrome resulting in symptoms of fatigue, sleeplessness, pain and cramping in muscle tissues, and sore joints.  The symptoms may be related to trauma or severe stress resulting in inefficient metabolization of essential fatty acids. It is commonly recommended to eat more foods high in fatty acids such as meat, fish and fish oils, milk, and eggs.  Emu oil penetrates deep into muscle tissues to deliver its fatty acids and relieves muscle pain and cramping. Some of those suffering from fibromyalgia symptoms following a trauma to the spine may find pain relief by using magnets.  Magnets are believed to modify the electromagnetic field in the body which is said to relieve tension in muscles and joints. The University of Oregon has done much comprehensive research into fibromyalgia. Upon request, they will send a free packet of information about research, diet, exercise, and medication. Contact the University of Oregon, Health Sciences Dept. in Portland OR.

Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetics who experience diminished circulation to the extremities may suffer from diabetic neuropathy, a gradual dying of nerve tissue which causes pain, tingling and numbness typically in the hands and feet.
Emu oil or Arthritis Formula can reduce the pain and tingling sensations related to diabetic neuropathy. Alpha-lipoic acid, a fatty acid and effective antioxidant, is currently used by doctors for these symptoms with effects similar to emu oil. Emu oil also moisturizes the dry skin on legs and feet, and speeds healing of skin ulcers which commonly accompany diabetes.

Scleroderma
Scleroderma (or systemic sclerosis) is a rare autoimmune disorder affecting twice as many women as men and usually occurs between the ages of 40 and 60. It results in the hardening of the tissues in the body, particularly the skin, arteries, kidneys, lungs, heart, gastrointestinal tract, and joints. The skin can become shiny, tight and thickened. The most common symptom is Raynaud’s phenomenon, a painful response in hands and feet to cold exposure. Emu oil will help to soften the skin so it may be more pliable and will also help reduce the accompanying pain in joints.

Hemorrhoids and Vaginal Dryness
Emu oil relieves the itching and burning of inflamed delicate tissues and membranes better than any other remedy. For severe cases, saturate a cotton ball with emu oil and insert like a tampon. Emu oil relieves vaginal dryness better then Vitamin E oil and it is easier and much less messy to apply.

Shingles
Herpes zoster, or Shingles, can only affect adults who have had chicken pox earlier in life. The virus lays dormant in the nervous system and can be triggered by stress or a compromised immune system. It results in painful itching and burning in the trunk of the body, the face and/or groin area. Emu oil applied every 2 to 3 hours to the painful areas tends to minimize the pain and speed healing. Emu oil similarly helps relieve the pain of fever blisters (another type of herpes infection). We have had some good reports about emu oil use on genital herpes as well.

Fever Blisters / Cold Sores
We have seen emu oil dry up fever blisters almost overnight. Also good for canker sores inside the mouth. Regular use of Emu Oil Lip Balm (with 40% emu oil) will also help to keep fever blisters under control.

Massage
Emu oil is excellent for relaxing muscles during and after massage It usually mixes well with other creams and oils. Initiate the massage with emu oil then continue with another oil for continued lubrication after the emu oil has penetrated.

Emu Oil Taken Internally
Emu oil taken internally helps to supplement the fatty acids in unhealthy diets and has been found to reduce inflammation of the bowel (such as colitis or Crohn’s disease), helps relieve the pain of cramping muscles associated with fibromyalgia, and to a very small degree helps to relieve the inflammation in joints or lessen the discomfort of psoriasis. We do not specifically sell our emu oil for internal consumption, but our oil is refined to the same food grade quality by Texas A & M University, (foods, fats, and oils division) that other emu oil sold in gel caps is.