|
| RESEARCH and FACTS
Getting a Grip on Pain: Documenting the Facts on Emu Oil and Arthritis 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 anesthetics in an effort to increase the speed of the penetration of the anesthetic. The benefit is the ability to quickly anesthetize the skin without the use of needles for common procedures such as sutures. Arthritic and pain relieving applications of emu oil is rapidly gaining credibility for its penetrating and healing properties. Testimonials from users, professionals (chiropractors, medical doctors, massage therapist, pharmacists, etc.) has shown Emu Oil to be anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-microbial. In the following article, Dr. Thom Leahey of the Arthritis Clinic in Ardmore, OK., discusses the pain relieving effects of Emu Oil and the use of Emu Oil in his practice. A preliminary study has already produced some positive indication, that the oil may substantially reduce the pain caused by arthritis. "We took a random sampling of 20 volunteers for a double blind, placebo-controlled study using emu oil and mineral oil," said Dr. Leahey. "The only qualifying parameter was that the volunteer could not have ever used emu oil before the test. Volunteers also remained on the same arthritis medicine they were currently taking, he explained. 
"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 users (placebo) related the same results," reported Dr. Leahey. Encouraged by these preliminary findings. Dr. Leahey felt the oil merited additional investigation through a comprehensive clinical study that could be documented and published in scientific and trade journals.
The proposed study, which will extend over a three month period, will involve 500 participants. 'The main qualifying factor will be that the participant must have had arthritis diagnosed in their hands," he explained. Although the extensiveness of the arthritis is not a factor that will disqualify a volunteer, 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 actually destroyed. I suspect the oil reduces inflammation around and within joints, and assists in allowing a greater freedom of movement." he reasoned. "This study will not only provide for a subjective determination of the effect of the oil.' said Dr. Leahey, "but it will also include direct measurements. By using a dynamometer, we can confirm changes in the participant's gripping strength. Also, by direct examination of the hands, it is very easy to test the sensitivity and number of tender and swollen joints." he revealed. Volunteers that are accepted and have been off arthritis medicine for one month will receive an initial examination measuring the gripping strength in the hands. The subject may be asked at the beginning of the study to assign a number corresponding to the pain level being experienced in their joints on a scale of 1 to 5. After the hands are examined, the subject will be instructed on how to properly apply the oil onto the hands, tentatively 3 times a day for 3 months. The subject's hands will be reexamined and evaluated at the end of each 30 day interval. "When I was initially approached by patients advising me that they were experiencing relief from pain with emu oil, I did a literature search on the topic of emu oil and medical applications. I quickly learned that there is a big void in this area and that there were no published articles in scientific or medical journals." Dr. Leahey revealed. Personal observation of the effectiveness of the emu oil on his own patients was the motivating factor behind Dr. Leahey's proposal for a clinical study. "The dramatic results I have observed convinced me that this oil can make an impact on those suffering from arthritis." he stated. "The advent of this oil has simply changed my practice." he asserted. "The research is imperative," stated Dr. Leahey. The initial results and potential are so exciting. In the last few weeks. I've begun recommending the use of emu oil as part of a regular treatment program for patients," he revealed. I’ve observed some very surprising results. The oil is very economical compared to regular arthritis medicines, and appears to have fewer side effects," he continued. "It's very encouraging to find something that may help relieve the suffering associated with arthritis, and it's very exciting to be a part of a project that may impact the quality of life for so many people." "I believe there's been an oil strike here, and I want to be a part of It." Dr. Leahey declared. Dr. Leahey attended graduate school at Texas A&M University where he graduated with a Bachelors in Science and a Masters in Science. After graduate school. he attended the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in fort Worth where he graduated in June 1983. He did his residency in Michigan at Garden city Hospital and the Internal Medicine portion at Providence Hospital. He finished his residency in June 1988. He then moved to Talihina, Oklahoma where he spent two years doing Indian Health Service at the Choctaw Nations Indian Hospital. Dr. Leahey moved to Ardmore in June 1990 and joined the Arthritis Clinic. He does rheumatology practice with special interest in medical disability evaluations. He is on staff at Memorial Hospital. Dr. Leahey is the Medical Director of 6 nursing homes in southern Oklahoma. He is the President of Southern District of Osteopathic Association in Oklahoma for 1995. He is a member of: American College of Rheumatology, American college of Physicians, Oklahoma Osteopathic Association and Fellow of the American Academy of Disability Evaluation Physicians. A study on emu oil as a positive burn-wound treatment was conducted at Texas Tech University's Timothy J. Harner Burn Center and funded by The American Emu Association (AEA), in 1998. To read a copy of the actual AEA Burn Results use this link. The Emu Oil burn study link is in the paragraph above. Now read the dramatic story of an actual event. Just click on the article title Burned on her Birthday and it will take you directly to the article. See how emu oil helped a 13 year old girl with a bad burn and how our own dShae was involved in the healing process. There are dramatic pictures of this girl's arm with the article. Check it out. NATURAL PROPERTIES OF EMU OIL
Hypoallergenic: non-irritating, no known side effects. Even at full-strength,
Emu Oil has irritation levels equivalent to water (most anti-inflammatory drugs are
irritating and have side effects).
Non-Comedogenic: does not clog pores, does not cause outbreaks, as other
oils (such as mineral oil or lanolin) often do.
Anti-Inflammatory: effects similar to ibuprofen. Reduces pain,
swelling, stiffness in joints and muscles, recent bruising
& eases muscles and tendon strains without the NSAIDS side effects.
Anti-Bacterial: does not promote bacterial growth. In its pure state, Emu Oil
grows no bacterial organisms; therefore, pure-refined emu oil has virtually no odor
and a long shelf life.
Anti-Fungal: does not promote the growth of fungus; so it is very effective
in the fight against athletes foot, foot fungus, toe nail fungus, finger nail fungus
and more.
SOME OF THE MANY BENEFITS OF EMU OIL
Naturally contains Omega 3, 6 & 9 Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's)
Superb healer of diaper rash as well as psoriasis, eczema & other rashes
Can cool & soothe painful chemical, sun & grease burns; helps reduce scarring
Softens skin without being oily & does not clog pores; aids in fading age spots
Transdermal, meaning it goes deep into the lower layers of skin
Is a superior treatment for stretch marks
Can help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol
Can reduce pain and inflammation
Taken in ingestible form, improves bodily functions & energy levels
Effective for animals in relieving pain, hot spots, sprains, strains & skin conditions
Study on Emu Oil and Hair Growth Michael Hollick, MD, Ph.D., Professor of Medicine, Physiology, and Dermatology at Boston University School of Medicine conducted a study involving emu oil and hair growth . His study found that there was a 20% increase in growth activity of skin that received emu oil, compared to skin that received corn oil. Looking at the hair follicles, Dr. Hollick realized they were much more robust, the skin thickness was remarkably increased, suggesting that emu oil stimulated skin growth and hair growth. Additionally, the study showed that over 80% of hair follicles that had been "asleep" were woken up, and began growing. This is what emu oil may do for you! Massaging a small amount of emu oil into the hairless or thinning area of the scalp three times per day, if possible is recommended. In the evening or on weekends, apply a greater amount of emu oil to the scalp and leave on for 20-30 minutes, then wash hair with a mild shampoo or a good Emu Oil Shampoo. If your hair follicles were in a sleep state, you should notice signs of regrowth in 30-90 days. For those of you who may be getting frustrated with the conventional health thinking, perhaps you would be interested in this article by Mike Adams, known as the "Health Ranger" on the News Target Network covering Natural Health, Medicine and Technology. Just click on the article title and it will take you right to the article. How to be a skeptical health consumer and avoid bad health advice. If you choose to come back to Emu Oil...Naturally, just click on the back button on your browser window. Research studies on Emu Oil have been conducted at these Institutes
Emu OilNaturally.com at the present time does not offer emu meat. However, if you are interested in this alternative to lean beef, I suggest you check out my friend Barbara's site Emu Products Plus. You can get additional information about Barbara on our Links page. I hope the chart below will enlighten you to the benefits of healthy emu meat.
gm = grams |
