Arthritis

According to the Arthritis Foundation nearly 40 million people in the U.S. suffer from some form of arthritis.  Arthritis is considered the nation's most chronic health problem costing Americans nearly 54.6 billion dollars in medical care and lost wages alone. It is projected that by the year 2020, nearly 59 million Americans may suffer the effects of arthritis.



Dr. Thom Leahey, Arthritis Clinic, Ardmore, Oklahoma
1995-Double blind placebo-controlled study using emu oil and mineral oil. Volunteers remained on any medicine they were using. Of those testing the emu oil 58% reported a significant reduction in pain, morning stiffness and swelling.  Twelve percent of those using the placebo reported results. Proposed-Three month study, 500 participants diagnosed with arthritis in their hands. Using a dynamometer detect changes in the participant's gripping strength. Also test the sensitivity and number of tender and swollen joints. Volunteers must not take any arthritis medication for at least one month prior to the study. See Canyon River Pure Premium Emu Oil.

Dr. Peter Ghosh, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia
Dr. Michael Whitehouse, University of Adelaide, Australia
1988 - Study to determine if emu oil showed anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic activity in laboratory animals. Reported results from their experiments indicated that "the most potent formulation was achieved when methyl salicylate(wintergreen oil), isopropanol and menthol were combined with emu oil" Apparently, a "synergistic effect was occurring between the emu oil and the methyl salicylate, for the anti-iflammatory activity of the combination was greater than the sum of either component when used alone (with isopropanol)." See MegaPain^TM Therapy.

Dr. Michael Whitehouse, University of Adelaide, Australia
1996 - Evaluation of emu oils for beneficial effects when applied to the skin to alleviate both local and distal pain and inflammation. Principal findings consisted of (1) Emu oil varied considerably in their ability to suppress the arthritic inflammation; (2) Some oil samples were particularly effective in suppressing development of the rat polyarthritis; (3) Their anti-arthritic activity was enhanced by facilitating skin penetration using known/novel penetration enhancers, and (4) Potent concentrates could be prepared by solvent extraction and other fractionation procedures which were low in triglycerides, contained a range of active molecules and under some conditions, consistently prevented development of the rat polyarthritis (in contrast to conventional anti-inflammatory drugs).  Their findings also confirmed other evidence which suggested that different emu oils possessed different levels of potency. See the Premuflo^TM Process.

Dr. Charles Evans, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
1996 - Research to determine antiviral properties, the value of emu oil on the body's defense against disease, and any potential cell toxicity of emu oil and its components - critical areas when developing internal uses of any compounds.  Results have not been published.

Dr. Robert Nicolosi, Director of the Center for Health and Disease Research at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, has been conducting research to evaluate that emu oil has cholesterol lowering, anti-inflammatory, and transdermal properties.

A topical application of emu oil containing either tocopherol (Vitamin E) or DHA (docosahexanoic) was applied to the shaved surface of hamsters. Periodic blood samples taken over a seven-day period showed conclusively that emu oil is transdermal and that it can be utilized for transdermal delivery.

Inflammation studies with mice indicated that emu oil significantly reduced induced inflammation 42% to 71% depending on when it was applied. A comparison of these results with those of other oils in the omega 3 family indicates that emu oil has a greater affect on reducing inflammation. Since diseases such as arthritis are often earmarked by inflammation, the anti-inflammatory properties of emu oil as well as the transdermal qualities indicate emu oil has a place in topical applications.

Cholesterol research with hamsters fed a hypercholesterolemic diet followed by inclusion of emu oil provided incredible results. Emu oil reduced the total cholesterol over 30%. Low Density Liprotein (bad cholesterol) was reduced 25%. With over 100 million Americans suffering from high cholesterol, cholesterol-lowering drugs make up a major part of the pharmaceutical products market. Emu Oil in an ingestible form may become a very attractive alternative for some consumers.

An estimated 2.5 million people seek medical attention for burn injuries each year.



Dr. John Griswold, Director - Timothy J. Harner Burn Center University Medical Center, Lubbock, Texas
1996 - According to Griswold, as reported by the American Emu Association (AEA) News, "Care for the re-epithelialized burn wound is one of the most important steps in the total recovery of the burn patient. This care includes topical applications of burn salves to aid elasticity, lubrication and the continued physiological processes of healing of new and applied skin." Initial results released in February 1997 compiled over a nine month period identified two outcomes: 1. Patient comments almost unanimously favored emu oil for the end result and during application; and 2. There was a unanimous and statistically significant difference noted in photographs taken of the wounds as far as reduction in scarring and inflammation.

Dr. Michael Holick, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Medicine, Physiology, and Dermatology Boston University School of Medicine
1996 - According to an article by Dr. Holick and James F. Kinney appearing in Drug & Cosmetic Industry magazine in January 1996, the emu oil tested caused "about a 20% increase in the proliferative activity, or the growth activity of the skin..@ when we looked at the hair follicles, and the thickness of the skin, it showed that the hair follicles were much more robust, and that the skin thickness was remarkably increased, suggesting that (the emu oil tested) stimulated skin growth and hair growth in these animals.  Also, we discovered in the same test that over 80% of hair follicles that had been asleep were waken up, and began growing hair." Additionally, the emu oil appeared to "enhance the skin's ability to withstand the rigors of colder climates" and to transform "rough, dry skin to a smooth and healthy appearance." Other observations noted that "In liniment base formulas," the oil showed evidence of being a "strong counterirritant in glyceryl monosterate/ethoxylated cetyl alcohol prototypes" that the performance of sunscreen protectants was enhanced and that the emu oil "virtually eliminated" the frequency of ingrown beard problems in Afro-American panelists.

Dr. Alexander Zemtsov, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Indiana University School of Medicine
1995 - conducted a double-blind study on the moisturizing and cosmetic properties of the oil and its potential use in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry. Dr. Zemtsov found emu oil to be deeply penetrating, a good emulsifier, bacteriostatic (does not promote bacteria), non-irritating, noncomedogenic, and highly moisturizing. According to Dr. Zemtsov, "Many companies are currently researching and developing 'liposomes', a highly penetrating chemical which can go through the skin barrier very rapidly." Emu oil has proven to be a highly penetrating, non-irritating oil and the major advantage emu oil could have to cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies is the cost.  "The price of liposomes is about 20 times more expensive than emu oil" relates Dr. Zemtsov.

Psorasis

Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin disorder that most commonly appears as inflamed swollen skin lesions covered with silvery white scale. The most common type of psoriasis is called "plaque psoriasis".

No one knows what causes psoriasis, though it is generally accepted that it has a genetic component, and a recent study has established that it is an autoimmune skin disorder. Scientists believe that a person is born genetically predisposed to psoriasis. Once something triggers a person's genetic tendency to develop psoriasis, it is thought that in turn, the immune system triggers the excessive skin cell reproduction.

Emu oil has been shown to dramatically decrease the reddness and scalyness associated with psorasis. The reoccurance is decreased with continued use. Some topical creams and ointments have been shown to lessen symptoms while there is no known cure. See Intensive Skin Therapy

Rosacea

This is a disease affecting the skin of the face. It usually starts with redness on the cheeks and can worsen to include additional symptoms. Rosacea may be hard to recognize in its early stages because changes are gradual. As far as we know today, Rosacea cannot be cured, only controlled.

Rosacea is usually seen in adults, affecting fair-skinned people most often. Women get Rosacea more often than men, but men are more likely to develop rhinophyma. One famous person who had Rosacea was W.C. Fields - many folks thought Mr. Fields facial coloration was linked to alcoholism, when in fact, it was Rosacea. Drinking alcohol can make rosacea worse, even people who never drink alcohol can develop rosacea.

What Causes Rosacea?
There are many theories but none have been proven. Researchers now believe that there is some link between rosacea and "blushing". This is a chronic condition. Symptoms may come and go in cycles. The condition may go in remission for a while, it is often followed by a worsening of symptoms (redness, pimples, red line or nasal bumps).

Always seek professional medical assistance for Rosacea. Recommendations of the National Rosacea Society (NRS)are to apply a quality moisturizer to the skin after mild cleansing. See Canyon River Pure Premium Emu Oil and See CANYON RIVER NATURALS Gentle Cleanser and Moisturizer and See CANYON RIVER NATURALS Overnight Rejuvenating Cream

Eczema

Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a chronic skin disorder. When it is flaring up - which can be weekly or monthly for some - it is characterized by red, itchy skin. This condition usually occurs in people with a personal or family history of atopy (allergic asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, or food allergies).

To aid in the relief of this disease you need to identify and reduce those factors in your life that exacerbate the disease. These are different for each person, so no one therapy is appropriate for all eczema sufferers.

Irritants: Environmental factors can have a big effect on eczema. To prevent irritation, minimize the use of soaps, solvents, and other drying compounds. If soaps are to be used they should have minimal defatting activity and a neutral pH. Non-soap cleansing agents are also available. Since residual laundry detergent in clothes may also be irritating, a second rinse cycle would be beneficial. Changing detergents may also help.

For hand dermatitis, it is important to avoid irritant contact with solvents, soaps and detergents. If you wash your hands frequently, it is important to apply emollients after every washing. Wearing appropriate gloves when using potential irritants is also important.

Allergens: Allergens in the air and in food are often triggers for a flare-up of this disorder. Allergy testing is helpful in determining what allergens to avoid. Occasionally, using an electrostatic air purifier can help reduce aeroallergen exposure at home or in the workplace.

Dietary management of atopic dermatitis continues to be a controversial subject among doctors. The most common allergens appear to be eggs, cow's milk, soy, wheat, nuts and fish.
Infections: If you get a bacterial, fungal or viral infection, it may cause a flare-up of eczema. If eczema is weeping or oozing, if it is crusted, or if it has small bumps, have your doctor test for the presence of bacterial infection.

Athletes foot (tineas pedis) can occur in older children and adults in addition to foot dermatitis. When standard topical therapy for foot dermatitis fails, you doctor may test for this fungus.

Helpful Hints for Eczema
Hydration: Your skin is dry, not because it lacks grease or oil, but because it fails to retain water. Therefore, to correct dryness, water is added to the skin, followed by a grease or oil-containing substance to hold the water in. This can be done by soaking the affected area in a basin of water, in the bath or in the shower, for 20 minutes using warm water. Pat the skin with a soft towel to remove excess water, and immediately apply Emu oil. You should bathe and lubricate at least once a day or more for optimum hydration. Many folks find additional applications (2 or 3 times a day) of agents like Emu oil that hydrate the skin, help keep their skin moist.

Although eczema can be difficult to live with, we hope the above suggestions will help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with it. Remember: no two cases are exactly alike and each person may have different needs. See Canyon River Pure Premium Emu Oil