
RAE'lex Health Care products are formula with an important ingredient call emu oil.
Emu Oil For Medical and Cosmetic Use
Emu oil is a completely natural substance which is being used by pharmaceutical and cosmetic
manufacturers as well as physicians and compounding pharmacists (pharmacists that make custom
medications).
Dr. Barry Sears, researcher and author of Zone Diet books, claims "Emu Oil is an untapped resource and
currently now is where aspirin was in the early 1900's."
The use of emu oil is quite extensive for a single product as well as multi-modal.
As a skin care/cosmetic product, emu oil is nutritive, healing and anti-aging. As a dietary supplement, the oil
supplies Essential Fatty Acids. As a medical application, emu oil is pain relieving, anti-inflammatory, burn
and wound healing and has even been shown to grow hair.
We’ll look at some of the results from the research labs and some clinical experience of various practicing
doctors. But first, let’s look at the composition of the oil and the healing modalities.
That Politically In-Correct Word… FAT
“Fat” has become a highly-charged word in many Western societies, particularly when it comes to what we
eat. The depth of that topic is beyond the scope here. But what you do need to understand is the human body
needs and uses fat. There are different kinds of fat which can roughly be categorized into good fats and bad
fats. The body uses fats for both structural and functional needs.
Structurally, the cells in our body are made of fat. Some fats can be derived from proteins and carbohydrates.
But some fats can only come from our diet. If we don’t get these “essential” fats in our diet, cell wall
structures become impaired and much like gapping holes in the walls of your home, this is not a good thing.
Functionally, we need fat to produce hormones. Among other things, hormones are involved in the
inflammation process and healing as well as cell growth and dying.
The Essential Omegas
There are two types of fat the body cannot produce and must get through diet– Omega 3 (Linolenic) and
Omega 6 (Linoleic). Because the body cannot produce them, these are called “Essential Fatty Acids”. (The
Omega designation relates to the chemical structure of the fat).
These Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are preferred by the body to manufacture enzymes and hormones. EFAs
are also used to produce the hormone-like substance prostaglandins, which are used to regulate heart rate,
blood pressure, blood clotting, fertility, conception, and immune functions.
And EFAs are needed to maintain the integrity of the cell wall. Without sufficient EFAs cell walls develop
leakages and cannot efficiently eliminate toxins and cleanse the blood.
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In studies done at Auburn University, Dr. Paul Smith, Dr. Margaret Craig-Schmidt and Amanda Brown
demonstrated that the fatty acid composition of emu oil was very similar to the composition of human skin oil.
Emu oil is approximately 70% unsaturated fatty acids. The largest component is Oleic acid – a mono-
unsaturated fatty acid. Emu oil also contains about 20% Linoleic (Omega 6) acid and 1-2% Linolenic
(Omega 3) acid.
Additionally, the oil contains Vitamins A & E – anti-oxidants, Sapogens – skin softeners and Terpines –
antiseptics.
When considering why emu oil works Dr. Leigh Hopkins, a Compounding Pharmacist and Clinical Professor
of Pharmacology, believes it’s important to recognize that emu oil is one of the basic food groups many
Western societies are choosing to severely limit. We’re consuming more of the not good fats and less of the
good fats – particularly the Essential Fatty Acids.
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The main characteristics of emu oil are:
- ability to penetrate the skin
- non-comedogenic (com·e·do·gen·ic)
- does not clog pores
- hypo-allergenic
- natural anti-inflammatory, pain relieving
- highly moisturizing, natural emollient, stimulates skin growth
- good emulsifier
Ability to penetrate the skin. Emu oil is nearly 100% triglyceride which means it is a nearly neutral lipid.
Pharmacist and oil researcher Allen Strickland notes there is no phospherous in our skin. Emu oil is as well,
non-phospherous which allows it to penetrate the skin. Most cosmetics and any petroleum based products
contain phosphor-lipids and are blocked from fully penetrating through the layers of skin.
The oil is a rich source of EFAs and has fatty acid properties similar to human skin. Close to 50% of emu oil
is Oleic acid. According to Dr. Craig-Schmidt of Auburn University, Oleic acid enhances the transport of bio-
active compounds through the skin. Oleic acid is also anti-inflammatory.
In fact, emu oil has been used as a transport for other compounds. Dr. Dan Rivlin Head of Dermatopathology
at Miami's Mt. Sinai Hospital and Professor at the University of Miami Medical School and Julie Brumlik of
Dremu have a patent on emu oil and lidocaine. It’s the only penetrating topical anesthesia that works
anywhere on the body. Anesthesias such as lidocaine have always been administered by injection.
Non-comedogenic. Emu oil does not clog pores, and therefore does not cause pimples. Other popular oils
used in cosmetics such as mineral oil and rubbing oils do clog the pores. Studies done at University of
Texas Medical School at Houston produced observational and histological scores of less than 1 which
indicates emu oil is a substance not likely to produce a comedogenic response.
Hypo-allergenic. Even at full strength, emu oil has been shown to have irritation levels equivalent to water
with no known side effects. Dr. G. R. Hobday of Australia used emu oil in his practice with over 500 patients
over the span of 10 years and reported no allergic reactions.
Anti-inflammatory, pain relief. Emu oil reduces pain, swelling and joint and muscle stiffness. Oleic acid is
anti-inflammatory and Linolenic acid (Omega 3) eases muscle and joint pain. The potency of the anti-
inflammatory effect is similar to ibuprofen – without the side effects.
In a 1993 study done by Dr. Peter Ghosh at Royal North Shore Hospital of Sydney, Australia and Dr. Michael
Whitehouse at University of Adelaide, Australia to “Determine the Anti-Arthritic Activity of New Emu Oil
Formulation”, the results showed that emu oil had eliminated 100% of arthritic joint swelling in 17 days. And
joints and bone pain experienced by patients was completely relieved in 14 days.
Highly moisturizing, natural emollient, rejuvenates skin. The skin is our largest organ (about 17,000 square
centimeters for the average person) and is composed of layers.
The first layer – the external layer we see – is the epidermis. The second layer is the dermis. These layers
are joined together by “rete pegs” which give the skin tautness and elasticity. The skin gets thinner as we
age causing the rete pegs to disappear and the skin to sag and wrinkle.
Professor of Medicine, Physiology, and Dermatology at Boston University School of Medicine Dr. Michael
Holick was able to show that emu oil could slow aging and thinning of the skin by 30%. As well, the oil helps
grow back the rete pegs and reduces the slackening or looseness of skin that makes wrinkles occur.
Emu oil is also highly moisturizing which plumps up the epidermis making it smoother and softer.
Various skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, keloids, epithelialized wounds and burns have
responded well to emu oil treatments. According to Dr. Leigh Hopkins, “The healing has to be occurring
within the dermis (skin's lower levels), and in the cells that are viable, that is, cells that can divide.”
Dr. John Griswold of the Timothy J. Harner Burn Center At Texas Tech University Medical Center in a nine
month study of 10 burn patients showed the patients unanimously favored emu oil. Additionally, the oil
allowed better reduction of scarring and inflammation as compared to the standard treatment.
Good emulsifier. Emu oil has good blendability which means it can be blended with other ingredients to form
a cream that does not feel oily on the skin, but still penetrates the skin.
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Dr. William Code. Emu Cream Assists Lidocaine: Local Anesthetic Absorption through Human Skin. Emu oil
based cream combined with spearmint oil and lidocaine produced a reduced sensation compared to a
mixture without emu oil.
Dr. Alexander Zemtsov, Indiana University School of Medicine: Dr. Monica Gaddis, Ball Memorial Hospital;
and Dr. Victor Montalvo-Lugo, Ball Memorial Hospital. Moisturizing and Cosmetic Properties of Emu Oil: A
Double Blind Study. Comedogenicity of emu oil was significantly lower than that of mineral oil and all
subjects stated a preference for emu oil.
Dr. Michael Holick, M.D, Ph.D., Professor of Medicine, Physiology, and Dermatology at Boston University
School of Medicine. A study looking at factors that stimulate and inhibit skin and hair growth using emu oil
and corn oil. "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,"
Composition of Emu Oil: The Micro View. Comparing emu oil to human skin oil, the fatty acid composition is
quite similar. In both oils, mono-unsaturated oleic acid is the most prevalent fatty acid, followed by palmitic
acid, then linoleic acid (Omega 6). The similarity may be one of the factors contributing to the positive effects
of emu oil on human skin.
Dr. Thom Leahey, Arthritis Clinic Ardmore Oklahoma. In a two week, double blind, placebo controlled study of
arthritis patients, seven of twelve reported significant reduction of pain, swelling and morning stiffness
compared to one of eight placebo users.
Dr. Elton J. Lormand, Advanced ENT and Facial Surgery Institute, Cullman Alabama. Research showed a
lessening of radiation burns in patients who applied emu oil prior to head and neck radiation treatment
compared to patients who did not.
Dr. John Griswold, Timothy J. Harner Burn Center At Texas Tech University Medical Center. Long term study
found a statistically significant difference in scar reduction and inflammation in emu oil treated wounds of
burn victims.
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Dr. Esta Kronberg, Houston Texas Dermatologist. Began using emu oil for sunburn patients. "When I
realized how well it fights inflammation, I began using it for many different problems, all with good results. It
works quickly, our patients have been really pleased, and they are intrigued because it is a natural
substance." In addition to first and second degree burns, Dr. Kronberg has had good success with rosacea
patients. "Even though it is an oil, it seems to heal inflamed, ruddy and raw skin.”
Dr. Marlin Dimond, Glendale Arizona Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon. Emu oil quickly healed the incisions
on a double mastectomy patient with minimal scarring and put her 3-4 weeks ahead of schedule for
reconstructive surgery.
Dr. Dan Dean, Shepard Michigan. After emu oil saved his thoroughbred race horse – regrowing it’s hair and
returning it’s stamina following an allergic reaction – Dr. Dean further researched the oil and began using it
with patients. He routinely uses it with skin sores, ulcerations, abrasions and burns. When an 80 year old
diabetic with gangrene of the toes and serious heel ulceration, scheduled for a foot amputation was referred
to him, he was able to heal the foot with emu oil and save it from amputation.
Moisturizing and Cosmetic Properties of Emu Oil: A Double Blind Study, 1994, Dr. Alexander Zemtsov,
Indiana University School of Medicine: Dr. Monica Gaddis, Ball Memorial Hospital; and Dr. Victor Montalvo-
Lugo, Ball Memorial Hospital
Emu Cream Assists Lidocaine: Local Anesthetic Absorption through Human Skin, 1997, Dr. William Code
Processing of emu Oils, E. Hernandez, Food Protein R & D Center Texas A & M University
Nexus Magazine, Volume 6 Number 3, April/May 1999, Food For The Skin – An Absorbing Report, Maurice J.
Czarniak BSc, BPharm, FPS
RAE'lex Health Care Skin Care
Products Made With Emu Oil
Used for thin
skin, chronic dry
skin, diabetic
preventive skin
care, preventive
skin care for bed
patients,
promotes skin
integrity. Used
for infant skin
care, infant
ezcema and
various types of
skin disorders
Wound Care for
diabetic foot ulcers,
pressure ulcers (
bedsores, or
decubutis ulcers
RAE'lex
Circulation
Formula used to
improve circulation
of lower legs and
feet, used for
swelling of lower
legs and ankles.
Relieves diabetic
neuropathy pain.
Used for various
types of skin
disorders.
Skin Therapy 2 oz.
used for bruising,
skin tears,
ezcema,
dermatitis, age
spots and various
types of skin
disorders. Can be
used for skin
damaged by
cancer radiation
treatment.
Skin Therapy 2 oz.
used for bruising,
skin tears,
ezcema,
dermatitis, age
spots and various
types of skin
disorders. Can be
used for skin
damaged by
cancer radiation
treatment.
Diabetic Foot Care
Health Care RHC
RAE'lex Health Care RHC
Giving You What Your Skin Needs Most
Skin Care For All Ages
Arthritis Pain Relief
View all RAE'lex Health Care
products HERE
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
RAE'lex products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
RAE'lex products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.