Is Your Skin Thirsty? printed in the Summer 1999 edition of the Alabama Farmers Federation's Neighbors magazine, by Jeff Helms
Alabama emu growers are finding a market for their product as customers discover the skin-and wound-care benefits of emu oil.When David Tankersley of Anniston visited Billie Johnson's office for a sales call, he had no idea he would discover an all-natural treatment for his knee injury.
"My knee had gotten in such bad shape to where I could not put weight on it without terrible pain," Tankersley recalled. " I thought I had blown my knee out and was facing surgery. Billie handed me a sample bottle of emu oil with the remark, 'try it, it helps a lot of people.' I rubbed my knee down with the oil and the next morning I could tell a difference. I used it twice a day, and within 10 days, I was going up stairs with no pain."Like Tankersley, people nationwide are discovering oil of the ostrich-like emu bird as a treatment for all types of ailments, from tendonitis and dry skin to burns and bed sores.
Richard and Billie Johnson of Piedmont were among the first farmers in Alabama to begin raising emus after Richard saw an article on the birds in the Alabama Farmers Federation's Neighbors magazine. He said the reason emu oil works for so many skin and joint conditions is its unique molecular structure.
Johnson, who markets oil from his own Alabama-grown emus under the name Oil E'MU, admits his friends have razzed him about being a "snake oil peddler." But Johnson and medical professionals insist emu oil has genuine health benefits unlike "snake oil," which was mostly alcohol.
"I feel these products are going to be accepted more and more as doctors and health care professionals try them and see the remarkable ability of them. Once that happens, I feel our cosmetics folks and other people will jump on the band wagon," Johnson said.
Johnson already has received endorsements from several customers who have tried his products.
Bill and Marion Dabbs of Eastaboga said, "When insects or ants sting, we relieve the itching with Oil E'MU." The couple also uses the products on scrapes and bruises.
Another rave review came from Margaret Powell of Fyffe. "It has helped my arthritis more than anything I have used," she said. "I can walk much better, and I have very little pain." ,
Johnson, who is a faithful user of emu products, markets pure emu oil as well as a pain formula that contains 85% emu oil plus aloe vera, menthol, eucalyptus and tea tree oils. The oils sell for $6-$8 per ounce. In addition, he carries a full line of emu products from other manufacturers including shampoo, facial cream and arthritic cream.
Other endorsements
Johnson Enterprise Home Page
Pure Emu Oil Products
Emu Oil Products for Pain and Inflammation
Emu Oil Products for Skin Care
Emu Oil Products for Hand, Body, Hair and Lips