CALGARY – When it comes to diversification ventures, ostrich breeder Elaine Massier may have found the cream of the crop.
A master herbologist for 15 years, Massier has developed a line of skin-care products made from ostrich oil.
The skin cream inspiration came after Massier attended an ostrich seminar where she saw Australian cosmetics for sale. They contained 15 percent ostrich oil and additives she thought she could improve.
“I thought ‘why support them? We should grow our own,’ ” she said.
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Elaine and her husband Arnold have about 30 ostriches at their Bonnyville farm in northeastern Alberta. They have been in business for about four years and eventually hope to export eggs.
Elaine bought 18 kilograms of fat through an Alberta processor. After rendering, the fat yielded more than 22 litres of white oil. With a bit of experimenting she found she could blend 50 percent oil with essential oils derived from herbs and aromatics.
Working out of her Bonnyville store, Lainee’s Herbs, she and her daughter Maureen Lux blend the oil with rosemary, lavender and other essential oils like cherry blossom and ylang-ylang. To extend shelf life, they add oxygen, as well as vitamins A, B and E.
“Everything’s natural. There’s no chemicals at all,” she said.
Besides specialty creams, she’s developed soap, lip balms and massage lotion.
With the growing popularity of aromatherapy, Massier hopes to capitalize on the new trend.
“People don’t know a lot about the ostrich oil yet but when you mention the aromatherapy is used with it, they think it must be good,” she said.
The product is sold through beauty salons, trade shows and was recently introduced on the internet. She has also had contact with an agent who hopes to sell the creams in Singapore.
Ostrich oil was used as a cosmetic by the ancient Egyptians and Romans. Besides skin cream, it was used to ease the pain of rheumatism.
