POST FALLS - After Julie Stauts was diagnosed with spinal arthritis, she was told to try emu oil.

It helped.

And Stauts is such a fan of the product that she's now in her 10th year of selling it.

"After therapists, doctors and orthopedics weren't able to help me, emu oil did," she said.

Stauts, founder and president of Emulate Natural Care, products made with American emu oil, recently opened a shop on Spokane Street in Post Falls between Handy Mart and French Cleaners.

Emulate has a call center in Boise. It also has distributors throughout the West. The company sells products through its website and will offer a limited supply at Post Falls until inventory is built up. Stauts also plans to sell her products at local farmers markets and craft fairs.

Products include pure emu oil for muscle aches and burns, $20; lip balm, $5 and soap and shampoo bar, $8.

Stauts said emu oil acts as an anti-inflammatory for pain relief, increases circulation and reduces scarring. She said a variety of healing herbs are used with the oil.

The Post Falls location is undergoing a re-model and is open by appointment by calling 755-3944 Monday through Saturday.

The store will be open for regular hours soon.

Information: www.emulateproducts.com or julie@emulateproducts.com.