Castor oil for internal use has both strong advocates and equally strong opponents. That is likely because the castor bean contains both healing properties and properties that are strong to the point of being destructive. The benefits of castor oil can almost always be achieved by topical application and, in my opinion, it is much safer to use castor oil that way.

SOME INTERESTING STUDIES ~An Indian study in 2011 found that castor leaf extract showed better antibacterial activity against both ~Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria that Gentamycin (their standard of comparison).

• A 2010 study found that castor oil packs were an effective means of decreasing constipation in the elderly/
• A 2009 study found that castor oil effectively relieves arthritis symptoms.
• A 1999 study found an increase in T cells over a seven hour period after the application of castor oil.
• Interestingly, according to the American Cancer society, “Oncologists now use castor oil as a vehicle for delivering some chemotherapy drugs to . . . metastatic breast cancer and other tumors. Unfortunately, the vehicle sometimes causes problems of its own, including allergic reactions. This has prompted a search for substitute carriers.”

Fractionated Coconut Oil is very popular choice. Coconut is inexpensive, absorbs quickly, has almost no aroma at all and has the added advantage of a long shelf life at room temperature without rancidity. For those of you who like a little bit of chemistry information—this liquid form of coconut oil has had the smaller fatty acids and the long-chain triglycerides removed. Without these ingredients there is a very, very slow rate of oxidation. This is a carrier oil that does not go rancid, even in the summer months! Other advantages of fractionated Coconut Oil include: odorless and colorless; absorbs readily into the skin, leaving not residue; does not stain clothing and easily washes out of clothing and bedding; although absorbing very quickly, liquid coconut oil is an excellent skin moisturizer; rarely aggravates existing skin problems such as fungal or bacterial infections; does not clog pores. Fractionated coconut oil leaves the skin feeling smooth but not greasy. I believe that fractionated coconut is one of the best carrier oil products available. I love it and the solid coconut variety! Coconut Oil and Palm Oil are very similar and are often used enterchangably. Coconut oil is said to be slightly healthier for internal consumption, though Palm is considered just as good for topical use.