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.

LATIN NAME: Richinus Communis

EXTRACTION METHOD: Expeller Pressed

CONSISTENCY:  Heavyweight

PART UTILIZED: Seed

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.”

Vitamin E Oil, Refined

Refined Vitamin E oil is lighter in color than the virgin variety. It is also less sensitive to heat and has a longer shelf life. It is the one usually preferred as a carrier oil. It should be remembered, however, that refining always removes beneficial properties. Vitamin E oil is the richest source of vitamin E that can be obtained from a vegetable oil. Vitamin E oil also contains high amounts of vitamin A and vitamin D and is rich in protein and lecithin. These constituents make Vitamin E oil popular for external application for any type of skin problem. It also works effectively as a carrier oil to help heal burns, skin ulcers, psoriasis and eczema. Vitamin E oil is beneficial for the general health of the skin as it improves the circulation of blood in the skin. It also helps the skin cells that may have been damaged due to the sun. Vitamin E oil helps with conditions like dermatitis and scarring. Vitamin E oil is known for its high level of antioxidant properties. Vitamin E oil is also called Wheat Germ oil.

EXTRACTION METHOD: solvent extracted

CONSISTENCY: heavy weight, Refined is a pale yellow, Virgin is a dark orange

PART UTILIZED: kernel

APPLICATION: Can be used 100% by itself.

AROMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: Refined has a very light aroma, Virgin has a stronger wheat like aroma

GENERAL INFORMATION: Vitamin E Oil, especially the virgin unrefined one, is a very sensitive oil that tends to degrade if not stored with extreme care. Vitamin E Oil should be kept refrigerated and certainly not exposed to extreme temperatures. Vitamin E Oil is the richest source of vitamin E that can be obtained from a vegetable oil. Vitamin E Oil also contains high amounts of vitamin A and vitamin D and is rich in protein and lecithin. These constituents make Vitamin E Oil popular for external application for any type of skin problem. It also works effectively as a carrier oil to help heal burns, skin ulcers, psoriasis and eczema. Vitamin E Oil is beneficial for the general health of the skin as it improves the circulation of blood in the skin. It also helps the skin cells that may have been damaged due to the sun. Vitamin E Oil helps with conditions like dermatitis and scarring. Vitamin E Oil is known for its high level of antioxidant properties. Vitamin E Oil is also called Wheat Germ Oil.

©Copyright Butterfly Expressions 2020, 2021

MULLEIN OIL (Verbascum thapsus)

EXTRACTION METHOD: Mullein leaves and flowers infused in Almond Oil

CONSISTENCY: medium weight, light color

PART UTILIZED: flower and leaf

APPLICATION: Mullein Carrier Oil can be used all by itself, 100%.

AROMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: slight flower/herb aroma

GENERAL INFORMATION: Mullein has been used for centuries because of its outstanding medicinal properties. The herb Mullein grows in dry, barren places. Following the ancient law of signatures, this would indicate that Mullein is an herb for respiratory conditions, especially those where the lungs need “drying out.” Mullein also has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-spasmodic properties, thus increasing its value in respiratory ailments and is certainly recommended for use as a carrier oil with these conditions.

Mullein Oil is one of the ingredients in EO made by Butterfly Express ^LLC for use with earaches and infections. Mullein is often added to herbal poultices to provide emollient and healing properties and to offset the astringency of some anti-infectious herbs. The infused oil can be used in much the same way.

Mullein Oil, as a carrier oil, should be used when applying oils to the chest for infections, coughs, and congestion. It can be used in the ears, alone or as part of the EO recipe, to relieve the pain of ear infections and fight the bacterial involved. It can also be of benefit as a carrier oil when working with inflammation and pain. Mullein is gentle enough to be used on babies for diaper rash and for cracked nipples with nursing mothers.

©Copyright Butterfly Expressions 2020, 2021

CALENDULA OIL (Calendula officinalis)

EXTRACTION METHOD: Calendula flowers infused in Almond Oil

CONSISTENCY: medium weight, very light yellow color

PART UTILIZED: flower

APPLICATION: Calendula Carrier Oil can be used all by itself, 100%.

AROMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: slight flower aroma

GENERAL INFORMATION: Calendula is one of the best vulnerary (good for the healing of wounds) plants ever. Calendula is anti-inflammatory. It is useful for vein health and circulatory issues such as varicose veins, spider veins and bruises. Calendula is one of the best healers for skin rashes, hives, eczema and psoriasis, leg ulcers, and bed sores that are difficult to heal. Using the appropriate essential oil, coupled with the healing properties of Calendula Infused Oil as a carrier, provides a “double whammy” of healing. Some examples would include: ^LeBaby Me for diaper rash or stretch marks; ^LeAgeLess for a facial skin conditioner; ^LeMelaPlus or ^LePurify on insect bites; and ^LeDeeper for the pain of shingles. Calendula would also be good used with Helichrysum on recent injuries to prevent or minimize scarring.

©Copyright Butterfly Expressions 2020, 2021

ARNICA OIL (Arnica montana)

EXTRACTION METHOD: Arnica flowers infused in Almond Oil

CONSISTENCY: medium weight, light yellow color

PART UTILIZED: flower

APPLICATION: Arnica carrier oil can be used all by itself, 100%. Though it is not recommended to use on open wounds.

AROMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: little to no aroma

GENERAL INFORMATION: Arnica is useful for bumps, bruises, and inflammation. Arnica works on sore, tight muscles and helps to reduce swelling of injured areas. Applying Arnica Oil immediately after the injury can prevent swelling; application later on can reduce swelling that has already taken place. Arnica is also effective in relieving the pain of arthritic joints and swollen feet.

In recent years, Arnica is being used by midwives as the oil of choice during exams for dilation during labor. It is absolutely incredible how the application of a little bit of Arnica oil “melts away” any swelling of tissues that may be occurring, and prevents bruising and trauma to those very delicate tissues. One of the most important things I learned in the last few years of my midwife practice. (Thanks to Laura Lechner, friend and trainer.)

Arnica Oil in herbal/oil form is ment for external use only. Arnica Oil is said to cause swelling in exposed muscle tissue, so it is not used on open wounds or deep abrasions except in homeopathic form. Arnica is one of my favorite healing plants and should be in every first aid kit!

Special Instructions: Arnica Oil (at least the one sold by Butterfly Express LLC) is made by soaking Arnica blossoms—fresh, whenever possible—in Almond Oil. Arnica Oil is used with amazing results for injuries where bruising, swelling, and/or inflammation are present.

Place Arnica flowers in a carrier oil such as Almond oil. Cover with a loose-weave cloth and let sit for 2 weeks stirring daily. The ratio of oil to plant material is 1:25. Arnica is better made with fresh flowers whenever possible. The dried flowers are easier to find and handle, and have proven very effective for me many, many times.

©Copyright Butterfly Expressions 2022

JOJOBA OIL (Simmondsia chinensis)

EXTRACTION METHOD: cold pressed

CONSISTENCY: heavy weight, goes solid if refrigerated, yellow color

PART UTILIZED: seeds

APPLICATION: Can be used 100% by itself, but is best blended with a lighter carrier oil.

GENERAL INFORMATION: While Jojoba is traditionally categorized as a vegetable oil, it is more properly labeled as a liquid wax. Jojoba absorbs deeply and reasonably quickly into the skin. Its properties closely resemble the natural sebum within human skin and helps to balance the skin's natural moisturizers. Jojoba Oil contains natural anti-inflammatory properties making it an excellent addition to carrier oils that will be used for arthritis or pain.

Jojoba is a very stable oil with a very low rancidity factor. It has the reputation of extending the shelf life of other carrier oils to which it is added. It is a bit too heavy for use by itself, except on a small patch of skin, here and there. It is wonderful when added as 10% to 15% of a carrier oil blend.

©Copyright Butterfly Expressions 2020, 2021

GRAPESEED OIL (Vitis vinifera)

EXTRACTION METHOD: solvent extracted

CONSISTENCY: medium weight, Refined is a pale yellow, Virgin is a dark yellow/brown

PART UTILIZED: seeds

APPLICATION: Can be used 100% by itself.

AROMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: Refined has a very light aroma, Virgin has a strong almost vinegar like scent.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Grapeseed Oil is another excellent choice as a carrier oil. Grapeseed, like Almond, is nourishing to the skin and can be used for hot oil hair treatments in the same way as Almond Oil. Grapeseed has astringent qualities that help to tighten and tone the skin. Grapeseed is emollient enough to be beneficial for the treatment of minor sunburns and rashes.

Of course, adding an essential oil or two greatly increases the benefits. The one drawback, as far as I am concerned, with Grapeseed Oil is that it absorbs quite a bit more slowly than Almond Oil.

©Copyright Butterfly Expressions 2020, 2021

AVOCADO VIRGIN OIL (Persea gratissima)

EXTRACTION METHOD: expeller pressed, refined, or virgin

CONSISTENCY: medium weight, refined, has a very light color, the virgin oil is dark green and can so slightly solid when cold.

PART UTILIZED: fruit

APPLICATION: Avocado Oil is quite light and absorbs reasonably quickly so is sometimes used by itself on particularly damaged skin patches. Generally, however, it is used as a percentage in carrier oil mixtures.

AROMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: Refined Avocado Oil has a slight nutty aroma, Virgin Avocado Oil has a stronger nutty smell.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Avocado Oil is a rich oil that penetrates deeply into the skin. It is rich in vitamins A, D, and E, all wonderful skin nourishing vitamins. Like all good carrier oils, Avocado contains oleic and linoleic acids. Avocado Oil is excellent for use with dry or aging skin, with eczema or psoriasis, and for sun or wind damaged skin. Avocado Oil is said to have a sufficiently high sterol content to be useful as a carrier when using essential oils for joint and muscle inflammation and pain.

©Copyright Butterfly Expressions 2020, 2021

APRICOT OIL (Prenus armeniaca)

EXTRACTION METHOD: cold pressed, refined

CONSISTENCY: light weight, light almost clear color

PART UTILIZED: kernel

APPLICATION: Apricot Carrier Oil can be used all by itself, 100%.

AROMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: pleasant, slightly nut scented aroma

GENERAL INFORMATION: Apricot Oil is appropriate for all skin types, but especially effective for sensitive, inflamed, dry, or prematurely aging areas. Apricot Oil is readily absorbed by the skin and leaves very little greasy residue. It is generally non-irritating, making it appropriate for children and infants. There are reports of the benefits of Apricot Kernel Oil for treating mild sunburns.

©Copyright Butterfly Expressions 2020, 2021

ALMOND OIL (Prunus dulcis)

EXTRACTION METHOD: cold pressed, refined

CONSISTENCY: medium weight, light almost clear color

PART UTILIZED: kernel

APPLICATION: Almond Oil is such a delightful carrier oil that is can be used all by itself, 100%.

AROMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: little to no aroma

GENERAL INFORMATION: Sweet Almond Oil is easily the most popular carrier oil for many reasons. Almond Oil is inexpensive and absorbs into the skin quite quickly. Almond Oil is rich in vitamins A, B, and E, all of which are beneficial nutrients for healthy skin. Almond Oil is light enough to be used as a make-up remover. It opens the pores, ensuring that all makeup is easily removed. Almond Oil, heated, can be used in place of more expensive, commercially available hot oil treatments for dry hair and scalp. This is one of my favorite uses for Almond (and Coconut) Oil.

Almond Oil contains, along with the vitamins mentioned above, heart healthy fats, potassium and folic acid. Besides using Almond Oil as a carrier oil when applying essential oils, perhaps replacing some of your cooking oil with Almond Oil might be a good idea. I use mostly Solid Coconut Oil for cooking because I like the slight coconut flavor it provides. I use Almond Oil from time to time where the flavor of coconut might not be appropriate or desired.

©Copyright Butterfly Expressions 2020, 2021

Fractionated Coconut Oil is very popular choice as a carrier oil for use with essential oils. 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
• colorless
• absorbs readily into the skin, leaving no residue
• does not stain clothing
• easily washes out of clothing and bedding
• 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.

LATIN NAME: Cocus nucifera

EXTRACTION METHOD: Cold Processed - Fractionated

CONSISTENCY: Lightweight

PART UTILIZED: Meat