Castor Oil in Belly Button: How Does it Work?

Navel oiling or navel pulling with castor oil is a practice in the traditional medicine system called Ayurveda. According to the Ayurvedic literature, the belly button is a hub for over 70,000 veins extending throughout the body and is the center of the torso. So, if you put castor oil in your belly button, the energy and goodness of castor oil will channel to all body parts, bringing magical results. Explore this insightful description to learn all about the navel-pulling trend and the authenticity of this natural therapy.

Key Highlights

• Castor oil is obtained from cold pressing the ripe castor beans of the Ricinus communis plant, which belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family.
• It is a pale yellow-colored, odorless, thick, sticky elixir with a bland, nutty taste.
• The oil is typically diluted with a carrier oil such as coconut, sunflower, almond, or jojoba to reduce its stickiness and ease application.
• Castor oil packs are also available to help you get the maximum benefits when applied for a particular period.
• ‘Castor oil in belly button’ is a therapy with many potential benefits, including weight loss, skin health, hair growth, menstrual cramps, joint pain, abdominal bloating, and constipation.
• Take caution if you have allergies or are pregnant or nursing.

What Does Castor Oil in The Belly Button Do? How Real is the Hype?

Castor oil in the belly button is a part of an Indian holistic practice called Ayurveda. The therapy became a trend on TikTok under the name ‘Navel Oiling,’ with the hashtag #naveloiling garnering over 23M views. Several people began to post videos of their experience and shared, “What does castor oil in the belly button do?”  Here are some of the anecdotal claims: “TikTokers Reviews.”

• One viral video on TikTok that gained 5M views says that navel oiling is an excellent therapy to cure polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and painful periods.
• Another TikToker claims to have lost around 14.2 pounds throughout seven weeks while regularly applying castor oil to her belly button and quitting refined sugar and processed foods.

 

Read “Benefits of Castor Oil in Belly Button” below to learn what castor does to your body.

How to Apply Castor Oil in Belly Button?

You can simply warm some castor oil in a small bowl. Allow it to cool to the touch, then drizzle a few drops on your belly button. Rub the oil in a circular motion to aid absorption into the skin. You can also do a quick massage to stimulate blood circulation. Moreover, if you wish to do it for an extended period, you can use castor oil packs. Take a pack and let it soak with castor oil, apply it around your belly button, and wrap it with a plastic sheet or a cling film. Place an old towel over it and a heating pad for a particular period. Enjoy your relaxing therapy!

How Often Should You Put Castor Oil in Your Belly Button?

There's no standard and definitive frequency of applying castor oil to your belly button. Some people used to apply it regularly for a specific period, while others use it less frequently. All you need is to listen to your body and notice how it reacts to the therapy. Firstly, you should do a skin sensitivity test and then try therapy for at least 15 minutes. You can then increase the period to about 30 to 60 minutes. Furthermore, apply regularly around your belly button, but if you observe abdominal pain or any diarrheal symptoms, reduce the frequency of use. In case of any allergic reaction, discontinue use immediately and wash your skin with fresh, cold water.

Is It Safe to Put Castor Oil in Your Belly Button?

Yes, it is entirely safe to put castor oil in your belly button to reap its range of potential benefits, from weight loss to relieving constipation and promoting skin and hair health. Nevertheless, consult a healthcare professional before beginning this therapy if you are pregnant or nursing a baby.

Benefits of Castor Oil in Belly Button

The following are some of castor oil's most significant and popular benefits when applied regularly to your belly button. Remember that the only FDA-approved use of castor oil is for its laxative action, and all other potential benefits are figured out by Ayurvedic experts and people who practice natural remedies based on their years of experience in natural health.

Castor Oil in Belly Button for Constipation

The only approved FDA use of castor oil is against constipation, that is because of its laxative action. Since consuming castor oil via mouth can irritate the gut line, applying it on the abdomen and belly button is the best way to get the benefit. Several studies published on PubMed explain the penetrating power of castor oil into the deep tissues and its topical use in various cosmetics, indicating that castor oil can produce benefits when applied topically. Therefore, castor oil in the belly button is an excellent practice to relieve constipation.

Mechanism of Action of The Ricinoleic Acid for Laxative Effect

After entering GI circulation, the ricinoleic acid in castor oil activates EP3 prostaglandin receptors in the intestines. This activation leads to the synthesis of prostaglandins, particularly PGEP2, which stimulates the smooth muscles of the intestines to contract. This contraction improves bowel movements and facilitates defecation.

 

Another mechanism of action that explains the laxative effect of ricinoleic acid is the enhanced water and electrolyte secretion in the intestine. The increased fluid secretion makes the stools soft and causes them to pass out of the body quickly. Ricinoleic acid also exhibits mild irritant properties, which irritates and inflames the internal lining of the GI tract, thereby contracting falsely and adding to the bowel movements.

Castor Oil in Belly Button for Weight Loss

“Castor oil in belly button” therapy does not directly help with weight loss. Nevertheless, it can contribute to reducing body weight in another way. Since the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline disrupts the normal regulation of blood sugar, fat deposits abnormally around the abdominal region. So, if stress is a contributing factor in gaining weight and castor oil helps reduce stress, we can say castor oil can help you reduce weight.

Castor Oil in Belly Button for Stress Management

It's valid that scientific evidence to verify the effectiveness and therapeutic value of castor oil is limited, but the science does support the idea of navel pulling in reducing stress. Navel pulling or navel oiling is considered an effortless way to reduce body stress and let it relax and calm. This practice decreases the production of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline and mitigates the adverse effects of releasing such stress hormones.

Castor Oil in Belly Button for Better Sleep

According to some anecdotal evidence and experiences, massaging castor oil in the belly button promotes the production of some hormones that help your body become relaxed and calm. Since stress reduction is the first step to managing insomnia, navel pulling with castor oil can help you get better, sound sleep. You can practice this therapy regularly before bed for about half an hour. However, turn off all the lights and screens at least four hours before bed to help your body relax.

Castor Oil in Belly Button for Menstrual Cramps

The ricinoleic acid in castor oil is a potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic. The acid dilates the blood vessels (prevents constriction during inflammation) and promotes uterine circulation. Since the navel is connected to the uterus via the umbilical cord, when you put castor oil in your belly button, your uterus gets more blood, nutrition, and oxygen.

 

Resultantly, the strain on uterine muscles decreases, which alleviates menstrual cramps. Moreover, applying the castor oil warm can bring even better results. For this, the best thing is to place a heating pad over the castor oil pack for menstrual cramps.

Castor Oil in Belly Button for Immunity Boost

Navel oiling is called Nabhi Chikitsa, or navel therapy, within Ayurveda. According to this traditional medicine system, your belly button is the central healing point of your body. This is because it is located in the center of your torso and the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, putting castor oil in your belly button accelerates the body's healing process by promoting blood circulation, better flow, and production of immune cells, ultimately boosting the body's immunity.

Castor Oil in Belly Button for Fertility

There is no scientific explanation for whether castor oil applied to the belly button can help with fertility. However, many Ayurvedic experts claim that regular application of castor oil to the belly button can help regulate hormones effectively. The therapy also reduces stress and helps with weight management. All these benefits positively affect women's health and thus can indirectly contribute to improving fertility.

Castor Oil in Belly Button for Hair Growth

Many Ayurvedic experts explain the benefits of castor oil in the belly button by pointing out that your navel is a gateway for over 70,000 veins extending throughout your body. Therefore, when you put castor oil in your navel, the active ingredients travel through these vessels to all parts of your body, thereby nourishing trillions of cells and follicles. Therefore, castor oil in the belly button is an excellent natural tip for promoting hair growth and lustiness.

Castor Oil in Belly Button for Skin Health

Castor oil has excellent moisturizing and emollient properties. When applied (after being diluted with a carrier oil like coconut, almond, or jojoba oil), castor oil gently penetrates the deep layers of your skin. It promotes the production of elastin and collagen. These two proteins make skin radiant and refined without noticeable wrinkles and marks.

 

Moreover, navel pulling with castor oil is the best solution for reducing the appearance of stretch marks on your abdomen. The oil's ricinoleic acid reduces inflammation and prevents the blood vessels in your lower abdominal region from overstretching.

Jamaican Black Castor Oil in Belly Button

Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO) only differs from regular castor oil through its processing. It is obtained by roasting and pressing the ripe castor beans to get fresh, darkly-hued castor oil. Roasting adds ash to the oil; it is alkaline and increases the castor oil's pH, enhancing its absorption into the skin.

 

Besides this, there's no difference in the compositions of the two oils. Both types of oils contain ricinoleic acid, the main active ingredient, and a potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent. So, the effect of both types of oils on your body is the same. Just as you can apply regular castor oil to your belly button for the benefits described above, you can also put JBCO in your navel.

Caution and Possible Side Effects

Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, a potent anti-inflammatory agent. Many people are allergic to this acid and its derivatives, so it's better to take an allergy test before using the oil on bare skin. Moreover, since castor oil is a natural therapy lacking scientific evidence, you should always consult a healthcare professional before starting this oil-pulling therapy.

Skin Sensitivity Test

Before applying castor oil to the belly button, take a few drops and apply them inside your wrist. Wait for at least 24 hours and notice if any redness or irritation occurs. Typically, an allergic reaction occurs immediately after exposure to the allergen, but since the oil is sticky, it will require time to penetrate the skin and trigger immune cells.

Interaction with other Medications

Castor oil is a thick, sticky elixir that takes ample time to penetrate the skin, so it is applied warm and diluted. So, if you are taking topical medications for any skin condition or analgesic effect, it's better not to apply the oil first, as it will hamper the drug's absorption. Nevertheless, consult a healthcare professional to determine any interactions.

Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Lactation

The ricinoleic acid in castor oil stimulates prostaglandin receptors in the smooth muscles, leading to more prostaglandin synthesis. Subsequently, this causes the smooth muscles to contract falsely. This false contraction can trigger labor, leading to premature childbirth. Therefore, if you are pregnant, avoid applying castor oil to the belly button or abdominal region. Similarly, castor oil may harm the nursing/lactating women or the infant on breast milk feed. Since the scientific data to explain the harmful effects of castor oil is limited, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting such a natural remedy.

FAQs

What Does Putting Castor Oil in Your Belly Button Do?

Putting castor oil in your belly button has potential benefits such as improving digestion, enhancing hair growth, promoting better skin, and alleviating menstrual cramps. Nonetheless, the scientific evidence supporting these overhyped claims is limited, and individual experiences may vary.

Why Put Castor Oil in Belly Button?

It's your choice to put warm castor oil on your belly button. But castor oil is the only solution if you want to stay healthy in the most natural way. Even though the scientific evidence is lacking, many Ayurvedic experts support its use, drawing from years of anecdotal evidence and personal experiences.

Can You Put Castor Oil in Your Belly Button?

Yes, it’s completely safe to put castor oil in your belly button. As claimed by Ayurvedic experts, this ancient practice has several therapeutic benefits. Regularly applying warm castor oil promotes overall health and helps your body stay calm and radiant.

Can You Apply Castor Oil to Belly Button during Periods?

Yes, you can apply castor oil to your belly button during periods. Putting this warm essential oil into the navel will improve blood flow to the uterus and reduce the pain and discomfort associated with menstruation. In other words, warm castor oil dilates the blood vessels and provides more nutrition and oxygen to the uterine tissues, thereby reducing strain and relaxing the tissues.

What Happens When You Put Castor Oil in Your Belly Button?

Castor oil is applied to the belly button in traditional medicine systems, such as Ayurveda. Though the therapy lacks scientific evidence to ascertain its efficacy, it has been primarily hyped over the internet. Many TikTok users claim castor oil's superpower in alleviating menstrual cramps, abdominal pain, and joint pain.

 

Castor oil, in fact, puts your body in a relaxing and calming zone, thereby helping you reduce stress and ultimately aiding you in losing body weight. Not only does the oil moisturize your skin, but it also synchronizes peristaltic movements and prevents constipation. In short, regular application of castor oil in your belly button promotes overall body health and the radiance of your skin.

How Long Do You Leave Castor Oil in Your Belly Button?

Well, there isn’t a definitive answer to how long you should leave castor oil on your belly button, as it depends on individual preferences and the purpose of the application. Some like to leave it all night in the navel for maximum absorption, while others find it convenient to apply for a shorter period, viz., 15-30 minutes.

 

The key is to listen to your body and observe how it reacts to this navel therapy. In case you experience any discomfort or irritation, discontinue use. Moreover, it's always best to consult a healthcare professional before applying anything directly to your skin.

Conclusion

Castor oil application is a traditional practice, and many who believe in natural health practices encourage its use, primarily in the belly button, which is considered the center of the torso and a gateway to thousands of veins extending throughout the body, according to Ayurveda. This natural holistic practice has many potential benefits, including improved digestion, enhanced skin and hair health, and alleviating menstrual cramps and abdominal and joint pain. Whether you choose regular castor oil or JBCO, you will get the same benefits as the composition of the two oils is the same. Nevertheless, due to the higher alkalinity of JBCO, it is notably more effective for hair growth.

 

While the scientific evidence supporting these claims may be limited, people's anecdotal experiences and the long-standing use of castor oil in traditional medicine systems highlight its continued relevance in natural health practices. As with any natural remedy, consulting with a healthcare professional is advisable, particularly for those with an underlying medical condition or skin concern. Lastly, avoid castor oil application if you are pregnant since it is a potent false labor inducer.