If you like keeping up with wellness trends, you've probably fallen down what we call the “TikTok rabbit hole” at least once or twice. The latest and greatest (and sometimes not so great) health trends spread quickly online, usually before doctors can approve or reject them. What are the latest trends to keep up with? Applying castor oil to your belly button, also known as navel oiling.
It may seem like a new concept, but castor oil has been on the scene for a while. Its application to the body, especially the navel, has its roots in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine. Castor oil itself is officially approved by the FDA as a natural laxative for constipation. cleveland clinic. This substance has been said to have been historically used to induce labor and improve hair and skin (although these claims lack much evidence).
Now, TikTok wellness experts and women are claiming that applying castor oil to your belly button can help you lose weight and have other health benefits. To find out whether this health trend is justified, we spoke with two doctors who explained the sudden castor oil craze and whether it's actually good (or bad) for your health.
What are the purported benefits of castor oil for belly button?
In Ayurveda, the practice of putting castor oil in the navel appears to be quite legal.
“In Ayurveda, the navel is considered an important energy center and it is believed that applying castor oil to this area helps balance the doshas (a category of biological energy) and supports well-being,” she explains. Saman Paramarji, North DakotaNaturopathic medicine expert and advisor dose. “They are also believed to help with detoxification and support regular bowel movements. Some people may even say it helps with constipation.”
According to Dr. Michael Aziz, an attending physician and internal medicine specialist in New York City, “Barrel oiling is the practice of filling the belly button with oil to help with weight loss or other health issues such as menstrual cramps, endometriosis, gut health, stress, and digestive processes. This usually involves filling your belly button with oil before going to bed and allowing it to absorb overnight.
Yes, this practice has cultural significance. However, this doesn't necessarily mean TikTok reels will bring about the health benefits they claim. In fact, the belly button is completely sealed and made of the same skin as the rest of the body. There is no special way to absorb or use castor oil. Plus, the practice itself can get messy. (Fair warning: Your pajamas and sheets may get dirty!)
If everything sounds too good to be true (except the stains)… it probably is. Below is a breakdown of the known benefits of belly oiling with castor oil and whether there is scientific backing for each.
Claim 1: Helps with digestion
Castor oil has been found to be effective in treating occasional constipation, says Dr. Aziz. But this is what you do intake Don't put it in your belly button. “When consumed, it can act as a laxative and when taken with milk or water, it can promote bowel movements,” he says. The recommended dosage for constipation is about 1 to 4 tablespoons for people ages 12 and older, according to the National Library of Medicine (NLM).
Of course, consult your doctor before using castor oil when you are “backed up.” It should not be used as a long-term solution to digestive problems. According to cleveland clinic, Long-term consumption of castor oil can damage the intestines and cause malnutrition. Additionally, applying it to your belly button may not resolve bloating, gas, or diarrhea situations.
“If consumed in large quantities, it can lead to diarrhea,” says Dr. Aziz. Other side effects include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. in conclusion? If you have constipation, you may be better off eating more fiber, drinking more water, and/or taking an over-the-counter (OTC) laxative like Miralax. Of course, you also need your doctor's permission.
Claim 2: Relieves menstrual cramps
Cramps during the “time of the month” can be downright embarrassing. Some people claim that using castor oil packs (i.e. rubbing castor oil on a cloth and wrapping it tightly around your torso) helps relieve menstrual cramps, but according to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, there is no scientific research to support this anecdotal evidence. Almost none. There is also no evidence that applying castor oil to the belly button relieves menstrual cramps.
If you're struggling with PMS cramps and pain, try using a heating pad, taking a warm bath, or taking an OTC pain reliever like Advil to relieve cramps.
Claim 3: Supports weight management.
Castor oil packs are also rumored to be an effective way to lose weight, according to social media. However, these claims may turn out to be untrue. There is currently no research to support the ‘castor oil in your belly button for weight loss’ story. Some social media users claim castor oil is a magic bullet for weight loss, but these claims are purely anecdotal and tend to promote viral videos, says Dr. Aziz. Rather, weight loss is often a product of a healthy lifestyle rather than the oil itself.
If you want to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight for your body size, your best bet is to eat a balanced diet, exercise daily, get a good night's sleep, and visit your doctor for regular checkups.
Claim 4: Helps heal wounds
Applying castor oil to your belly button does not necessarily improve your skin. However, combining this oil with another herb called Balsam of Peru may help promote skin healing and heal certain types of skin ulcers and wounds, according to the Cleveland Clinic. This combo usually comes in ointment form and is sold by prescription under the name Venelex and over the counter as Zarbee's Chest Rub.
This is effective in healing wounds (even superficial wounds) by creating a moist environment that is conducive to healing. Typically, according to NLM, a thin layer of ointment is applied to the affected area twice daily or as needed to help the skin return to its normal state. However, do not expect castor oil alone (especially on the belly button) to heal wounds or larger chronic conditions/infections. If you think that's the problem you're dealing with, go straight to your doctor.
Claim 5: Helps with skin health
Who doesn't love smooth, glowing skin? Castor oil acts as a natural moisturizer for the skin, says Dr. Aziz. “This product contains ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid that attracts moisture from the air to the skin. It may also help calm acne breakouts by inhibiting bacterial growth.”
However, before applying pure castor oil to your face daily, be aware of common side effects such as irritation or allergic reactions. (PSA recommends patch testing skincare products before applying them all over your body!) And unless your belly skin is very dry (in which case lotions are a better choice), you're better off not applying it to your belly button. The name of a radiant complexion.
Note: If your belly skin smells, try washing it with antibacterial soap and water (instead of applying oil) and patting it dry to prevent moisture build-up.
Claim 6: Promotes hair growth.
Applying castor oil to your navel definitely does not help hair growth. But what if you apply it to the scalp? Now, there is room for debate.
“Castor oil contains omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E, and ricinoleic acid, which help hydrate hair follicles and promote healthy hair growth,” says Dr. Aziz. Anecdotally, some people claim that applying castor oil to the scalp makes a difference in hair growth. But we need more concrete evidence to say for sure.
Dangers and side effects of putting castor oil in your belly button
The potential side effects of using castor oil should be taken seriously. Although it is a versatile material, it can cause internal and external damage if not used properly. Risks include skin irritation and allergic reactions.
“The practice of applying castor oil to the navel is an established part of Ayurvedic tradition, but scientific validation is limited. It is always recommended to consult your healthcare provider before use,” says Faramarzi.
conclusion
So what happens if you put castor oil in your belly button? Not much. maybe A more moist belly button. The practice has been praised on social media for its numerous health benefits, but there isn't enough scientific evidence to support these claims. Also, just because a substance is versatile doesn't mean it's safe for everyone. It must be used wisely (and carefully).
Conclusion: Belly oiling with castor oil does not make any significant difference to your health. “It may help with dry skin or make it easier to remove dirt from your belly button, but other claims are anecdotal and tend to promote viral videos,” says Dr. Aziz.
Lastly, castor oil generally doesn't have many proven health benefits. Be sure to consult your doctor before trying it (although I'm sure he will suggest a more effective option).
Well+Good articles reference scientific, credible, recent and robust research to support the information we share. You can trust us on your wellness journey.
- Shilpa, S and C G Venkatesha Murthy. “Understanding Personality from an Ayurvedic Perspective for Psychological Assessment: A Case Study.” Wow vol.32,1(2011): 12-9. doi:10.4103/0974-8520.85716
Our editors select these products independently. If you purchase something through our links, Well+Good may earn a commission.