If you’re someone who loves staying up-to-date on wellness trends, chances are you’ve found yourself down the “TikTok rabbit hole” at least once or twice. The latest health trends, both good and bad, tend to go viral online before they’re given the green light or rejected by medical professionals. The newest fad making the rounds? Navel oiling, which involves applying castor oil to your belly button. While this may seem like a novel idea, the use of castor oil in Ayurvedic medicine has been around for centuries.
Castor oil has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine from India. It has even been approved by the FDA as a natural laxative for constipation, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The substance has been used for a variety of purposes, from inducing labor to improving hair and skin health, although these claims lack substantial evidence. Now, social media influencers and wellness enthusiasts on TikTok are touting the benefits of applying castor oil to the belly button for weight loss and overall health.
To determine if this health trend is legitimate, we spoke to two doctors who shed light on the sudden popularity of castor oil and whether it can truly benefit your health. In Ayurveda, applying castor oil to the belly button is believed to balance energies and support overall well-being. The navel is considered a vital energy center in Ayurveda, and castor oil is thought to aid in detoxification and promote regular bowel movements, according to Saman Faramarzi, ND, an expert in naturopathic medicine.
Michael Aziz, MD, a primary care physician, explains that navel oiling involves filling the belly button with oil before bedtime to address various health issues like weight loss, period cramps, and digestive concerns. While there is cultural significance to this practice, there isn’t concrete scientific evidence to support the health claims made in viral TikTok videos. The skin of our navels is the same as the rest of our bodies and does not have any special ability to absorb castor oil.
Claim 1: Digestion – Castor oil can act as a laxative when ingested with milk or water, but applying it to the belly button won’t alleviate digestive issues like bloating or diarrhea. If constipation is a concern, consult with a healthcare provider for safe options.
Claim 2: Menstrual Cramps – There is little scientific evidence to support the use of castor oil for period pain relief. Other methods like using a heating pad or taking OTC pain relievers may be more effective.
Claim 3: Weight Management – There is no research to back the claim that castor oil in the belly button aids weight loss. Healthy lifestyle choices like diet and exercise are more likely to support weight management.
Claim 4: Wound Healing – While castor oil combined with Peru balsam can help heal wounds when applied as an ointment, using pure castor oil in the belly button will not promote skin healing.
Claim 5: Skin Health – Castor oil can moisturize the skin and help soothe acne breakouts, but be cautious of potential skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Claim 6: Hair Growth – Castor oil may promote hair growth when applied to the scalp, but not when applied to the belly button.
Potential side effects of using castor oil include skin irritation and allergic reactions. Consult with a healthcare provider before using it. Ultimately, while the practice of navel oiling with castor oil has roots in Ayurvedic tradition, it’s important to approach it with caution and seek guidance from a healthcare professional.
