Health benefits of castor oil in your navel: Improve digestion, lower stress, manage period pain

Applying castor oil to the belly button has become popular on social media, with many claiming of its amazing benefits from clear skin to reduced period pain, improved digestion and stress relief.

While the practice has been around for centuries and is rooted in Ayurveda, do we know how effective it is? Are these benefits supported by modern science, or are they primarily anecdotal?

Whether you're exploring holistic remedies for digestion, pain relief, or relaxation, this age-old technique might offer surprising benefits with minimal risk.

Here are the potential benefits and examine the evidence.

• Why the belly button?

The belly button, or navel, is believed to be connected to the body through a dense network of blood vessels and nerves. In Ayurveda, it is considered a vital energy point, known as the Pechoti gland, which is thought to absorb nutrients and therapeutic oils.

While modern science doesn’t officially recognise the Pechoti gland, the belly button’s proximity to the abdomen, digestive system, and lymph nodes makes it a focal point in traditional wellness practices.

Also read | 10 health benefits of castor oil

Potential benefits of castor oil in the belly button

• Improved digestion

Castor oil is known for its properties as a natural laxative. Applying it to the belly button and massaging into the abdomen is believed to stimulate bowel movements and support digestion. While most evidence is anecdotal, castor oil's effectiveness as a stimulant laxative is supported by research. According to a study published in the Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, castor oil packs are effective in promoting bowel regularity among patients with constipation.

• Relieves menstrual pain

Castor oil has anti-inflammatory properties; applying it to the belly button and lower abdomen and gently massaging the area is believed to reduce menstrual discomfort. Research in the Journal of Naturopathic Medicine supports this, to a certain extent.

• Skin hydration

Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid that acts as a skin moisturizer. The study done by the Journal of Cosmetic Science showed that castor oil can help improve skin hydration. Applying the oil to the navel can help hydrate the skin, especially around the abdomen. Over time, it can improve skin elasticity and reduce dryness.

• Detoxification

It is believed that applying castor oil into the navel may facilitate detoxification. It stimulates lymphatic circulation and reduce inflammation, according to a study in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Also read | Improve digestion naturally: Keep your digestive system happy with these 6 tips

• Stress relief and better sleep

The act of massaging the belly button with castor oil can also have a calming effect, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. This benefit is partly due to the soothing nature of abdominal massage, which may trigger the release of endorphins. A review in the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork discusses how abdominal massage reduces stress and promotes relaxation by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system.

While much of the evidence is anecdotal, existing studies on castor oil and abdominal massage support its effectiveness in certain conditions. For best results, ensure you use pure, cold-pressed castor oil and perform the application with gentle massage.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.