Castor Oil In Belly Button: Potential Benefits And Side Effects

In Ayurveda, the belly button is considered the starting point of life. Being the body's center, it defines the source of life and energy. It acts as a linking chamber for different veins extended to various body organs. You can achieve optimal health by putting castor oil in belly button, also called naval pulling. Using castor oil on the belly button can significantly benefit your health in several ways. The castor oil can be extremely effective, from supporting your digestive system and skin conditions to reducing abdominal pain. This article will guide you on how castor oil works, its potential health benefits, side effects, and many more facts. Let us start!

Castor Oil In Belly Button: The Science Behind

There is no science behind putting castor oil in the navel. It's just an Ayurvedic treatment that advises that the Pechoti gland near the naval point can absorb oil. No scientific evidence claims the existence of this gland. So, there are not any science-backed benefits. But, this even can’t cause harm.

Is It Beneficial to Put Castor Oil In The Belly Button?

Yes, according to Ayurveda, it is beneficial to put castor oil in your belly button because of its effective chemical composition. Castor oil contains 90% ricinoleic acid, which is a critical component that makes it most useful. Typically, ricinoleic acid moisturizes and makes the skin smooth and also cures acne and uneven skin. It also prevents inflammation, fights against fungi and bacteria, and strengthens your immune system.

Moreover, other triglycerides and fatty acids such as oleic acid, stearic acid, and linoleic acid are also found in castor oil. These triglycerides help boost skin moisture and enhance barrier activity, making them most useful in treating dry skin conditions. These chemical effects of castor oil make it the most reliable oil for treating many health issues.

How Does Castor Oil In Belly Button Get Absorbed?

When you put castor oil in your belly button or practice naval pulling, the skin absorbs all its active ingredients. The navel is the route to many blood vessels, making it a potent site for absorption. So, after the oil gets absorbed, it enters the bloodstream. As a result, it allows the oil to reach its target location in the body and treat health issues effectively.

Using Castor Oil in Belly Button: 6 Amazing Benefits

Here learn what castor oil in the belly button does when applied regularly for various health purposes. The following are the benefits of castor oil on the belly button:

1. Supports Digestive System

The application of castor oil in the belly button for constipation is effective due to its laxative effects. One research says it is approved by the Food and Drug Administration(FDA) as a stimulative laxative. When it enters the intestines, it stimulates the smooth muscle contraction in the bowel. This eases the fast movement of the stool through the intestine and relieves constipation.

Moreover, castor oil has the potency to increase water level in the intestine, which leads to soft and easy pass of stools. Furthermore, the oil supports gut health in several ways. It encourages the growth of good bacteria, develops a favorable gut environment, and reduces inflammation. The results are better absorption of essential nutrients and improved overall gut health.

2. Helps Relieve Pain

Well, castor oil in the belly button benefits many women going through pain during their menstrual cycle. Putting the oil can help reduce inflammation and increase blood flow to the pelvic area. This, as a result, relieves pain due to menstrual cramps.

Moreover, the potential to fight against inflammation and ease pain, makes castor oil most effective in treating muscle and joint pain. Applying the oil directly on your belly button helps relieve the severe pain and swelling due to muscle pulls, strains, or arthritis.

3. Promotes Skin Health

As castor oil is highly rich in fatty acids, it is a natural skin moisturizer. When the oil gets absorbed through the navel, it forms a layer that retains skin moisture, giving a smooth, plumpy feel. Also, it boosts the production of collagen and elastin. These two main fibers significantly reduce wrinkles, increase elasticity, and make skin healthy overall.

Most importantly, it is an excellent remedy to reduce stretch marks, which many women struggle with. Overstretching of the skin tissue leads to stretch marks. This happens often during weight changes, rapid growth, and pregnancy. Applying castor oil to the belly button may reduce these marks by improving the skin's elasticity and lowering inflammation.

4. Reduces Stress And Anxiety

A study says the gut is connected with the vagus nerve, which controls the parasympathetic nervous system, managing calmness and relaxation. Using castor oil in your navel may neutralize your emotions and improve concentration. The calming effects of oil help reduce stress levels, soothe muscle strain, and build a relaxing environment for mind and body.

Moreover, it is also believed that this magical oil promotes relaxation in your body. This is because it stimulates the release of feel-good hormones called endorphins. This hormone lowers tension and enhances your overall well-being.

Also Read: Does Castor Oil Work for Hair Growth?

5. Improves Eye Health

Pollution, smoking, aging, often screen watching, and too much reading can disturb your eye health. Do you know the belly button is directly linked to the veins connected to the eyes? Stimulating those veins by putting castor oil on your belly button can improve your eye health.

Moreover, castor oil can help reduce puffiness, enhance vision, and reduce pigmentation by adequately nourishing the eye. Furthermore, it lubricates the eyes and, thus, prevents excessive dryness, which is responsible for impaired vision.

6. Keeps Navel Clean

Mostly, you always remember to clean all your body parts, but belly buttons are often forgotten. Is that not true? The navel is the most essential part of your body, and keeping it free from dirt and germs is necessary. This is because it can lead to many health issues.

Regular cleaning protects the belly and stomach from any possible infection or problems. So, regularly clean it using castor oil. Dip a cotton swab in the oil and thoroughly wipe your belly button.

“Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes only. Always consult a medical professional before using any product or item as a home remedy in case of serious problems.”

Other Ways to Get the Benefits of Castor Oil 

Besides naval pulling, you can also use castor oil in other ways to get the most benefits. You can either consume it orally or use castor oil packs.

• Ingestion: You can take castor oil orally (by your mouth). It acts like a powerful laxative that helps treat constipation. It is advised to use castor oil for constipation only after consulting the doctor.

• Castor oil packs: You can also get benefits by utilizing castor oil packs. For making the pack, take a cloth, soak it in warm castor oil, put it on your belly, and then cover it with the help of a heating pad. This method prevents inflammation and relieves period cramps. You can also buy the castor oil packs from stores.

If you are using castor oil as a home remedy, make sure to get a top-quality one and start with a smaller quantity, especially if you are taking it for the first time. In addition, look for potential side effects. However, if you are struggling with bowel movement and digestive issues, seek medical attention. 

Side Effects Of Applying Castor Oil In Belly Button

While castor oil provides several health benefits when applied to the belly button, it also has some side effects:

1. Burning Sensation: Some people might experience a mild discomfort or burning sensation after putting castor oil on their belly button. If this happens, wiping the oil carefully using lukewarm water is better.

2. Pregnancy Concerns: Castor oil has been used for several years during labor and childbirth. According to a survey, around 93% of certified nurse-midwives used the oil to induce labor. However, no study shows if it is safe to use castor oil in the belly button while pregnant. So, always take the advice of your gynecologist before trying it.

3. Potential Interactions With Medicines: Applying castor oil in your belly might interact with your medicines, primarily for skin issues. So, always seek medical advice before using it.

How to Apply Castor Oil Effectively?

A few gentle steps to apply castor oil to the belly button can help you achieve better health and well-being:

• Prepare the oil by using a cold-pressed castor oil for your navel. The cold-pressed oil does not undergo heat processing, which keeps all its nutrients intact. So, always look for organic and high-end brands to ensure the best results.

• To apply the castor oil on your navel, take a quarter-sized dose of oil and then rub it with your palms and fingers. Warm oil easily gets absorbed and feels much better on the skin.

• Next, gently massage the oil on the belly button and the surrounding area. Do note that, while massaging, use light force as it helps stimulate blood flow and ingestion.

• Also, move your fingertips in the navel circle clockwise, easing quick absorption.

• Rest for a few minutes and breathe deeply, easing the vagus nerve's activation, thus relaxing your body.

Final Thoughts

Putting castor oil in belly button has several health benefits to offer. Rich in ricinoleic acid helps prevent abdominal and joint pain and digestive, eye, and skin issues. Also, it strengthens immunity and reduces stress and anxiety. But always clean your hands before applying the oil. Also, do a patch test, as you might be allergic to it. Besides naval pulling, you can use castor oil orally or in pack form. The best idea is to consult the doctors if you want to use it orally and are unsure.