Massaging Castor Oil On Belly Button? Take A Look At Its Health Benefits

You must have heard about the benefits of castor oil when it comes to improving hair health. But the oil is not just limited to this. Did you know that massaging your navel aka belly button with castor oil has a plethora of benefits? This is an ancient practice, which is rooted in holistic health traditions. It is said to have numerous benefits, both for the body as well as the mind. Moreover, the navel is believed to be a significant part of the body in different cultures, especially in Ayurveda. Want to know the health benefits of massaging your belly button with castor oil? Keep reading.

To get an expert view on this topic, the editorial team of OnlyMyHealth reached out to Dr Shrey Sharma from Ramhans Charitable Hospital, Haryana.

Health Benefits Of Applying Castor Oil On Belly Button

The navel is connected to the body’s internal systems via nerves and tissues. Thus, it is said that massaging it with castor oil may positively impact bodily functions. “Castor oil is vātasaṃśamana, which in Ayurveda means ‘substances or treatments that pacify vitiated Vata dosha’. It decreases the vata dosha of the intestines by getting deeply absorbed into the intestines,” says Dr Sharma.

Vata combines air and space, and it is said to have links to change, mobility, and movement. According to Ayurveda medicine, vata is linked to the nervous system and controls breathing, blinking, and circulation. To summarise, vata manages all the movements in the mind and body.

“When applied on the stomach, castor oil helps release gases as well. It can also make the belly skin soft. So, apply it before bath in the morning in the navel and stomach area. And use lukewarm castor oil for this purpose,” adds Dr Sharma.

On this note, let us take a look at some other benefits of applying castor oil in the belly button:

Improves Digestion: This is one of the most common uses of castor oils. It has natural laxative properties. So when applied to the belly button, it may help stimulate the digestive system.

Detoxification: The navel is believed to be the key point for detoxification in holistic healing systems. Applying castor oil to the belly button is said to assist the body in flushing out toxins as it contains ricinoleic acid – which has anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties.

Hormonal Balance: Massaging castor oil to the navel may help regulate hormonal balance. This is because the belly button is connected to the reproductive system.

Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Applying castor oil on the belly button may also help reduce stress and anxiety as it can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. This system is responsible for relaxation and stress reduction.

Moisturises Skin: Castor oil has deep moisturising properties. When applied to the belly button, it can hydrate and nourish the skin from the inside out.

Also Read: Try This Easy DIY Castor Oil Face Mask For Glowing and Hydrated Skin

Is Applying Castor Oil On Belly Button Backed By Science?

Now that we know about the potential benefits of applying castor oil in the navel, let us travel back in time. We will tell you how this act is said to be backed by science, as well its use in traditional practice.

Castor oil is made from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. This vegetable oil is native to parts of Africa and the Mediterranean region. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Records suggest that the oil has been in use since 4000 BC in ancient Egypt. Castor oil was also said to be used by classical civilisations such as the Greeks and Romans. They valued it for its various uses in health and wellness.

Ayurvedic practitioners are of the opinion that the navel and the ‘pechoti gland’ located behind it are crucial connections to the body. However, there is no scientific evidence as of yet which indicates that the pechoti gland exists, nor something which shows that castor oil when massaged to the belly button can benefit the body.

Health Risks Of Applying Castor Oil On Belly Button

While castor oil may have tonnes of benefits, it also comes with some probable health risks such as:

• Allergic reaction
• Gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort
• Pregnancy concerns
• Medication interactions
• Overdose
• Toxic to pets
• Acne and clogged pores
• Hallucinations

How To Apply Castor Oil On Belly Button The Right Way

On this note, let us tell you how you can massage castor oil on your navel the right way:

Choosing The Right Castor Oil

You should always opt for pure, cold-pressed, and hexane-free castor oil for the belly button. By choosing high-quality oils you can ensure that you are using a product that is free from harmful chemicals. This can maximise its therapeutic effects.

Cleansing The Belly Button

Before massaging your navel with castor oil, gently clean the belly button with a mild cleanser or warm water. This will remove dirt and debris and allow the oil to be absorbed more effectively.

Apply Few Drops

Always make sure to apply a few drops of castor oil directly into the belly button. Then massage it gently in circular motions for around 5-10 minutes. Make sure the oil is fully absorbed.

Leave it On

To get maximum results, leave the castor oil on overnight or for a few hours before washing it off.

Also Read: Castor Oil For Constipation: Benefits And How To Use It

The Final Word

Castor oil has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Ayurvedic practitioners are of the opinion that the navel and the ‘pechoti gland’ located behind it are crucial connections to the body. Thus, it is believed that when castor oil is applied to the belly button, it offers numerous benefits for our health and overall wellness. However, there is no scientific evidence backing this.