The use of oils has been going on for centuries, and although they are good for you as long as you know how to use them, you must be cautious when you do not know enough. An oil that has been getting a lot of attention lately is Castor oil, derived from the Ricinus communis plant.
Packed with a unique fatty acid called ricinoleic acid, this compound is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and has been known to help with many ailments, from constipation and arthritis pain to menstrual cramps and headaches. One lesser-known use of castor oil is applying it to the belly button, a practice sometimes called “navel pulling“, but does it really work? Traditional medicine believes it does, but science has doubts.
The benefits of using Castor Oil
Castor oil is well known for its ability to relieve constipation, help wounds heal, ease arthritis pain, reduce headaches and soothe menstrual cramps, but its ability to reduce bloating an improve digestive health by applying it to the belly button is questionable. The traditional medicine practice that encourages this, Ayurvedic medicine, considers the belly button an important access point to internal organs and so practitioners often perform “nabhi chikitsa” (navel therapy) using various oils to treat different conditions.
Dr. Aarti Patel, a naturopathic doctor, explains, “The navel is a central point in the body, and applying oil there is believed to have a balancing effect on digestion and circulation. While science hasn’t caught up yet, many people report feeling more relaxed and less bloated after this practice.”
There are many reasons why patients and doctors believe this helps, and while one of the most common is the placebo effect, being dismissive about ancient practices helps no one and can even discourage people from seeing accredited doctors since they believe they will be laughed at for their beliefs. So, we should look at the two main reasons why this practice could work despite its unlikeliness:
- Aromatherapy Benefits: Aromatherapy has been scientifically proven and many essential oils have been found to reduce stress, headaches, and even muscle pain. When castor oil is mixed with other soothing oils like peppermint or ginger, it may help with relaxation, which indirectly benefits digestion.
- Belly Massage Effects: Studies have shown that massaging the abdomen can improve digestion by stimulating peristalsis (the movement of food through the intestines). So, if you are rubbing castor oil into your belly button and surrounding area, the massage itself might be doing the heavy lifting.
But using the oil blindly is not a good idea, especially if you do not know if you are allergic to it. First it should be tested on a small patch of skin to see if there is a reaction, and if there is no reaction and you choose to drink it to help with issues like constipation, you should be aware of the potential side effects. These include cramping, bloating, nausea, and even dizziness. Pregnant individuals should avoid it since it may induce contractions, and breastfeeding parents might want to consult a doctor before using it. Do bear in mind that Castor oil is a laxative recognized by the FDA, so if you are going to use it even if it for a different purpose, remember that this effect will likely happen.
There are a few topical applications for this oil that are far less dangerous, as thanks to its ricinoleic acid content, castor oil is deeply hydrating and might help with dry skin and hair breakage, so applying it as a moisturizing agent could help improve your skin and hair as long as you are not allergic to it.