Does putting oil in the belly button really work?
These expectations come from stories, not science. Castor oil offers real benefits for the skin, but applying it to the belly button has not been shown to affect hormones, digestion, toxins, or fat loss. Understanding this mix of tradition and modern claims sets the stage for the evidence-based section that follows. Rubbing castor oil in the belly button is not new, but it has gotten a lot of buzz on social media for its supposed benefits. Proponents of the practice, also known as navel pulling, claim that it can help with bloating, abdominal pain and even sleep.Dip your finger or a soft washcloth in a solution of saltwater (about a teaspoon of table salt in a cup of warm water) and gently massage the inside of your navel. This should loosen stubborn germs that can cause odor. Then rinse with plain water and pat it dry.The often forgotten body part, the navel should be cleaned regularly with oils such as grape seed oil, sunflower oil, jojoba oil. To reap the benefits completely, soak a cotton ball in the oil and dab it around the navel.Here’s what is generally believed or observed: 1) Moisturizes Skin – Castor oil is thick and rich in fatty acids, so it can soften dry skin around the navel and stomach. Improves Digestion (traditionally claimed) – In Ayurveda, it’s believed to support bowel movements and reduce bloating/constipation.Applying navel seed oil daily helps maintain digestive strength, supports detox pathways, and keeps Vata and Pitta doshas in check. It also encourages mental calmness and improved sleep when used at night, thanks to its grounding and soothing properties.
Which oil is best to put in the belly button?
Navel oiling can be started at any age, including childhood, but it’s best to use gentler oils like coconut or almond oil for infants and young children. For adults, seed oils like castor, mustard, or flaxseed can be used based on specific health needs. Avoid rigorously scrubbing the inside of your belly button. If you cause small tears in that sensitive skin, the bacteria can easily get inside and cause an infection. Instead, you should: Lather soapy water on a cotton swab or the corner of a washcloth.Simply dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol or plain soap and water and gently clean the area once a week, and dry pat as you normally would after a shower. If you have a belly button piercing, navel hygiene is even more important, because it risks getting infected.The often forgotten body part, the navel should be cleaned regularly with oils such as grape seed oil, sunflower oil, jojoba oil. To reap the benefits completely, soak a cotton ball in the oil and dab it around the navel.
How long do you leave oil in your belly button?
Step-by-Step Belly Button Oiling Method Put 3 to 5 drops of the oil directly into your belly button. Gently massage around the navel in a circular motion for 2–3 minutes. Leave the oil on. You can let it absorb naturally or wipe off any excess after 30–60 minutes. Applying castor oil to the belly button is a traditional remedy believed to help with constipation, though scientific evidence is limited. For effective relief, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional.Currently, there is no research to support the “castor oil in belly button for weight loss” narrative. While some social media users claim that castor oil is the magic bullet for weight loss, those claims are purely anecdotal and tend to just promote viral videos, Dr. Aziz says.
Does putting oils in your belly button really work?
While respectful of other cultures’ traditions and belief systems, many practitioners of conventional Western medicine do not see any special benefit from navel oiling. There is no physiological effect from putting any kind of oil, or other fluid, into the belly button,” says Richard J. The belly button is a vital absorption point in Ayurveda. Massaging almond oil on the belly button gives glowing skin, supports gut health, and improves circulation.