People Are Putting Castor Oil on Their Belly Button—But What Does the Science Say?

Introduction 

Wait, what? People are putting castor oil in their belly button now? If that’s your first reaction, you’re not alone. It might sound strange, but this age-old wellness ritual is making a comeback—and it’s all over social media.

From claims of better digestion and glowing skin to stress relief and hormone balance, castor oil in the navel is being hailed as a natural healing hack. But is there any real science behind it? Or is it just another viral trend repackaging traditional practices?

Castor oil—derived from the Ricinus communis plant—has been used for centuries in India, Africa, and ancient Egypt for a wide range of purposes, from skin hydration to hair nourishment. Today, it’s best known medically for two things:

• Its use as a laxative when taken orally
• It has anti-inflammatory and moisturising benefits when applied directly to the skin

While applying it to the belly button is part of many cultural and wellness traditions, there’s no scientific evidence that the navel offers any special absorption advantage. That doesn’t mean castor oil isn’t effective—it just means that where you apply it matters.

In this article, we’ll explore:

• What castor oil is scientifically proven to do
• How to use castor oil safely

Which are the best castor oils to use 

Origin of Castor Oil

The journey of castor oil begins with its source – the castor bean plant. This plant hails from the Ethiopian region of East Africa but has expanded its roots to tropical and subtropical regions across the globe. In fact, India stands as a proud leader in the world’s production and exportation of castor oil.

The extraction process involves several steps including seed collection, cleaning, pressing, and refining. The seeds are first cleansed to eliminate any impurities and then de-hulled and ground into a coarse mixture. Thereafter, this mixture is heated to facilitate efficient oil extraction by rupturing the oil cells present in the seeds. The result is pure, unadulterated castor oil.

The Science Behind Castor Oil

What makes castor oil a much-touted ingredient in our wellness routines? The answer lies in its unique chemical composition. Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid that constitutes about 90% of the oil. This fatty acid is responsible for many of the oil’s therapeutic properties.

In addition to ricinoleic acid, castor oil also includes oleic acid and linoleic acid. These beneficial acids promote healthier skin and hair, reinforcing the benefits of rubbing castor oil on the stomach or using it in hair care routines.

Interestingly, castor oil is considered a non-drying oil, indicating that it has a low reactivity with air compared to drying oils like linseed oil and tung oil. However, upon dehydration, castor oil yields linoleic acids, which have drying properties and can be used in coatings and other applications.

Another unique characteristic of castor oil is its hygroscopic nature. This means it can absorb moisture from the air – a property that makes it an effective humectant. It can draw moisture to the hair and skin and lock it in, ensuring long-lasting hydration.

How Does Castor Oil Get Absorbed Through the Belly Button?

There’s no scientific proof that the belly button has the ability to absorb oil into your internal organs. While this practice is popular in traditional wellness routines, modern medicine doesn’t support the idea that the navel connects to organs after birth.

However, castor oil does have proven benefits when applied to the skin. Massaging it around the belly button may help soothe the area, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation, especially if used with a warm compress.

Benefits of Castor Oil: What Science and Tradition Say

1) Relieves Constipation (When taken orally)

Castor oil is a well-known stimulant laxative. When taken orally in the recommended dose, it stimulates the bowel muscles and promotes bowel movement within a few hours. This is its most scientifically supported use, but it should be used only occasionally and under medical guidance, especially for children or pregnant women.

2) Eases Joint Pain and Inflammation (When applied directly to skin)

Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, a natural anti-inflammatory compound. Applying it directly to sore joints, especially when combined with a warm compress, may help relieve stiffness and mild pain. This makes it popular among people with arthritis or muscle soreness.

3)  Hydrates and Soothes Dry Skin

Castor oil is a powerful emollient. It locks in moisture, soothes irritated skin, and can help soothe conditions such as dry patches or cracked heels. Its mild antimicrobial properties also make it helpful in preventing minor skin infections when used on clean skin.

4) Supports Hair and Scalp Health

When applied directly to the scalp or eyebrows, castor oil may improve hair texture, reduce breakage, and add shine. Some people believe it promotes hair growth due to its nutrient content, though scientific evidence for growth stimulation is limited.

5) Used in Castor Oil Packs (Traditionally)

In naturopathy, castor oil packs (a cloth soaked in warm castor oil placed on the lower abdomen) are believed to reduce pelvic inflammation and improve lymphatic circulation. While widely used in wellness circles, there’s little clinical evidence to confirm these internal effects

Caution and Possible Side Effects

After applying castor oil to the belly button, some individuals may experience side effects. It’s always a good idea to start with a small amount of castor oil and observe your body’s reaction. If you notice any adverse effects from rubbing castor oil on immediately.

Just as with any other substance, some people might be allergic to castor oil. The benefits of oiling the navel can be overshadowed by allergic reactions which may include:

• Skin Irritation: Some individuals might experience skin irritation such as rashes, redness, or itching after applying castor oil on the belly button.
• Respiratory Issues: Although rare, some people might experience respiratory distress or allergic reactions if they inhale mist from the castor oil.
• Gastrointestinal Symptoms: For those sensitive to its components, ingestion of castor oil might lead to abdominal discomfort, nausea, or vomiting.

How to Apply Castor Oil to Your Belly Button

1. Gather Your Supplies: You’ll require high-quality, cold-pressed castor oil, a cotton ball or pad, and a towel to safeguard your clothes or bedding.
2. Clean the Area: Wash your belly button with a mild soap and water, and pat it dry.
3. Apply the Oil:
   • Immerse a cotton ball or pad in the castor oil.
   • Softly place it over your belly button, making sure it covers the entire area.
   • Alternatively, you can also use your fingers to place a few drops of castor oil directly into your belly button.
4. Leave it On: Allow the castor oil to sit for at least 30 minutes to an hour. If you want deeper penetration, you can leave it on overnight.
5. Clean Up: After the time has passed, wipe off any surplus oil with a clean cloth or tissue.

While numerous individuals share positive feedback about this traditional practice, the scientific evidence is limited and experiences may differ from person to person. Before beginning any new treatment, always remember to consult your family doctor.

Best Castor Oils for Use on the Belly Button

Applying castor oil to the belly button can offer a range of wellness benefits. Here are some best oils known for their purity, extraction methods, and skin-friendly properties, conveniently available for purchase.

1. Dabur Castor Oil

Dabur Castor Oil is a versatile product designed to promote hair growth and improve skin health. Extracted using Cold-Pressed technology from premium castor seeds, this oil preserves essential nutrients and antioxidant properties. It helps reduce hair fall, stimulates hair growth, and deeply hydrates dry skin, leaving it nourished and moisturised.

Dabur Castor Oil 200 ML

2. Ashwin Castor Oil

Ashwin Castor Oil is a natural oil derived from castor seeds, known for its many health benefits. It’s often used for promoting hair growth, moisturising skin, and easing constipation. This versatile oil is a popular choice for those seeking natural remedies for beauty and wellness.

Ashwin Castor Oil 200ml

3. Bds Skin Care Castor Oil

BDS Skin Care Castor Oil is a natural oil that helps nourish and hydrate your skin. It can be used to moisturize dry areas, promote healthy hair growth, and soothe irritation. This versatile oil is perfect for maintaining soft, smooth skin and supporting overall skin health.

Bds Skin Care Castor Oil 100ml

4. Padmavati Swastik Castor Oil

Padmavati Swastik Castor Oil is a natural oil extracted from castor seeds, known for its various health benefits. This versatile oil can be easily applied to the skin or hair for nourishment and hydration.

Padmavati Swastik Castor Oil 200 ML

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

• Cleveland Clinic. (2022, November 29). Castor oil: Benefits, uses, and side effects. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/castor-oil-benefits
• Santos, R. M. M., Lima, R. F., Moraes, J. S., de Oliveira, A. C. P., Nunes, A. A., Filho, J. D. S., & Oliveira, F. A. (2018). Ricinoleic acid, a castor oil-derived compound, induces hyperpolarization and reduces excitability of dorsal root ganglion neurons. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 106, 1240–1246. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30000935
• Murakami, Y., Ohkuma, K., Matsuura, T., & Ogata, A. (2019). Evaluation of the wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects of ricinoleic acid in rats. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 42(12), 2073–2078. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31869090
• de Oliveira, T. A., de Oliveira, T. C., Teixeira, R. R., Matta, S. L. P., & Vieira-Filho, S. A. (2022). Castor oil and ricinoleic acid as agents for induction of labor and cervical ripening: A systematic review. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 20(1), 34–41. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36428855
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• Upadhyay, R. K. (2018). Physiological and medicinal properties of castor oil: A review. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327345451_Physiological_and_Medicinal_Properties_of_Castor_Oil
• Vieira, C., Evangelista, S., Cirillo, R., Lippi, A., Maggi, C. A., Manzini, S., & Geppetti, P. (2001). Effect of ricinoleic acid in acute and subchronic experimental models of inflammation. Mediators of Inflammation, 10(5), 223–228. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1781768/