"I’m a girl with serious digestion issues, just trying to relieve her GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) symptoms like irregular bowel movements and bloating. I’ve tried a wide range of supplements, diets, and hacks to no avail. So, seeing TikTok after TikTok of people rubbing castor oil in their belly buttons as an “insane bloating hack” piqued my interest. You may have heard of castor oil as a DIY solution for everything from period cramps to lackluster hair, but it’s actually commonly used as a digestive aid by rubbing the oil in your belly button. Derived from the seeds of the castor bean plant and known for its anti-inflammatory properties, castor oil dates back to ancient Egypt where it was used for remedies such as inducing labor (it’s also believed that Cleopatra used castor oil on her hair and to brighten the whites of her eyes).
To determine its legitimacy, I tested the navel castor oil hack myself and tapped some experts for their input. Is it just an old wives’ tale or does it actually work? Ahead, everything you need to know about this easy practice and my experience trying it.
Rubbing castor oil in the belly button has gone mainstream on TikTok, with creators claiming it helps them get rid of bloat as well as ease other symptoms like heartburn or irregular bowel movements. While it may sound odd if you’re new to the idea, rubbing castor oil in the belly button is a practice that has been around for centuries. Take the Ayurvedic practice nabhi puran, for example: “Nabhi puran involves filling the navel pit with lukewarm medicated oil for 15-20 minutes to treat specific abdominal disorders of Vata and Pitta,” explained Ammy Kumar, the founder of the Ayurvedic wellness brand Art of Vedas. Also known as navel oiling or the Pechoti method, the practice is known for helping ease digestive issues such as bloating, indigestion, and constipation.
According to Dr. Haley Parker, the lead acupuncturist at VUIM Clinic, applying castor oil to the belly button is also practiced in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to penetrate the deep tissues of the abdomen for digestive relief. This is said to help move stagnant energy, improve blood circulation, stimulate digestion, and reduce inflammation.
How Does It Work?
Castor oil contains a high amount of ricinoleic acid, which contains anti-inflammatory properties. As Dr Rajeev Singh explained in PharmEasy, it may also promote blood flow and offer defense against bad bacteria. This can have positive effects on digestive symptoms by decreasing inflammation in the gut, improving blood flow for better digestion, and warding off bad gut bacteria. Rubbing it into the navel is more beneficial than ingesting it for bloating (castor oil is only approved for oral use as a laxative and should be taken under medical supervision) because the navel has many blood vessels, making it a strong site for absorption. Through the skin of the navel, the body easily absorbs the active ingredients into the bloodstream. While one study showed the effectiveness of penetrating medications through the skin tissues at the navel area, more research evidence is needed to confirm the effectiveness of castor oil in the naval area.
My Experience
I have diagnosed stage 3 GERD, which gives me endless GI issues: constant heartburn (despite being on a prescribed 80mg of Omeprazole daily), regurgitation, constipation, irregular bowel movements, nausea, vomiting, and bloating in my lower abdomen. While I waited for abdominal surgery, the promise of regular bowel movements and less heartburn by using the simple and inexpensive navel oiling hack was too good to resist. So, I logged onto Amazon and purchased this organic castor oil for $9.99.
I first applied two drops to my belly button and gently massaged the excess into the surrounding area while I was lying down watching TV before bed. I hoped that the oil would work its magic overnight, but I woke up with acute nausea (potentially a side effect of castor oil but most likely a common symptom of my GERD). However, I did notice pretty drastic results in feeling less bloated and puffy.
The next evening, I applied the two drops standing upright and spent less time rubbing in the excess, allowing the formula to soak into my navel instead. My stomach felt less acidic for the remainder of the evening. After a few more days of putting the oil on my belly button, I noticed my bowel movements became more regular, and I experienced less heartburn. I was amazed that I was able to consume a light pre-dinner snack without the usual bloating that accompanies my meals, thanks to my indigestion and heartburn. I worked with an Ayurvedic practitioner who said that I have an overactive pitta dosha, and I couldn’t help but wonder if navel oiling with castor oil was calming it down.
The only symptom I did not notice a change in was my nausea—and it got slightly worse while navel pulling. Also, the skin around my navel became seriously irritated, itchy, and red from the castor oil (note: I have a navel piercing, which could be interacting with the oil and causing an irritation). For these reasons, I only use one drop of castor oil one to two times per week rather than daily. Overall, this works better for my body; my nausea is less pronounced, and my skin doesn’t feel as irritated, but I’m still reaping the other benefits.
The Verdict
I was amazed at how well the practice worked. I’m used to ingesting supplements and trying various diets to see any positive digestive changes, so doing something as simple and inexpensive as rubbing castor oil on my belly button was a welcome surprise. However, remember that there is no such thing as the one magic fix. While it did not heal my GERD or relieve my bloating for good, I see it as one useful tool for supporting my digestive health, among many other tools such as diet, prescriptions, and more changes recommended by my medical care team.
Tips for Trying It Yourself
The most important thing to remember is that everyone is different, so we’re all going to have different experiences with navel pulling. As always, consult your healthcare provider before testing it out to ensure it’s right for you. Dr. Ralph Waldo, MD, integrative physician, recommended using hexane-free, organic castor oil and doing a patch test beforehand to determine if it irritates your skin. “The key is using high-quality ingredients and listening to your body,” he said. If you don’t experience any redness, itchiness, skin discomfort, hives, or rashes, Dr. Waldo suggested navel oiling with two to three drops of castor oil two to three times per week. Additionally, Dr. Waldo also emphasized starting slow and paying attention to small changes to determine if applying castor oil to your belly button is beneficial for you.
Please consult a doctor or a mental health professional before beginning any treatments. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.
Experts Consulted
Dr. Haley Parker is the lead acupuncturist at VUIM Clinic and clinical director at the Virginia University of Integrated Medicine. She continuously contributes to the advancement of integrative medicine as a dedicated professor at VUIM and serving on various boards and committees.
Sammy Kumar is the founder of Art of Vedas, a global Ayurvedic skincare and wellness brand dedicated to promoting ancient Ayurvedic knowledge, products, and remedies. With a passion for Ayurveda, Kumar leads an innovative team in driving research and development and advises Ayurvedic practitioners.
Dr. Ralph Waldo, MD, is a medical doctor practicing integrative, biochemical, genetic, and functional medicine, and is board-certified in Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Waldo also holds an M.S. in Physiology and Biophysics, and he uses his training to address the root causes of diseases with patients.