If you've scrolled through TikTok or Instagram lately, you've probably come across people raving about the magical benefits of putting castor oil in their belly button. From glowing skin to better digestion, improved sleep, and even hormone balance—some claim it's the ultimate wellness hack. But before you start treating your navel like a tiny oil well, let’s take a deep dive into this viral trend. Is it fact, fiction, or just another social media craze?

The Belly Button Connection: Why There?

The belly button—also known as the navel or, if you want to get fancy, the umbilicus—is the spot where our umbilical cord once connected us to our mothers. Some claim it remains a powerful energy centre in the body, linked to traditional healing practices like Ayurveda.

In Ayurvedic medicine, the Pechoti method suggests that applying oils to the navel can help the body absorb their benefits. The theory? The navel has a rich network of blood vessels and nerves, making it a direct gateway to other parts of the body.

What Does Castor Oil Actually Do?

Before we write this off as just another woo-woo wellness claim, let’s talk about castor oil. This thick, golden oil comes from the seeds of the castor plant (Ricinus communis) and has been used for centuries for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and moisturizing properties. It’s been a staple in everything from hair masks to constipation remedies.

So, what’s all the fuss about rubbing it into your belly button?

The Alleged Benefits—Do They Hold Up?

Here are some of the most popular claims and what science has to say about them:

1. Better Digestion & Bloating Relief
   Claim: Castor oil in the belly button stimulates the digestive system and reduces bloating.
   Reality: Castor oil is a well-known laxative when taken orally, but there’s no scientific proof that applying it to your navel has the same effect. That said, rubbing oil on your belly could have a placebo effect or help with relaxation, which may indirectly ease digestion.

2. Hormone Balance
   Claim: Castor oil absorbs through the belly button to regulate hormones and even boost fertility.
   Reality: While castor oil has been linked to reducing inflammation and improving circulation, no studies directly support the idea that navel absorption affects hormones. However, castor oil packs applied to the lower abdomen have been used to support reproductive health.

3. Glowing Skin & Hydration
   Claim: Your belly button absorbs the oil and distributes hydration to your entire body, giving you radiant skin.
   Reality: Castor oil is deeply moisturizing, but your skin will benefit most from applying it directly where hydration is needed rather than waiting for your navel to do the work.

4. Better Sleep & Reduced Anxiety
   Claim: Massaging castor oil into your navel helps with relaxation and sleep.
   Reality: While there’s no direct evidence for this, massaging the belly can activate the parasympathetic nervous system (the body’s relaxation mode), which might help with stress and sleep. Plus, castor oil has been used in aromatherapy for its calming effects.

So, Should You Try It?

While the science behind navel oiling is limited, there’s no harm in giving it a go (as long as you’re not allergic to castor oil). At worst, it’s a self-care ritual that makes you feel pampered. At best, you might find some benefits, even if they’re placebo-based.

However, if you’re looking for proven ways to boost digestion, balance hormones, or improve skin health, there are more direct (and research-backed) approaches. Drink more water, eat nutrient-rich foods, and use castor oil where it really shines—on your skin, scalp, and even for its detoxifying effects in castor oil packs.

Final Verdict: Fun Trend or Real Deal?

Let’s call this one a maybe. There’s no solid scientific evidence that rubbing castor oil in your belly button will revolutionize your health, but it’s a low-risk, relaxing ritual that some swear by. If it makes you feel good, why not? Just don’t expect it to work miracles overnight!

Have you tried belly button oiling? Share your experience—we’re all ears (or, should we say, navels?).