Growing up in a Pakistani household, I was basically raised on DIY home remedies. Bad period cramps? My mom would be boiling carom seeds faster than you can say “Aleve.” A zit? Slap some turmeric on it. Honestly, if my mom could’ve fixed my bad grades with turmeric, she would’ve tried. So naturally, when I saw people hyping up another health hack on TikTok — this time, rubbing castor oil on your belly button — I had to know: Is it legit, or is it just another internet trend?
People are swearing that castor oil can help with everything from bloating to sleep. I tried to do this hack a while back, but got lazy after a week. But maybe if I knew for sure if castor oil really worked, I would’ve stuck with it.
@laurynflair #castoroil #castoroilbenefit #content ♬ The Lobotomy – Maebi
What Are the Benefits of Castor Oil?
First, let’s talk about what castor oil even is. This thick, sticky oil comes from the seeds of the castor bean plant (shoutout to India, Africa, and the Middle East for giving us this gem). For centuries, it’s been used in everything from medicine to beauty routines, and it’s basically the Swiss Army knife of oils.
“Castor oil is widely used to promote hair growth, moisturize skin, and soothe minor irritations,” Dr. Jennifer Habashy, assistant medical director of Claya, tells Betches. She also says it can work as a “natural laxative” when taken orally, though this use should be done with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.”
People also claim it helps with hair loss, cramps, and even eye issues, though science hasn’t exactly confirmed most of these.
As for the belly-button trend, proponents say rubbing castor oil in your navel (a.k.a. “navel pulling”) can help with bloating, gut health, pain relief, and even better sleep. Some also use castor oil packs, where a cloth soaked in oil is placed on the abdomen with heat to “supercharge” the effects.
“Castor oil packs are particularly noted for their role in reducing inflammation and improving lymphatic flow,” Dr. Habashy says. “This can help with issues like menstrual cramps, joint discomfort, or digestive complaints.”
And because the idea of swallowing literal oil doesn’t exactly sound like a good time, I can see why people are eager to find other ways to get the benefits of the oil without having to ingest it.
Does Castor Oil On Your Belly Actually Work?
Rubbing warm oil on your stomach, especially in a clockwise motion, can mimic the natural movement of your intestines, helping to relieve gas or constipation. Plus, the warmth can feel soothing when your stomach’s acting up. Think of it like a gentle, oily hug for your gut. Also, if you’re taking the time out of your day to rub oil on your skin — that’s definitely got to make you feel a little relaxed and ready for bed.
That said, castor oil isn’t a magic potion. “There is no direct evidence that applying castor oil to the belly button can specifically alleviate bloating or improve sleep,” Dr. Habashy says. “However, castor oil packs, which involve placing oil-soaked cloths on the abdomen with heat, are thought to help reduce inflammation, promote circulation, and support lymphatic drainage.”
If you’re dealing with bloating, the real solution might be tweaking your diet or figuring out the root cause of your discomfort. As for the sleep claims? There’s zero science backing that up, but hey, if the ritual makes you feel calm, who am I to judge?
Are There Any Risks To Putting Castor Oil On Your Belly?
“Applying castor oil to the belly button is generally safe, but using it incorrectly or in large quantities can irritate sensitive skin,” Dr. Habashy says.
The risk typically comes in for people using castor oil packs, since you can get skin burns from the heat source. Other than that, the best way to use castor oil packs safely is to always use high-quality, pure castor oil and of course to patch-test for allergies. If something weird happens on your skin, it’s definitely time to check in with your doctor.
