Bloating can be an uncomfortable part of everyday life, and people are always looking for simple, natural ways to find relief. Recently, TikTok users have been buzzing about a surprising remedy: applying castor oil to the belly button.
According to this viral trend, massaging a few drops of castor oil around the navel can help reduce bloating, sooth digestion, and even promote relaxation. While it may sound unusual (like other viral TikTok trends such as mewing and girl dinner), castor oil has been used in natural remedies for centuries, and this latest health hack has people curious about its benefits.
@the.holistic.mama, a health practitioner who has over 210K followers on TikTok, shared a video revealing whether this viral health trend actually provides digestive benefits. Read on for all her insights.
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Can Applying Castor Oil To The Belly Button Reduce Bloating?
She says that castor oil has always stood the test of time; “it’s been used in Ayurveda, which is 6K+ years old.” While she’s a fan of castor oil, she does believe there are a couple of things to consider before joining this trend.
“Castor oil aids in detoxification, and all of its benefits are going to have the most effect if you relax when you’re doing this,” she says. “It’s not meant to squirt in your belly button and then go off to work for the day. Do it at night when you can lay down and rest [and] get into the parasympathetic state.”
Furthermore, there are tons of castor oils on the market, and not all of them are created equal. “I recommend organic and cold-pressed,” she states.
The reason it is believed to aid in bloating when applied to the belly button is due to its anti-inflammatory and digestive-stimulating properties. When massaged onto the belly button, the oil is assumed to absorb through the skin and penetrate underlying tissues, potentially stimulating the digestive system and promoting better circulation. This can then help with gas, encourage bowel movements, and reduce water retention.
There isn’t strong scientific evidence to fully back this method; some people find it to be a gentle, natural way to relieve bloating and support gut health, while others simply see it as a placebo effect.
She also reveals that just applying castor oil will not immediately help your digestive system or reduce bloating. “You need to eat right, exercise, optimize and prioritize sleep, take your foundational minerals, get all your macronutrients, and then you can start doing cool, trendy things such as applying castor oil to the belly button.”
The bottom line
While applying castor oil to the belly button may not be a magic cure for bloating, it offers a gentle, soothing, and natural approach that some find helpful for digestion and relaxation. The gut and the brain are closely linked, so when your mind is relaxed and at ease, it can trickle that sensation down to your gut.
However, it’s essential to remember that overall digestive health relies on a balanced lifestyle, including proper nutrition, exercise, sleep, and adequate hydration. Trying out TikTok trends can be fun, but it works best when the root cause of the issue is addressed.
