Putting Castor Oil in Your Belly Button: Does It Work?

Castor oil comes from the Ricinus communis plant. It contains a compound called ricinoleic acid, which has inflammation-fighting properties.

Traditionally, the oil has been used to help constipation, wound healing, menstrual cramps, arthritis, headaches, and labor induction.

Applying castor oil to the belly button, or navel pulling, is thought to reduce bloating and promote healthy digestion. While research supports many traditional medicinal uses of castor oil, there is limited evidence for the benefits of navel pulling with castor oil.

Castor oil is known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and moisturizing properties. It may also be helpful for:

• Treating constipation
• Promoting wound healing
• Minimizing arthritis pain
• Reducing headaches
• Relieving menstrual cramps

There is little evidence that applying castor oil to your belly button reduces bloating, promotes lymphatic drainage, improves digestion, or stimulates the digestive system. However, proponents believe navel pulling can offer all these benefits and enhance overall vitality.

Much of this practice is rooted in Ayurveda, an alternative approach to medicine that has existed for thousands of years. Ayurvedic practitioners believe the navel and the “Pechoti gland” located behind it are vital connections to the body.

Practioners apply oils and perform “nabhi chikitsa,” or navel therapy, to treat various ailments, including diarrhea. However, no scientific literature indicates the Pechoti gland exists or shows evidence that castor oil applied to the belly button will benefit the body.

Research shows that essential oils can help reduce stress, insomnia, muscle pain, headaches, and depression when used in aromatherapy (a relaxation practice involving inhaling scents). Castor oil may offer some aromatherapy effects when applied to the skin, especially if it’s mixed with another oil.

Studies have found that massaging your abdomen may improve your gastric motility, or the speed at which food and drinks move from your stomach to your small intestine. Stomach massage may also promote peristalsis, contractions and movements that help with digestion and constipation.

Because using castor oil in your belly button is not a science-backed treatment for bloating and other gastrointestinal issues, there is no right or wrong way to apply it. There also is no recommendation on what type of castor oil to buy.

Before massaging castor oil into your navel area, apply a small amount for 7-10 days on a small patch of skin at the bend of your elbow to check for skin irritation. If your skin appears normal and is not itchy or red, applying the oil to your abdomen is likely safe.

Once ready to try it out, you may want to mix it with a carrier oil like coconut oil or jojoba oil. Below are some suggested steps for applying castor oil to your belly button:

• Use a quarter-sized amount of oil in the palm of your hand, along with the carrier oil of your choice, and rub your palms and fingertips together
• Consider adding ginger, peppermint, or fennel oil, which have been known to help with digestive issues
• Start with your belly button and massage the oil gently into the area, working in circles for about 10 minutes
• Spread the oil out to cover the other areas of your abdomen if you want
• Use breathing exercises during the massage to further promote relaxation

If you prefer not to do the massage, apply the castor oil to pieces of cloth or cotton balls and leave them in your belly button overnight. You can experiment to see what works best for you or talk with a massage therapist or dermatologist for advice.

Castor oil has a distinct odor and can stain clothing—you may want to wear clothes you don’t care about after applying the oil. There is also a risk that castor oil could cause skin irritation or contact dermatitis, so consider testing a small patch of skin before applying it to your abdomen.

If you use castor oil orally to treat constipation, potential side effects include abdominal cramping, vomiting, bloating, and dizziness. It’s not recommended to take during pregnancy due to its ability to cause contractions. People who are breastfeeding may also want to avoid using it.

Other potential side effects of ingesting too much castor oil include:

• Diarrhea
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Throat tightness
• Fainting
• Hallucinations

There is limited evidence on the effectiveness of castor oil, but many people use it for several purposes. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved castor oil (taken orally) for treating constipation, but medical guidelines don’t recommend it as the first line of treatment.

Some other uses for castor oil may include:

• Moisturizes skin or hair: Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, a natural moisturizer that could benefit hair and skin. It may improve your hair’s shine and prevent breakage.
• Induces labor: A small study of 70 pregnant people assigned female at birth found that oral consumption of castor oil could help them begin labor and reduce the need for a C-section. However, more research is needed.
• Prevents hair loss: Castor oil is rich in antioxidants, which may help protect your hair from oxidative stress. More research is needed to confirm this effect.
• Promotes hair growth: While evidence is limited on castor oil’s ability to promote hair growth, some cultures use it for this purpose, with much success. Additional research is needed to understand its mechanism.
• Treats eye conditions: Some research suggests castor oil may be useful in managing blepharitis (eyelid inflammation), dry eye disease, and meibomian gland dysfunction (low oil production in the eyelids). More research is needed to confirm its therapeutic effects.

Applying castor oil to the belly button—sometimes called navel pulling—is thought to reduce bloating and promote healthy digestion. However, there is little evidence to support this use.

If you want to try putting castor oil in your belly button, it’s not likely to harm you. Test a patch of skin first to check for any skin irritation. You can also ask a healthcare provider for advice.