Have you seen the latest TikTok trend? People are swearing by the benefits of putting a few drops of castor oil in their belly button before bed. They claim it can help with everything from digestive issues to menstrual cramps, and some even say it can support natural weight loss and detoxification of the lymphatic system.
Navel oiling involves applying a few drops of castor oil, directly into your belly button before bed and left overnight. This is called Pechoti and is rooted in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine.
But is there any truth to these claims?
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the idea of using castor oil in your navel. We'll explore the potential benefits and dig into the science behind it. So, let’s find out if this trendy remedy is something you should consider or just another social media fad!
Castor Oil and Naval Pulling: A Brief History!
Castor oil has a fascinating history that stretches back to ancient Egypt around 4000 B.C., where it was first cultivated. The Egyptians valued it not just for its medicinal properties but also used it for skincare and as lamp oil.
From Egypt, castor oil made its way to India, where it remains a popular natural remedy in Ayurvedic medicine. Over time, this sacred healing plant spread to ancient Greece and China. Fun fact: the name IAMA is actually an ancient Ancient Greek word for 'Healing'.
Castor oil has been used by women for many centuries.
One of the more intriguing practices is known as naval pulling. This ancient technique involves applying castor oil to the belly button to help with detoxification, digestion, and reproductive health.
The Importance of Your Belly Button in Holistic Medicine
In both Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine, the belly button is seen as a "gateway" or "portal" to the body's internal organs and how they function.
This is based on the ancient knowledge that our navel (belly button) is connected to the Pechoti gland, which is said to be linked to over 70 million nerve endings and organs throughout our body! The Pechoti gland, also known as the navel gland, is a small endocrine gland located near the belly button. It is believed to be a remnant of the umbilical cord and is thought to play a role in the body's overall health and wellness. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, the Pechoti gland is considered significant for its potential connection to various bodily functions, including hormone regulation and detoxification.
In these ancient healing systems, practitioners believe that applying certain oils or herbs to the navel can directly influence specific organs and bodily functions, acting as a sort of shortcut to address various health concerns without the need for internal consumption.
It might sound far fetched, but your belly button actually has a high concentration of blood vessels, lymphatic vessels and nerves that are related to your parasympathetic nervous system.
This is responsible for your "rest-and-digest" functions such as digestion, heart rate, and sexual arousal - all of which can be affected by stress levels.
Stimulating or applying substances, such as castor oil, to the belly button may potentially influence the functioning of the parasympathetic nervous system and, consequently, impact the associated physiological processes.
During fetal development, your umbilical cord served as the vital lifeline between you and your mother, enabling the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste.
When the cord is severed at birth, the belly button area retains a special significance. Even though the direct vascular pathway is gone, your belly button is an entry point to access the body's internal systems. It acts as a hub of specialized nerves, that could make it the perfect spot to apply IAMA castor oil.
The skin around your belly button is also quite sensitive, thanks to an abundance of sensory nerves. Plus, it's also connected to your autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls how your body responds to stress. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) also plays a significant role in the regulation and function of your reproductive system.
The ricinoleic acid in the castor oil (or what we call the miracle molecule) is absorbed through the belly button skin and into the bloodstream, where it can then travel to internal organs.
Benefits of Castor Oil for Belly Button & Reproductive Health
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Detoxification of your liver and other organs: Castor oil is believed to have a detoxifying effect on the body when applied to the belly button.
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Improved digestion and relief from constipation: Castor oil applied to the belly button is thought to stimulate the digestive system and promote intestinal movement.
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Reduced inflammation and pain: Castor oil's anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce inflammation and provide relief from various types of pain when applied to the belly button.
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Enhanced immune function: The purported detoxifying and anti-inflammatory effects of castor oil applied to the belly button may contribute to a stronger immune system.
- Better sleep: Castor oil applied to the belly button is believed to have a calming effect on the nervous system, which can promote better sleep.
What the Research Says About Using Castor Oil in Your Belly Button
A 2017 study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine found that applying castor oil packs to the abdomen was effective in reducing menstrual pain and improving quality of life in women with dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps).
The researchers hypothesized that the ricinoleic acid in the Castor Oil was able to lower inflammation and reduce muscle spasms associated with menstrual cramps when absorbed through the skin.
Click here to read our blog post about how castor oil can support you if you are struggling with painful periods.
How to Use Castor Oil in Your Belly Button
1. Massage the castor oil directly into your belly button:
- Clean your belly button thoroughly
- Place 2-3 drops of IAMA castor oil into your belly button
- Gently massage the area clockwise for 5-10 mins
- Leave to absorb overnight and wash in the morning
2. Use a cotton ball (least messy option!)
- Soak a small cotton ball in castor oil
- Place the cotton ball in your belly button
- Secure with a wrap or towel if needed
- Leave for 2-3 hours or for best results, overnight
- Remove and clean the area
3. Gently warm the castor oil (for faster absorption)
- Slightly warm your castor oil (test the temperature first!)
- Apply the warm oil to your belly button with your fingers
- Cover with a warm compress or hot water bottle
- Leave on for 2-3 hours or for best results, overnight
3. Make your own essential oil blend
- Mix your IAMA castor oil with 1-2 drops of your favourite essential oil (e.g rose, geranium)
- Apply the blend to your belly button
- Massage clockwise in circular motions
- Leave for 2-3 hours or for best results, overnight
How long should you leave the Castor Oil in your belly button for?
We recommend massaging it into your belly button and womb area every night and allowing it to fully absorb. This takes about 10-15 mins. It's best to do this overnight to let your body fully soak up the benefits. You can also try it half an hour before taking a warm bath. Start a few days before your period to avoid menstrual cramps.
How Often Should You Massage Castor Oil Into Your Belly Button?
We recommend that you apply IAMA castor oil every evening for at least a month. This can support your body to enter the parasympathetic rest and digest state and enable deeper sleep. It also means you don't have to worry about getting oil on your clothes during the day.
Always listen to your body and adjust the frequency as needed, and if you experience any irritation or discomfort, it’s best to reduce the frequency or consult a healthcare professional. The best thing about our castor oil is that it's 100% organic, cold pressed and hexane free so you can incorporate it into your self care regime without worrying about potential side effects.
Essential oils to use with Your Castor Oil Belly Button Massage
Combining essential oils with castor oil for belly button massage can enhance the benefits of this ancient practice. Our favourite to use with castor oil is Rose and Geranium! Traditional practices suggest massaging in a clockwise direction on the abdomen, as this is believed to follow the natural direction of the digestive system. The idea is that this might support digestive processes.
When it comes to using essential oils in your castor oil routine, a study in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine (2017) highlighted rose oil's potential in reducing anxiety and pain. Geranium oil, on the other hand, has been scientifically proven to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can support your reproductive health and nervous system.
Safety Tips for Castor Oil Navel Application
First and foremost, ensure that you’re using high-quality, 100% organic, glass bottled, cold-pressed castor oil to avoid any harmful additives.
If you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies, it’s wise to perform a patch test on a small area before applying it to your belly button. If you're pregnant you should consult a healthcare professional before using castor oil, as it can stimulate uterine contractions.
Lastly, if you experience any irritation or discomfort, discontinue use immediately and seek medical advice. Taking these precautions can help you enjoy the potential benefits safely.
Get Your 100% Organic, Hexane Free Cold Pressed Castor Oil Today!
If you're curious about using organic castor oil in your belly button, give it a go. It's safe, natural and there are no side effects as long as you use a high-quality, 100% organic, cold-pressed castor oil like IAMA's.
P.S To help you get the most out of nature's golden elixir, with every purchase of IAMA Castor Oil, you'll receive our FREE user guide!
If you're unsure about anything or just want to say hi, you can get in touch by emailing contact@iamawellness.com or alternatively, drop us a message on Insta.
