Should I Put Castor Oil In My Belly Button

Written on: 6 May 2025

An Ayurvedic technique is getting a lot of online attention for its simplicity and results. Castor oil applied to the belly button can support digestion, reduce bloating and improve sleep.

Rooted in Ayurveda

Navel oiling isn’t a new practice. It’s centuries-old and related to nabhi chikitsa, where the belly button is viewed as a central point of connection to internal organs. Castor oil is chosen specifically in this case for its dense texture and reputation for supporting circulation.

This means placing a few drops into your belly button before bed for the purported benefits. Many people also include it as part of a larger routine aimed at better digestion, hormonal regulation and improved sleep.

Castor oil: mechanisms of action

Ancient sources often explain the benefits of navel castor oil applications. Some Ayurvedic texts talk about something called the Pechoti gland, which is a cluster of nerve endings near the navel believed to absorb oil and influence body systems.

The growing interest in the practice of castor oil navel application is driven by results shared online and passed on within communities. Those who try it tend to report feeling more grounded, less bloated and more rested after just a few uses.

What it’s used for

People who use castor oil to apply to the belly button do so for one or more of the following reasons:

To ease bloating: particularly in the evening or pre-menstruation
To support regular digestion: especially in combination with gut-friendly nutrition
To improve sleep: by building a calm and consistent nighttime routine
To reduce cramping: when applied in the days before menstruation starts
To support nervous system regulation: particularly in high-stress phases

How to apply castor oil in your belly button

Use a cold-pressed, organic castor oil. Look for formulas that are hexane-free and made for topical use. Then follow these steps:

Clean your belly button and surrounding skin
Apply 2 to 3 drops of oil directly to the centre
Massage gently for one to two minutes using circular motions

Three times a week is a great starting point, but many people may choose to do it nightly during particularly stressful periods, or in the week leading up to menstruation.

What the research says

Castor oil itself is well studied and well established for its anti-inflammatory and circulatory properties. Abdominal castor oil packs have been linked to improved elimination and lymphatic flow.

Inflammation and castor oil

Ricinoleic acid is the main compound in castor oil. It’s been shown to reduce inflammation in ways comparable to capsaicin, the compound found in chilli peppers. A study reported that ricinoleic acid applied to the skin had a measurable anti-inflammatory response.

Similarly, the anti-inflammatory effects of castor oil were reflected in the findings of a study comparing its benefits with a branded anti-inflammatory topical gel.

The power of touch

Uses of touch and abdominal massage are also powerful ways to connect with the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for rest and digestion.

Through abdominal massage, the vagus nerve can be activated to promote good digestion, relief from constipation and bloating, and to provide a sense of relaxation.

Again, the belly button, or nabhi, is viewed as a powerful energy point and a practical entry for oil-based therapies like nabhi chikitsa. Therefore it makes for a potent combination for a plethora of health benefits including nervous system regulation and sleep.

Final thoughts

Navel castor-oiling may not undo poor sleep habits or a chaotic diet. But if you’re already making some good lifestyle choices and want an extra layer of support, this one technique is a very simple habit to try.

Use clean oil and remember to be consistent whilst giving it time for the results to show up.

Add castor oil to your nightstand collection

If you’re experimenting with navel oiling and want to build a more effective routine, these products from Healf align well with the practice.

References:

This article is for informational purposes only, even if and regardless of whether it features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. The views expressed in this article are the views of the expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Healf

Pippa Thackeray

Pippa is a content writer and qualified Nutritional Therapist (DipNT) creating research-based content with a passion for many areas of wellbeing, including hormonal health, mental health and digestive health.

As a contributor to The Healf Source, she regularly attends seminars and programmes on a plethora of contemporary health issues and modern research insights with a drive to never stop learning. In addition, interviewing experts and specialists across The Four Pillars: EAT, MOVE, MIND, SLEEP.

In her spare time, she is an avid swimmer, mindfulness and yoga lover, occasionally bringing a raw, honest approach to the topics she faces. You may also discover some personal accounts of eye-opening wellbeing experiences amidst the reality of a disorientating, and often conflicting, modern wellbeing space.