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Castor oil. Our grandmothers love it, and our great-grandmothers vouched for it. Many of us dreaded the days when our mothers and grandmothers would pinch our noses and push a spoonful of this thick oil into our mouths. Remember, how we would scrunch our faces up due to the bland-at-first but weird after-taste? Sometimes, grandmothers know best.

In a world of complications, we forget the little pearls of wisdom and remedies that have existed for decades. In certain civilizations, castor oil in the belly button was used and continues to be used to date for its therapeutic properties.

Now, when I write about this oil or anything natural, please understand this. It is NOT a replacement for your medicine. Nothing is ever a replacement for your medicine. But if you make the right lifestyle changes and have fruitful and detailed conversations with your doctors, you will know that they are happy to wean you off your medications safely once these changes improve your condition.

The key is to invest in good quality and preferably cold-pressed castor oil. If you get a good edible one, you can consume it raw. Source it from our wellness platform here.

Castor oil in the belly button for constipation

Constipation plagues millions of people across the world today. Unfortunately, many think it is okay to live with it. They’ve gotten so used to it or become so dependent on laxatives that they think, “Hey, I’m not constipated, but I need a laxative every day to pass a motion.”

Am I against the use of laxatives? Not at all. Several of my patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation who tend to clog up as a side effect of their treatment need to be on laxatives. There are cases when you need them, and you should take them if your doctor advises it.

But for other cases, when you are blindly popping a laxative without getting to the root cause of why you are constipated in the first place, you need to address that.

Why are you constipated?

• Or are you overdoing or lacking fiber?
• Are adequately hydrated? Your stools require water to form volume. Drinking water helps soften your poop and makes it easier to pass.
• Is it due to other underlying gut issues or conditions left unaddressed?
• Is it the side effect of any medications you are taking or any treatment you are undergoing?
• Is it the lack of movement?
• Do you suppress your need to use the washroom when your body is signaling a bowel movement?
• Any big changes in your habits or lifestyle, such as travel, pregnancy, and old age?
• Or is laxative overdependence?

If you have been misusing laxatives for the longest period or genuinely have been on laxatives because of your treatments, your body can sometimes get used to it. It may create an overdependence where you feel you cannot poop without taking a laxative. It may seem difficult to stop it, but it is not impossible.

Enters: Castor oil.

Coming to the use of castor oil for constipation woes. When you consume this oil, it breaks down into ricinoleic acid that goes into the small intestines and starts to create muscle contractions. This makes it powerful for people who have chronic constipation.

Castor oil is a very powerful laxative. It has been approved by the FDA and has scientific literature supporting its benefits for gut issues, especially constipation. Yet, people rarely use it now. Like everything else, there is one principle when it comes to the use of castor oil that is set in stone.

Moderation is the key. If you overdo it, you will feel the incoming signs of nausea and vomiting. Anything good can also become bad in excess.

How to use castor oil?

Start with a teaspoon, and go a maximum of a tablespoon. It is excellent for people with chronic constipation.

Will castor oil magically heal your constipation? No. You still need to make the required lifestyle changes, like correcting your diet, looking at your water intake levels, and adding movement to your routine. Find more tips here.

But castor oil is potent for cleaning out your system. So much so that even doctors use it before colonoscopies to completely clean out bowels.

Many traditional practitioners recommend using castor oil in the belly button to support digestion and relieve constipation through gentle external application. Separately, castor oil was also traditionally administered orally to children and adults once every three weeks or taken as a teaspoon for 2–3 days to help alleviate constipation. Use it wisely and in the right way. Do not misuse it. If used without supervision for a long time, it can cause diarrhea, electrolyte imbalances, and more.

Who should be careful?

• Those with colorectal cancer
• Those with poor gut health
• Pregnant women
• Those undergoing surgeries
• Those facing medical ailments or undergoing treatment.

Always make an informed choice and keep your doctor or health professional in the loop before adding anything new to your lifestyle.

Castor oil for skin

Castor oil seeds. Photo Credit: Unsplash/Chelsea Shapouri

Applying castor oil on your skin is a beautiful practice. It is one of the most natural moisturizers and is also known to improve barrier function, thanks to its fatty acids. Its application can also give your skin a radiant look and soft feel.

How to do this?

• Mix castor oil with a carrier oil before you apply it. You can use olive oil or coconut oil, whichever oil suits you.
• Don’t read this and just blindly follow it. For instance, I have very oily skin. I have to be very careful about the kind of oils that I put on my skin.
• Speak to your expert first and do a patch test on the inside of your wrist to see if it suits you.

Some people also explore the castor oil in belly button benefits for skin hydration and overall glow, as it is believed to support cleansing through the navel. Thanks to its highly moisturizing properties, people with eczema and psoriasis benefit from its application when mixed with sesame oil or coconut oil.

It is even used for wounds and skin ulcers. It is mixed with coconut oil and gently applied. But of course, you want to keep your doctor in the loop if it’s an open wound to avoid infection.

Castor oil for hair growth

Castor oil is also popularly used to induce hair growth. Whether you are struggling with hair growth, scanty eyelashes, or eyebrows, using castor oil mixed with a good quality carrier oil can be nourishing. Its fatty acids and vitamins nourish your hair follicles and promote growth. Use it over time for best results. Rule out allergies before use and keep your doctor in the loop if you have any existing conditions or are on any medications.

Disclaimer: Always do a patch test. If there is any itching, redness, or irritation, avoid its usage. Keep your dermatologist/healthcare professional in the loop.

Castor oil – The Navel Hack

This hack is much loved and has been a part of our civilization.

What is this hack? The external use of castor oil on the belly button.

• All you need to do is warm up the castor oil.
• Touch it first to ensure it is not too hot or boiling. Alternatively, you can also warm castor oil between your fingers.
• Slightly warmed castor oil is excellent for you and your babies. Why? Because this is non-invasive. You are using it on the skin. The navel or the belly button is considered sacred and a gateway to various parts of the body.
• Put a few drops of castor oil in the belly button, then slowly massage it with gentle pressure in and around the perimeter.
• Once done massaging the oil into your belly button/navel, cover it with a piece of cloth or a towel to ensure it does not stain your clothes.

Keep your castor oil in a cool and dark place. Before you use the oil, wash your hands and make sure the belly button is clean.

Why should you massage castor oil on the belly button?

It is excellent to:

• Relieve pain, aches, menstrual cramps, endometriosis pain
• Reduces tough swelling and pain brought on by arthritis, muscle pulls, and strains
• Good for indigestion, acidity, and related troubles
• Aid with colic and gas in babies
• Even adults with stomach pain can benefit from this

If you have a tummy ache that doesn’t seem to be going away, see your doctor. You don’t want to leave anything undiagnosed. In the meantime, do what is in your control. It may not work for everyone, but it’s working for many.

We have had patients tell us, “Luke, you know this particular doctor asked us to rub castor oil in my belly button, and I feel like my joint pain is getting better.” These patients are on medication and making changes in their nutrition. But if something as simple as castor oil can assist them even further, what stops us from trying it?

Always keep a bottle of good-quality castor oil at home, whether it’s edible for ingestion or for external application.

When you have already tried everything and modern science/medicine doesn’t have an answer, there is nothing wrong with using the wisdom of the past, as long as it does not interfere with your current medication/treatment or harm you.

There’s a strong connection between the navel and different parts of the human body. In many health retreats, warm castor oil packs are used for body pain, joint aches, injuries, and even your navel area.

This is the beauty of this oil. Remember it is not a magic oil. You need to use it for a couple of days before you experience results.

Commonly asked questions before applying castor oil in the belly button:

What is castor oil made from?

It is made from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant which grows natively in Africa and the Mediterranean territory.

Castor oil seeds. Photo Credit: Pixabay

Is it an ancient folk remedy?
Yes, it is. Beyond our Indian ancestors, castor oil was widely used as a folk remedy by early Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans.

What are some powerful properties of castor oil?
– Anti-inflammatory
– Antimicrobial
– Excellent for constipation, hair growth, and skin

Is it safe for everyone to try applying castor oil in their belly button for its benefits?
While using castor oil in the belly button is considered a gentle and traditional practice, it may not be suitable for everyone. It’s generally safe for most people when applied in small amounts, but certain groups should be cautious:

• -Pregnant women
  -Individuals with colorectal cancer
  -Those with poor gut health or ulcers
  -People undergoing surgeries or medical treatments
  -Anyone with known allergies to castor oil
• It’s always best to consult your healthcare professional before trying anything new, especially if you are under medication or treatment. A patch test is also recommended to rule out any sensitivity.

Where can I find good-quality castor oil to use in my belly button for its benefits?For any therapeutic or topical use, especially when applying castor oil in the navel, opt for:

• Cold-pressed castor oil
  
• Hexane-free varieties
  
• Edible-grade oils if you plan to consume it as well
  
• Products with minimal additives and preservatives
  

Look for oils that are certified organic and sourced from trustworthy wellness brands. Avoid cosmetic-only castor oils if your intention is internal use or sensitive skin applications.How often should I apply castor oil to my belly button to see the benefits?The frequency depends on your intention and your body’s response. A general guideline is:

• 2–3 times a week for regular wellness support
  
• Daily for acute concerns like bloating, constipation, or menstrual discomfort, preferably at night before sleep
  
• For skin hydration or general maintenance, 1–2 times weekly may suffice
  

When applying castor oil to the belly button, consistency matters. Most people start noticing subtle improvements within a few days to a couple of weeks.What are some other reported benefits of castor oil in the belly button beyond pain and digestion?Aside from digestive support and pain relief, many have reported additional benefits of applying castor oil in the navel, such as:

• Deep skin moisturization and glow
  
• Hormonal support, particularly for menstrual and PMS-related symptoms
  
• Joint and muscle relaxation
  
• Improved sleep quality, due to the calming nature of warm oil on the navel area
  
• Relief from baby colic and gas (for infants, only external use and under guidance)
  
• Support for minor inflammation or soreness in the abdominal area

This practice is non-invasive, simple, and rooted in age-old wisdom. Just be sure to use it mindfully and in moderation.What does it contain?

90% of castor oil is ricinoleic acid. The magic of castor oil lies in this. It helps reduce inflammation, enhances blood flow, supports immunity, and fights against bacteria. Some other components include oleic acid, linoleic acid, stearic acid, and triglycerides.

Like this oil, many other therapeutic foods and oils exist around us. Use common sense and science before their usage and ensure it is safe. Have you used castor oil? How has it worked for you? Share.

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