Does Putting Castor Oil in Your Belly Button Help Your Gut? MDs Debunk the Viral Trend

TikTok is full of health and wellness trends, from advice on PCOS meals to spraying magnesium on your feet to help you sleep. And the latest — castor oil in the belly button — almost seems too good to be true. Users all over the social media app are claiming that rubbing castor oil on their belly buttons aids in digestion, constipation and overall gut health. But is there any truth to this trend? To dive deeper, we spoke to doctors and gastroenterologists on whether this method works and how you can still get the benefits of castor oil.

Why TikTokers are putting castor oil in the belly button

With many videos circulating, users are putting castor oil in their belly button and claiming that it helps with gut health and relieves constipation. Others say that it helps with weight loss and bloating, especially during perimenopause and menopause. Watch this viral TikTok video below:

But it begs the question: why the belly button? “This practice is rooted in ancient Ayurvedic medicine,” explains Neha Bhatt, NMD , a naturopathic medical doctor at Sonoran University of Health Sciences Medical Center. “The belly button, or navel, is considered a vital energy center in Ayurveda, and applying oils like castor oil may promote overall wellness.”

Most users rub a small amount of castor oil on their belly button and notice health and wellness differences within a week or two. But is the trend legitimate?

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Does castor oil in the belly button work?

If you feel the urge to rub castor oil on your stomach, you may want to think again. Supriya Rao, MD,Dipl. ABOM DipABLM a gastroenterologist and managing partner at Integrated Gastroenterology Consultants, always tells her patients to avoid medical advice found on social media.

“There is simply too much misinformation on TikTok that can lead to adverse outcomes. In addition, there are few studies demonstrating effectiveness,” Dr. Rao says regarding castor oil.

It does have laxative qualities which is what many people on TikTok found to be helpful. However, it might be the rubbing action that proves to be more beneficial. “Abdominal massage helps stimulate the digestive tract,” says Dr. Rao

Even though Dr. Rao notes that the FDA has permitted its usage to aid in digestion, she believes there are “safer and more effective laxatives available.”

Dr. Rao’s advice : “The best way to help with constipation is to get more fiber into your diet to help bulk up your stools, making them easier to pass.”

What is castor oil?

“Castor oil is a natural, plant-based oil extracted from the seeds of the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis),” says Dr. Bhatt. “It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine due to its rich content of ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Commonly found in various beauty, wellness and health products, this oil is versatile and can be used to not only help with constipation but it’s also anti-inflammatory and good for the skin. Many have used castor oil to promote hair growth and skin health, have used castor oil for constipation and have even turned to it with the hope of inducing labor. People using castor oil for a plethora of health issues dates back centuries – but, like any medical trend, individuals should check with their primary care physician to make sure they can use it without experiencing side effects or any allergic reactions.

Other ways to get the benefits of castor oil

While rubbing castor oil on your belly button might not be the most effective, there are other ways to get health benefits. Dr. Bhatt suggests using castor oil packs or ingesting it instead.

Castor oil packs involve taking a washcloth, soaking it in warm castor oil, placing it on the stomach and covering it with another heat source such as a heating pad. “This method supports liver detoxification, reduces inflammation, and alleviates menstrual cramps,” says Dr. Bhatt.

You can also take castor oil orally. “When taken orally, castor oil acts as a potent laxative, relieving certain cases of constipation. Only use it for constipation under medical supervision,” says Dr. Bhatt.

Both Dr. Bhatt and Dr. Rao recommend talking to a healthcare professional if you’re struggling with digestive issues and bowel movements. However, if you do use castor oil as a natural remedy, Dr Bhatt says to use high-quality oil and start with lesser amounts to monitor your body’s reaction, especially if you’re a first-time user.

For more health content:

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This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan .