Castor oil in belly button: Does this TikTok trick beat bloating?

Cosmopolitan

a day ago

There are few things more annoying than feeling bloated. Sometimes it can down to trapped gas, menstrual issues or particular foods being heavy on the gut (why can't pasta just love us back?), but often it can be hard to predict what's behind the uncomfortable bulge.
Social media has always been full of neat hints and tips to try and make our lives that little bit easier, and while some are more effective than others, a new tried and tested trend has made its way onto our For You page. A new health hack claims that putting castor oil in your belly button really helps with debloating. Confused? Us too.
It was aesthetic nurse practitioner Miranda Wilson, RN, that pioneered this new trend; she took to TikTok to share her positive experience with the alleged de-bloating hack, saying, 'POV: You started doing castor oil navel pulling to help with digestion and your stomach has never been so flat.' The video sees her putting a few drops in her navel before rubbing the castor oil generously over her stomach.
People have since flooded the comments section, with some claiming this method - also known as 'navel pulling' - has also been used to help ease period cramps and other tummy troubles too. Side note: is it any wonder women the world over are desperate to try some of these more off-the-wall techniques, with one study shows around one in four of us regularly struggle with bloating?
But does this debloating method actually work? Cosmopolitan UK spoke to the experts to see whether trick does what it promises to – as well as providing other solutions to help beat the bloat.
And remember if you are in constant and continual pain, it's always best to seek advice from a GP.
Well… yes and no.
Putting castor oil in your belly button is actually an Ayurvedic practice (FYI – Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that focuses on a holistic approach to health, encompassing the body, mind, and spirit, with three main 'doshas' or 'elements' that make up certain qualities).
'Your navel is an energy centre in ayurvedic practice,' explains experienced Ayurvedic practitioner and author Geeta Vara. 'It is believed to stimulate the network of nerves and energy channels. Anointing the navel with a few drops of oil is thought to pacify certain doshas, and in doing so it indirectly supports digestive, nervous, and reproductive health.'
But is there actual hard evidence that supports these claims? Well, this is where things get more complicated…
'Warm oil, usually castor, is massaged into the navel and sometimes the surrounding abdomen. That's it,' explains Dr Deepali Misra-Sharp, NHS GP and women's health specialist.
'There's no known physiological pathway between the belly button and the gut that allows oil absorption in a way that would impact digestion. However—and this is important—gentle abdominal massage itself can help relax the body, ease tension, and get things moving. So while the oil might not be working miracles under the skin, the act of massaging and the ritual around it may still offer benefits.'
And could this work even from a nutritional perspective? 'All evidence so far is anecdotal,' explains Reema Pillai, a weight loss nutritionist.
While it may not directly help any stomach problems, the act of massage can help ease trapped wind or pain, explains Dr Hana Patel.
'Putting castor oil on can be calming and grounding, especially as part of a nightly ritual,' she says. 'Abdominal massage can ease tension and stimulate circulation, while castor oil itself has some anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects on the skin.
'However, there is no strong evidence it helps digestion directly. Castor oil isn't absorbed in a way that would impact your digestive system when applied topically. Any benefit is more likely from relaxing the gut-brain axis via touch and warmth than from the oil doing any internal magic. There is also the risk of skin sensitivity or mess, as castor oil can stain.'
While castor oil does have proven benefits to help aid with digestion issues, it's not something doctors recommend.
'Taken by mouth, castor oil is a stimulant laxative,' Dr Misra-Sharp says. 'It works quickly – usually within a few hours – and can provide relief for constipation. That's one cause of bloating, so in those cases, yes, it may help.
'But it's not gentle. Castor oil stimulates the bowels by irritating the intestinal lining, which causes muscle contractions and movement. This can lead to cramping, diarrhoea, nausea and dehydration.
'It's not meant for regular use and should be avoided in pregnancy, as it may stimulate uterine contractions. In short: it works, but it's old-school, harsh, and not something we recommend routinely in modern practice. There are safer, more controlled ways to support digestion.'
Okay, so castor oil in your belly button may not be a failsafe way to ease digestive woes, but thankfully our medical experts have a few more suggestions that could prove to be more effective.
'Herbal tea, including peppermint tea, can help relax the gastrointestinal muscles,' Pillai explains. 'Fennel tea can reduce spasms and gas, while ginger tea can reduce bloating and nausea.'
'These can increase the range and diversity of the gut bacteria, which can support the digestion of high fibre foods, to reduce gas,' says Pillai. 'Probiotic foods include kefir, live yoghurts, kimchi and sauerkraut.'
'Soluble fibre like oats will help soften stool,' says Pillai. 'Insoluble fibre from whole grains and vegetables will add bulk to help support regular bowel movements. Be sure to add in fibre slowly to help minimise bloating.
Pillai says it is important we unwind: 'There is a direct link between mental health and gut health. Stress can impact digestion, leading to bloating and gut issues. Focus on stress management such as breathing, yoga or meditation.'
While most bloating is mostly harmless (just really annoying), Dr Misra-Sharp warns there are certain instances bloating can be symptomatic of something more serious.
'You should see a doctor if bloating is new, persistent or painful,' she says. 'If your bloating is also accompanied by weight loss, worsening despite lifestyle changes and associated with blood in stool or altered bowel habits, it is important you see a medical professional.
'Please don't self-treat. Bloating can be a sign of IBS, coeliac disease, endometriosis, or in rare cases, ovarian cancer. Always seek medical advice if you're unsure.'
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Kimberley Bond is a Multiplatform Writer for Harper's Bazaar, focusing on the arts, culture, careers and lifestyle. She previously worked as a Features Writer for Cosmopolitan UK, and has bylines at The Telegraph, The Independent and British Vogue among countless others.