Latest news with #MirandaWilson
Yahoo
25-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The health benefits of old-fashioned castor oil
The internet is rife with self-proclaimed health experts who insist they have the answers to life's ailments – from taping your mouth shut for better sleep, to juice cleanses, and intermittent fasting for weight loss. Now, traditional remedies are back in vogue. Castor oil may not have the most glamorous reputation, but it's the hottest new trend on TikTok – with influencers touting its supposed stomach-flattening effects. The method? Rubbing castor oil into the belly button, in a process known as 'navel pulling'. In a TikTok video which now has over 7.5m views, Miranda Wilson, an aesthetic nurse practitioner, says she 'started doing castor oil navel pulling to help with digestion', and claims her stomach 'has never been so flat'. It's the latest in a long line of health claims linked to castor oil. Whilst it was used traditionally as a laxative, the humble plant oil has since undergone a renaissance and can supposedly strengthen hair, moisturise skin, and lengthen eyelashes. So, is navel pulling the cure to bloating – and which castor oil trends actually work? What is castor oil? Castor oil is a plant-based oil extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, explains Dr Dev Patel, skin doctor and founder of Perfect Skin Solutions. It is thick and a pale yellow colour. For centuries, it has been used in traditional medicine, and today appears in a variety of products. Its main active component is ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid, which gives castor oil its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial powers. It can be bought in pure liquid form, in a pack (which can be applied to the skin), and in a variety of hair and skincare products. Does navel pulling work? Dr Patel explains that applying castor oil to the navel is inspired by an ancient Ayurvedic belief that the belly button is a central energy point in the body, connected to multiple organs via nerve pathways. Social media users claim it helps digestion, reduces bloating, and can even alleviate period pain. However, navel pulling enthusiasts, look away now. Both our medical and nutritional experts agree this trend is a fictional fad. 'Putting castor oil into your navel seems like just another odd health myth based on no clinical evidence,' says Dr Frankie Phillips, registered dietitian and spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association. Whilst it's unlikely to do any harm, she says it seems to be, 'entirely pointless with no physiological benefits'. Dr Patel agrees. He says there is no robust scientific evidence to suggest that placing castor oil in the belly button has a direct effect on digestion. 'However, the act of massaging oil into the abdomen may indirectly support digestion by stimulating the vagus nerve, enhancing parasympathetic activity, or simply encouraging relaxation and awareness of the digestive tract,' he adds. So while it may have value as part of a self-care routine, the claimed digestive benefits remain anecdotal rather than evidence-based. Is castor oil an effective moisturiser? Castor oil is an excellent occlusive, Dr Patel says, which means it helps to lock moisture into the skin by forming a barrier. Its high viscosity can help those with very dry or cracked skin, whilst the ricinoleic acid has anti-inflammatory properties which may help to soothe irritation. However, he warns those with acne-prone or oily skin to beware. Due to its thick texture, it can block hair follicles which could lead to more spots or – in extreme cases – folliculitis (infection of the follicles). Dr Patel says it's best used as part of a moisturising blend or for targeting dry areas, such as heels or elbows. Dr Sharon Wong, consultant dermatologist and hair specialist, agrees – and advises people not to apply pure castor oil directly to the skin as it can cause irritation and breakouts. A 2023 clinical trial involving 22 people found that creams containing castor oil appeared to reduce dark under-eye circles – suggesting it could be an effective alternative treatment. However, due to the limited sample size, the researchers said further trials were needed to confirm their findings. Does castor oil improve hair health? Many have claimed that castor oil is the key to hair growth, however there is no scientific evidence to suggest this is true, says Dr Wong. It's not all bad news for those who have been coating their locks, though, as she says the rich proteins and fatty acids in castor oil can moisturise and strengthen the body of hair. Dr Wong warns those using castor oil on their hair not to overdo it as excessive use, combined with infrequent washing, can result in scalp acne, hair follicles becoming clogged, and the worsening of issues such as dandruff and eczema. In rare cases, overuse of castor oil can lead to sudden matting of the hair, known as hair felting. She suggests using a thin coating of castor oil once a week as a conditioning and moisturising agent. 'Focus on application from the mid lengths to the tips of the hair and not the scalp', she says. Can castor oil lengthen eyelashes? This is a very popular claim, Dr Patel says, however unfortunately there's no strong clinical evidence to suggest that castor oil directly promotes eyelash or eyebrow growth. However, there are still some potential benefits for those who have been coating their eyelashes in oily serum. Dr Patel says 'it can improve the appearance and condition of lashes by coating them and reducing breakage due to dryness or environmental damage'. It's best to view castor oil as a conditioning agent, rather than a hair-growth stimulant, he concludes. Is castor oil a useful laxative? In one of its most popular and traditional uses, castor oil is a popular laxative, historically used for short-term constipation relief. The ricinoleic acid is 'released in the small intestine and stimulates intestinal muscle contractions, typically resulting in a bowel movement within two to six hours,' Dr Patel says. In the US, castor oil is approved by the FDA as an over-the-counter stimulant laxative for occasional use, however this is not the case in the UK. The MHRA (UK's equivalent to the FDA) can only approve medicine and medical devices if they are marketed as such. However, in the UK, castor oil is typically sold and labelled as a cosmetic or massage oil – not a medicinal product – meaning people use it informally for its laxative effects, Dr Patel explains. It's perfectly safe for most people to take castor oil by mouth for constipation relief, says Dr Tony Fincham, a GP at Benenden Hospital. Adults can take a single dose of one to four tablespoons a day, but it should only be used for short-term relief. It's not suitable for everyone though, Dr Patel warns. Pregnant women, children under 12, people with inflammatory bowel disease, and individuals on certain medications such as steroids, should not use it without consulting a medical professional. Can castor oil heal wounds? In its role as a wound healer, castor oil has traditionally thrived. Ricinoleic acid has strong anti-inflammatory properties and castor oil-based ointments, often made in combination with other ingredients, have been used over the years to improve healing and reduce pain, Dr Patel says. A 2020 study in the Pharmacognosy Magazine highlighted castor oil's anti-inflammatory potential, as well as its natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. However, Dr Fincham says that whilst some plasters used to contain castor oil, this is no longer the case as there was found to be a risk of irritation or allergic reaction. Therefore castor oil should only be used to treat wounds if recommended by a doctor, and under professional guidance. Expert verdict: What's the best use for castor oil? Dr Fincham and Dr Patel both agree that castor oil is best used for moisturising and conditioning – 'particularly for dry skin, brittle lashes, eyebrows, or hair'. It's also a great choice for cuticles, dry heels, and patchy rough areas, Dr Patel says. But he urges those with sensitive or acne-prone skin to use with caution or in a diluted form. 'As a natural, multi-purpose ingredient, it can be a valuable addition to your skincare cabinet,' he concludes, 'But it's not a miracle oil, and I would say its effects are mostly supportive rather than transformative.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
25-07-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
The health benefits of old-fashioned castor oil
The internet is rife with self-proclaimed health experts who insist they have the answers to life's ailments – from taping your mouth shut for better sleep, to juice cleanses, and intermittent fasting for weight loss. Now, traditional remedies are back in vogue. Castor oil may not have the most glamorous reputation, but it's the hottest new trend on TikTok – with influencers touting its supposed stomach-flattening effects. The method? Rubbing castor oil into the belly button, in a process known as 'navel pulling'. In a TikTok video which now has over 7.5m views, Miranda Wilson, an aesthetic nurse practitioner, says she 'started doing castor oil navel pulling to help with digestion', and claims her stomach 'has never been so flat '. It's the latest in a long line of health claims linked to castor oil. Whilst it was used traditionally as a laxative, the humble plant oil has since undergone a renaissance and can supposedly strengthen hair, moisturise skin, and lengthen eyelashes. So, is navel pulling the cure to bloating – and which castor oil trends actually work? What is castor oil? Castor oil is a plant-based oil extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, explains Dr Dev Patel, skin doctor and founder of Perfect Skin Solutions. It is thick and a pale yellow colour. For centuries, it has been used in traditional medicine, and today appears in a variety of products. Its main active component is ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid, which gives castor oil its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial powers. It can be bought in pure liquid form, in a pack (which can be applied to the skin), and in a variety of hair and skincare products. @ IYKYK #castoroil #navelpulling #digestion #tips #viral #fyp ♬ dźwięk oryginalny - Does navel pulling work? Dr Patel explains that applying castor oil to the navel is inspired by an ancient Ayurvedic belief that the belly button is a central energy point in the body, connected to multiple organs via nerve pathways. Social media users claim it helps digestion, reduces bloating, and can even alleviate period pain. However, navel pulling enthusiasts, look away now. Both our medical and nutritional experts agree this trend is a fictional fad. 'Putting castor oil into your navel seems like just another odd health myth based on no clinical evidence,' says Dr Frankie Phillips, registered dietitian and spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association. Whilst it's unlikely to do any harm, she says it seems to be, 'entirely pointless with no physiological benefits'. Dr Patel agrees. He says there is no robust scientific evidence to suggest that placing castor oil in the belly button has a direct effect on digestion. 'However, the act of massaging oil into the abdomen may indirectly support digestion by stimulating the vagus nerve, enhancing parasympathetic activity, or simply encouraging relaxation and awareness of the digestive tract,' he adds. So while it may have value as part of a self-care routine, the claimed digestive benefits remain anecdotal rather than evidence-based. Is castor oil an effective moisturiser? Castor oil is an excellent occlusive, Dr Patel says, which means it helps to lock moisture into the skin by forming a barrier. Its high viscosity can help those with very dry or cracked skin, whilst the ricinoleic acid has anti-inflammatory properties which may help to soothe irritation. However, he warns those with acne-prone or oily skin to beware. Due to its thick texture, it can block hair follicles which could lead to more spots or – in extreme cases – folliculitis (infection of the follicles). Dr Patel says it's best used as part of a moisturising blend or for targeting dry areas, such as heels or elbows. Dr Sharon Wong, consultant dermatologist and hair specialist, agrees – and advises people not to apply pure castor oil directly to the skin as it can cause irritation and breakouts. A 2023 clinical trial involving 22 people found that creams containing castor oil appeared to reduce dark under-eye circles – suggesting it could be an effective alternative treatment. However, due to the limited sample size, the researchers said further trials were needed to confirm their findings. Does castor oil improve hair health? Many have claimed that castor oil is the key to hair growth, however there is no scientific evidence to suggest this is true, says Dr Wong. It's not all bad news for those who have been coating their locks, though, as she says the rich proteins and fatty acids in castor oil can moisturise and strengthen the body of hair. Dr Wong warns those using castor oil on their hair not to overdo it as excessive use, combined with infrequent washing, can result in scalp acne, hair follicles becoming clogged, and the worsening of issues such as dandruff and eczema. In rare cases, overuse of castor oil can lead to sudden matting of the hair, known as hair felting. She suggests using a thin coating of castor oil once a week as a conditioning and moisturising agent. 'Focus on application from the mid lengths to the tips of the hair and not the scalp', she says. Can castor oil lengthen eyelashes? This is a very popular claim, Dr Patel says, however unfortunately there's no strong clinical evidence to suggest that castor oil directly promotes eyelash or eyebrow growth. However, there are still some potential benefits for those who have been coating their eyelashes in oily serum. Dr Patel says 'it can improve the appearance and condition of lashes by coating them and reducing breakage due to dryness or environmental damage'. It's best to view castor oil as a conditioning agent, rather than a hair-growth stimulant, he concludes. Is castor oil a useful laxative? In one of its most popular and traditional uses, castor oil is a popular laxative, historically used for short-term constipation relief. The ricinoleic acid is 'released in the small intestine and stimulates intestinal muscle contractions, typically resulting in a bowel movement within two to six hours,' Dr Patel says. In the US, castor oil is approved by the FDA as an over-the-counter stimulant laxative for occasional use, however this is not the case in the UK. The MHRA (UK's equivalent to the FDA) can only approve medicine and medical devices if they are marketed as such. However, in the UK, castor oil is typically sold and labelled as a cosmetic or massage oil – not a medicinal product – meaning people use it informally for its laxative effects, Dr Patel explains. It's perfectly safe for most people to take castor oil by mouth for constipation relief, says Dr Tony Fincham, a GP at Benenden Hospital. Adults can take a single dose of one to four tablespoons a day, but it should only be used for short-term relief. It's not suitable for everyone though, Dr Patel warns. Pregnant women, children under 12, people with inflammatory bowel disease, and individuals on certain medications such as steroids, should not use it without consulting a medical professional. Can castor oil heal wounds? In its role as a wound healer, castor oil has traditionally thrived. Ricinoleic acid has strong anti-inflammatory properties and castor oil-based ointments, often made in combination with other ingredients, have been used over the years to improve healing and reduce pain, Dr Patel says. A 2020 study in the Pharmacognosy Magazine highlighted castor oil's anti-inflammatory potential, as well as its natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. However, Dr Fincham says that whilst some plasters used to contain castor oil, this is no longer the case as there was found to be a risk of irritation or allergic reaction. Therefore castor oil should only be used to treat wounds if recommended by a doctor, and under professional guidance. Expert verdict: What's the best use for castor oil? Dr Fincham and Dr Patel both agree that castor oil is best used for moisturising and conditioning – 'particularly for dry skin, brittle lashes, eyebrows, or hair'. It's also a great choice for cuticles, dry heels, and patchy rough areas, Dr Patel says. But he urges those with sensitive or acne-prone skin to use with caution or in a diluted form. 'As a natural, multi-purpose ingredient, it can be a valuable addition to your skincare cabinet,' he concludes, 'But it's not a miracle oil, and I would say its effects are mostly supportive rather than transformative.'
Canada Standard
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Canada Standard
Ira Sharma makes to main draw of Canada Open 2025
Calgary [Canada], July 2 (ANI): Indian shuttler Ira Sharma managed to qualify for the women's singles main draw of the Canada Open 2025 badminton tournament after winning her qualifier match at the Markham Pan Am Centre in Calgary on Tuesday. Ira Sharma, world No. 84 in the badminton rankings, made short work of Germany's world No. 119 Miranda Wilson, cruising to a 21-9, 21-13 victory in just 34 minutes. This was the Indian badminton player's second straight win over her German opponent in as many matches, as per Ira, who made the pre-quarterfinals at the US Open last week after starting from the qualifiers, will next face Bulgaria's Kaloyana Nalbantova in the opening round of the main draw, which will also feature India's Shriyanshi Valishetty and Tanya Hemanth. Meanwhile, Chirag Sen fell short of making the cut for the men's singles main draw at the BWF Super 300 tournament after losing 21-14, 21-10 to Malaysia's Eogene Ewe in the qualifiers. Sen is ranked 137th in the world while Ewe is 98th. The men's singles field at the Canada Open badminton features a strong Indian presence, led by former world No. 1 Kidambi Srikanth, US Open champion Ayush Shetty, Priyanshu Rajawat and S Sankar Muthusamy. Only two Indian shuttlers, however, will be moving on to the second round with seventh seed Rajawat set to face Srikanth while fifth seed Ayush will stand opposite to Muthusamy in the opening round on Wednesday. Mixed doubles top seeds Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto are the only Indian team in action at the 2025 Canada Open. (ANI)
Canada News.Net
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Canada News.Net
Ira Sharma makes to main draw of Canada Open 2025
Calgary [Canada], July 2 (ANI): Indian shuttler Ira Sharma managed to qualify for the women's singles main draw of the Canada Open 2025 badminton tournament after winning her qualifier match at the Markham Pan Am Centre in Calgary on Tuesday. Ira Sharma, world No. 84 in the badminton rankings, made short work of Germany's world No. 119 Miranda Wilson, cruising to a 21-9, 21-13 victory in just 34 minutes. This was the Indian badminton player's second straight win over her German opponent in as many matches, as per Ira, who made the pre-quarterfinals at the US Open last week after starting from the qualifiers, will next face Bulgaria's Kaloyana Nalbantova in the opening round of the main draw, which will also feature India's Shriyanshi Valishetty and Tanya Hemanth. Meanwhile, Chirag Sen fell short of making the cut for the men's singles main draw at the BWF Super 300 tournament after losing 21-14, 21-10 to Malaysia's Eogene Ewe in the qualifiers. Sen is ranked 137th in the world while Ewe is 98th. The men's singles field at the Canada Open badminton features a strong Indian presence, led by former world No. 1 Kidambi Srikanth, US Open champion Ayush Shetty, Priyanshu Rajawat and S Sankar Muthusamy. Only two Indian shuttlers, however, will be moving on to the second round with seventh seed Rajawat set to face Srikanth while fifth seed Ayush will stand opposite to Muthusamy in the opening round on Wednesday. Mixed doubles top seeds Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto are the only Indian team in action at the 2025 Canada Open. (ANI)
Cosmopolitan
30-05-2025
- Health
- Cosmopolitan
Castor oil in belly button: Does this TikTok trick beat bloating?
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.
