Fact or fiction: does castor oil in your belly button really help with bloating?

Social media is where beauty hacks and health trends collide, often leaving us curious, sceptical, or both.

From slathering your skin with petroleum jelly to taping your mouth shut for better sleep, the internet loves unusual wellness ideas.

The latest trend? Pouring castor oil into your belly button to reduce bloating and improve digestion.

This quirky practice gained traction when aesthetic nurse practitioner Miranda Wilson, RN, shared her experience on TikTok.

In her now-viral video, which boasts over 5 million views, Wilson demonstrates pouring castor oil into her belly button and gently massaging it in.

Her caption? “POV: You started doing castor oil navel pulling to help with digestion, and your stomach has never been so flat.”

The video got a lot of attention. Some people said the hack helped with bloating, period cramps, and even endometriosis symptoms. Others thought it was just a placebo.

One TikTok user joked, “Make my belly button drink castor oil... got it. 🤣❤️” So, does this trend really work, or is it just another internet myth? Let's find out.

What is navel pulling, anyway?

Navel pulling, rooted in ancient Ayurvedic medicine, involves applying castor oil on or around the belly button. In Ayurveda, a practice called nabhi chikitsa uses the navel as a gateway to promote detoxification, improve digestion, and balance the body’s energy.

Some Ayurvedic practitioners say the navel is linked to the so-called “Pechoti gland,” which is believed to absorb oils. But there’s no scientific proof that this gland exists. The idea is interesting, but modern medicine does not support it.

Can castor oil in your belly button really help digestion?

Experts agree that putting castor oil in your belly button is not a magic fix for bloating. Dr Melinda Ring from the Osher Center for Integrative Health told "Women's Health" magazine that castor oil on your belly button does not affect your digestive system or organs.

Castor oil does have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, but it cannot penetrate deeply enough to significantly impact your digestion.

Still, castor oil does have real benefits if used properly. The FDA states that castor oil functions as a laxative when taken orally, which can help alleviate constipation. However, it can also cause cramping and diarrhoea, so it’s not the best first choice.

The real causes of bloating (and what to do about them)

Bloating is a common but complex issue. It can stem from a variety of factors, including:

• Gas build-up: Swallowed air or poorly digested food can lead to abdominal distension.
• Food intolerances: Dairy, gluten, and certain carbs (high-FODMAP foods) often trigger bloating.
• Hormonal changes: Menstruation and menopause can cause water retention and digestive sluggishness.
• Gut imbalances: Disruptions in the microbiome or bacterial overgrowth can impair digestion.
• Stress: Emotional factors can interfere with gut-brain communication, worsening bloating.

Addressing bloating often requires a combination of lifestyle changes and dietary tweaks. Below are expert-approved, research-backed ways to improve digestion and flatten your tummy without resorting to belly button oils.

Natural, science-backed ways to beat bloating

• Exercise: Physical activity can work wonders for digestion. A simple 15-minute walk after meals helps reduce gas and keeps things moving. The CDC recommends 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week for overall health.
• Tweak your diet: Try a low-FODMAP diet, which eliminates foods that commonly irritate the gut, like onions and garlic. Staying hydrated, limiting salt, and avoiding carbonated drinks can also reduce water retention and bloating.
• Massage your stomach: A gentle stomach massage can ease gas and constipation. Use your fingertips to make circles, starting at the lower right side of your belly and moving clockwise.
• Probiotics and supplements: Probiotics may help reduce bloating. Herbal teas like peppermint and chamomile can also calm your digestive system. Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting any new supplements.
• Manage stress: Your gut and brain are linked. Doing yoga, meditating, or simply relaxing with a good book can help your digestion and reduce bloating.