Applying castor oil on navel at night: Why it is highly recommended

One of the forgotten secrets of Ayurveda – applying

castor oil

on navel also referred to as

Nabhi Chikitsa

, is once again finding approval in modern times, thanks to the many benefits of the practice that the users have experienced. Castor oil has been an integral part of traditional medicine since time immemorial. The vegetable oil derived from the seeds of the castor bean plant originated in ancient Egypt around 4000 BC.

It was said Queen Cleopatra used it for beauty purposes and to brighten the whites of her eyes. Castor oil is used in hair and skin products, manufacturing of soaps, and lubricants, among others.
Often used to treat constipation, according to traditional wisdom, application of a few drops of castor oil on and around navel area or belly button at night can have a wide range of benefits from improving digestion, relieving

menstrual cramps

, reducing stress, improving skin health, to promoting hair growth.
Australian alternative healthcare promoter Barbara O’Neill has talked about many benefits of applying castor oil on eyes including breaking down of cataracts and preventing glaucomas. She says that castor oil can break up any unnatural substance be it bone spur,

kidney stones

, or gallstones.

She suggests putting one drop of castor oil on your finger and wiping it over your eye and letting it penetrate.
Castor oil is colourless to very pale yellow liquid with a distinct taste and odour and is pressed from castor beans. Ricinus communis, the castor bean or castor oil plant, is a species of perennial flowering plant in the spurge family. These seeds, which are known as castor beans, contain a toxic enzyme called ricin. However, it is de-actived after it is processed and is safe to use.

Benefits of applying castor oil on navel

Traditional practices like Ayurveda believe that our navel or belly button is the focal point of the body and applying castor oil in this area can aid its absorption as the skin around the belly button is thinner compared to other areas. This can allow oils to penetrate deep into the underlying tissues. It is also believed that navel is connected to various internal organs via numerous veins which can lead to long-lasting

health benefits

.
Pain relief: One of the ways to find quick relief from menstrual cramps is applying some castor oil on your belly button. Castor oil has ricinoleic acid which has anti-inflammatory properties which can relieve pain and discomfort associated with periods.
Digestion: Applying castor oil to your belly button can help stimulate your digestive system. The oil is said to have laxative properties which can promote regular bowel movements.
Skin care: Castor oil not only helps hydrate your skin but also prevent infection. Its moisturising properties can make your skin smooth. However, before its application, it should be tested on a small patch of skin as some people may experience an allergic reaction.
Kidney stones: As mentioned by alternate health expert Barbara O’Neil, castor oil can also help get rid of kidney stones as it is believed to break down any unnatural substance in the body.
Apart from this, castor oil can help in detox and promote hair growth.

Castor oil benefits: Truth or myth?

US Food and Drug Administration, however, approves just one medicinal use of castor oil – as a laxative. Many health experts argue that applying castor oil directly around the eye area. However many claim they have found relief from eye dryness by applying castor oil. Many health experts also dismiss the

alternative medicine

practioners’ claims of castor oil reversing cataracts or enhancing vision.
Dr Jun Mao, the chief of integrative medicine service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, said that he was unaware of any scientific evidence of castor oil peneterating deep into the skin and breaking up a cyst or tumour.
“There is also no way that putting it in your belly button will cure disease, but it might ruin your clothes,” Jane Clarke, an incontinence nurse at the Australia-based Confidence Club, told New York Post.
While modern and traditional medicine may have different views on castor oil application on belly button, it’s wise to contact your healthcare expert if it is right for you or not.