Social media is buzzing with users rubbing castor oil into their belly buttons or on their abdomens, swearing by the method as a foolproof health-boosting hack. The method of navel pulling, specifically with castor oil, is touted to offer a range of benefits, from promoting better sleep and improved digestion to flushing out toxins and reducing bloating. For runners, a secret that would solve seemingly all race-day challenges seems like a miracle–but is it?
@thrivewithcandice The benefits of applying castor oil in our belly button or on our stomach are truly amazing ! The key is to use a high quality castor oil (cold pressed & hexane free), mine is from M3 Naturals it’s linked in my bio ! #castoroil #castoroilbenefit ♬ original sound – Candice 🌞
The trend started on TikTok when users posted videos claiming that castor oil can penetrate deeply into our skin, and can help to detoxify the liver and gut, promote bowel movements and reduce menstrual cramping. Countless users insist that the hack has “singlehandedly” cured their bloating and digestive issues.
The truth about caster oil
Castor oil comes from the seeds of a castor oil plant, native to tropical Africa and other warm regions. It’s known to act as a laxative when ingested, and also has moisturizing effects when applied topically. However, there is no evidence supporting the other claims.
Other TikTok users were quick to step in and debunk the so-called “hack.”
@ellengendlermd Oiling your belly button ranks among the top 5 most ridiculous skin hacks I have ever heard. Keep ‘em coming! How do these people actually get by in the real (not “reel”) world? #belly #bellybutton #bellybuttonoil #oilingyourbellybutton #dermatologist #dermatologytiktok #dermatologistontiktok ♬ nintendo wii (mii channel) song – julie on the internet
“The belly button is a scar,” dermatologist Ellen Gendler explains. “There are no blood vessels that attach to this. Putting oil in your belly button is not going to improve your skin, it’s not going to help any other organs. The only thing that this video did was provide me with a lot of chuckles.”
One user asked her PhD advisor, who is reportedly an expert in topical and transdermal delivery (skin penetration), for his take on the trend. “If castor oil is supposedly penetrating deeply into your belly button, then that area would be a great source for bacterial infections, too,” she reported.
Race-day laxative
While better sleep, regular digestion and lessened abdominal pain might sound like shortcuts to a personal best, applying castor oil to your stomach isn’t the solution.
Alberta running coach Dean Johnson offered his take on the subject, too. “I’m always skeptical about any “hack” or “secret,” especially when the source is entertainment media,” he told Canadian Running. “It is only proven as a laxative, so if you are having trouble going #2 before your race, and the two cups of morning coffee aren’t moving things along, try a little castor oil.”
Approved by the Food and Drug administration (FDA) as a natural laxative, castor oil may help runners seeking constipation relief on race day. Taking one to four tablespoons of 100 per cent USP-grade castor oil can help produce a bowel movement–but it might take six to 12 hours, making it less ideal for spur-of-the-moment needs.
