It’s safe to say that social media users have been spinning the block on castor oil. This ingredient that we know for alleviating constipation and moisturizing our skin has joined recent trends for additional health purposes. TikTokers are raving about the benefits while doctors (of modern medicine) say that they lack scientific proof.
The oil has long been approved by the FDA for its anti-inflammatory properties; however, the “castor oil belly button” method has been a part of Ayurvedic medicine, native to India, for centuries. Westerners have now adopted what’s become a home remedy. Curious about the actual benefits like thousands of other social media users? We’ve researched and found out all the secrets.
What Is Castor Oil?
Pressed from castor beans and native to East Africa, castor oil has been associated with ancient communities of color. Recent trends have reached back into time for those traditional home remedies. And, while research does not support the benefits, the testimonies are too coincidental: pouring a bit of the castor oil into the belly button is how folks are reaping the benefits. As we know, the belly button is a closed hole that developed as a result of umbilical cords being cut. So, is it actually possible for the oil to seep through, reduce inflammation, improve gut health and promote weight loss?
The Benefits Of Oiling Your Belly Button With Castor Oil
One TikToker reported that thanks to this trend, she lost almost 15 pounds over about two months. In addition to the “castor oil belly button” method, she also mentioned that she changed her diet during the trial run. Like Ayurvedic cultural practices, Chinese navel therapy has also tapped into the powers of the belly button. After creating a paste with ground up herbs and vinegar, participants applied it to their belly buttons. It’s believed that this region of the body has the capacity for powerful healing as it is how fetuses receive nutrients. Despite the area being closed off in adult bodies, it is the closest external location to the gastrointestinal tract.
Adding liquids with supposed healing properties to this area means that it can dissolve into the skin while being near the source. Cramps, bloating and excess fat in this region are targeted directly by pouring castor oil into the belly button. Followers of these methods suggest that there’s a gland near the naval that can absorb, another belief that lacks scientific evidence. In either case, doctors have confirmed that it’s highly unlikely for the practice to do any damage. Analysts of social media trends believe differently.
The Impact of Health Trends
TikTokers who promote the trend have been linked to increased sales for companies that produce and sell castor oil. They record themselves using the products, share the alleged benefits and link the products to their accounts. Some social media users see this exchange as harmful. It’s how trends are circulated and recreated. Unlike the castor oil belly button trend, not every trend has been determined not harmful.
Like with any remedy or trick, discretion is needed when deciding to incorporate a new step into your regimen. Not only does discretion matter when it comes to personal safety, but to the safety of others. We love a good share of benefits when those benefits are actually happening; otherwise, a bad experience due to misinformation takes away from the fun of it all.