What is the castor oil trend?
Influencers on TikTok have been rubbing castor oil onto their bellies, pouring it into their belly buttons, or wrapping towels soaked in castor oil around their stomach. Why? They have suggested it can melt belly fat, help with bloating, soothe menstrual symptoms, and regulate bowel movements. This article will uncover the truth (if any) behind these unusual, suggested uses.
Where did the idea of castor oil on the belly come from?
The first recorded use of castor oil appeared in the Ebers papyrus of ancient Egypt – that’s over 3,500 years ago.1 Over 1,000 years ago Pliny The Elder listed 16 remedies using castor oil, one of which is still used today (more on that below).2,3
In the Indian practice of ayurvedic medicine, applying oils to the belly button is called ‘nabhi poorana’, which translates to ‘navel filling therapy’, or ‘nabhi basti’, meaning ‘navel oil retention therapy.4 In both cases, lukewarm oils are applied over the belly button and allowed to sit for 10 to 45 minutes. This may be combined with navel massage or pressure.4 The theory behind this practice is that the belly button is one of the most important vital energy points of the body (called marma), thought to control digestive and metabolic processes as well as energy production in the body. The oils are believed to help activate this marma point and its related energy channels.4
Does it work?
Your belly button is simply the scar left over from when your umbilical cord was cut after you were born,5 rather than a channel to the inside of your body. Castor oil itself is not well absorbed through the skin,6 so it’s unlikely to influence the symptoms and processes talked about on TikTok when applied to the belly. However, there is plenty of evidence for castor oil being beneficial in other ways when applied to the skin, or even when taken orally.
When applied to the skin, castor oil helps to nourish and smooth skin and hair. It is used in over 1000 cosmetic products from moisturisers, makeup and bath soaps to fragrances and hair products.7
When taken orally, castor oil can act as a laxative to help relieve constipation.8 While the mechanism behind this is unknown, one theory suggests that the main component of castor oil (a type of fatty acid called ricinoleic acid that makes up about 90% of castor oil) works on the intestines to encourage bowel movements – just like Pliny said it did.1-3
How to use Gold Cross Castor Oil
Ingredients:
Castor Oil 1 mL/mL
Directions:
Internal use:
Adults: Take 15-30 mL (1-2 tablespoons) daily
External use:
Apply to skin or hair, massage gently and allow to penetrate.
If using as a laxative, prolonged use of castor oil may cause serious bowel problems. Do not use when abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting are present, or if you develop diarrhoea. Use with caution if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Drink plenty of water. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
References: 1. Tunaru S, et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2012;109(23):9179–84. 2. Patel VR, et al. Lipid Insights 2016;9:1–12. 3. The Natural History. Pliny the Elder. John Bostock, M.D., F.R.S. H.T. Riley, Esq., B.A. London. Taylor and Francis, Red Lion Court, Fleet Street. 1855. 4. Verma HM, et al. Int J Res Ayurveda Pharm 2024;15(5):86–90. 5. Gardani M, et al. Acta Biomed. 2019;90(4):504–509. 6. Mein EA, et al. Evid Based Integrative Med 2005;2(4):239–244. 7. Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Ricinoleic acid. Available from: https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org/cir-ingredient-status-report/?id=1177e805-f55a-499f-94b2-468f6bf18814 (accessed May 2025). 8. Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), Castor Oil Public Summary.
Sponsored by iNova Pharmaceuticals (Australia) Pty Limited. ABN 13 617 871 539. Chatswood NSW 2067, Australia. p. 1800 630 056. www.inovapharma.com.au. Date of preparation: May 2025. AU-2025-04-0104.
Find out more on the Gold Cross website