The Shocking Truth About Castor Oil and Debloating—Does It Actually Work or Is It Just Hype?

Ever found yourself waddling around after a meal, feeling like you swallowed a balloon? Yeah, bloating can be a total drag, making you want to try just about any trick in the book for some sweet relief. One buzzworthy (and kinda quirky) trend floating around the internet is this thing called naval pulling—with castor oil, no less! Rooted in ancient Ayurvedic traditions, it promises to soothe your tummy by slathering oil on your belly button. But here’s the kicker: does this centuries-old practice actually live up to the hype, or is it just another wellness trend that sounds better than it works? Stick with me as we dive into the science, the stories, and the straight-up facts behind this oily ritual before you dip your toes—or your belly button—into it. LEARN MORE

Bloating can be super uncomfortable, so some people are willing to try pretty much anything to find relief.

One internet-favorite way to debloat is naval pulling, a practice rooted in an ancient Ayurvedic tradition, Melinda Ring, MD, director of the Osher Center for Integrative Health at Northwestern University, previously told Women’s Health. (Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine that began over 3,000 years ago in India, per Johns Hopkins Medicine.)

Navel pulling involves applying castor oil on the abdomen, either by rubbing it on directly or by packing the abdomen with pieces of fabric soaked in castor oil, Matthew Bechtold, MD, section chief of gastroenterology at the Harry S. Truman Veterans Hospital and adjunct professor of clinical medicine at the University of Missouri-Columbia, said.

Per the Ayurvedic practice called nabhi chikitsa, castor oil—which is often used to treat constipation and promote bowel movements—is applied to the navel, which is considered a vital energy point, Dr. Ring explained. In the Ayurvedic practice, it’s believed that in the navel, there’s something called the “Pechoti gland” that allows for the absorption of oils, Dr. Bechtold said. However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that the Pechoti gland actually exists.

Meet the experts: Matthew Bechtold, MD, is the section chief of gastroenterology at the Harry S. Truman Veterans Hospital and adjunct professor of clinical medicine at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Melinda Ring, MD, is the director of the Osher Center for Integrative Health at Northwestern University.

So, does navel pulling with castor oil actually help with bloating and digestion?

Experts say no. However, when taken orally, castor oil can help with stomach issues like constipation.

Castor oil can have a laxative effect, Dr. Ring said. (In fact, the FDA has even approved the use of castor oil as an oral stimulative laxative, though it’s not recommended as a first-line treatment due to side effects like cramping.)

Despite its history and cultural significance, there’s no evidence that pouring it into your navel affects your GI tract, stomach, or other internal organs that help keep things running smoothly.

Although castor oil has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it can’t reach your organs, even through navel pulling—so any potential benefits would be from topical use, said Dr. Bechtold.

Zoë Hecht is a California-based writer and editor who enjoys writing about beauty, fashion, lifestyle, and pop culture. She graduated from Loyola Marymount University, where she received her B.A. in English. Other than Women’s Health, her work can be found on Byrdie, Teen Vogue, and more. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, sipping coffee, and scrolling through Pinterest.

Olivia Luppino is an editorial assistant at Women’s Health. She spends most of her time interviewing expert sources about the latest fitness trends, nutrition tips, and practical advice for living a healthier life. Olivia previously wrote for New York Magazine’s The Cut, PS (formerly POPSUGAR), and Salon, where she also did on-camera interviews with celebrity guests. She’s currently training for the New York City marathon.