Does castor oil actually reduce bloat and improve sleep when used by TikTokers in a unique way?

TikTok has emerged as a popular platform for health and wellness advice, with the latest trend involving the use of castor oil in the belly button before bed. Users claim that this practice aids in reducing bloating and improving sleep quality.

Raven Ross declared in a TikTok video, "I'm going to sleep like Hocus Pocus cast a spell on my butt after applying the oil."

For millennia, navel pulling has been a widely practiced tradition.

Dr. Gowri Rocco, a doctor of regenerative and functional medicine, explains that as an Indian, Ayurvedic medicine traditionally uses castor oil a lot for reducing inflammation and calming.

"In western medicine, there's no evidence to support the claim that it does that traditionally."

The FDA only approves the use of castor oil for health purposes in the form of oral ingestion for relief from constipation.

'I still recommend' castor oil for navel pulling, says doctor

Rocco recommends it as a natural and pleasant way to detox, even though there isn't enough scientific evidence to prove its effectiveness.

"Although these oils haven't been extensively studied, they are commonly used due to tradition."

Castor oil, with its omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, can provide calming, parasympathetic effects from navel pulling, as well as promote treating constipation and improving bowel movements.

Some TikTok users reported experiencing frequent bowel movements after using castor oil. This could be due to the stimulation of the lymphatic system in the gastrointestinal tract when massaging the navel, as suggested by Rocco. Alternatively, drinking water and exercising can also achieve this effect.

According to Rocco, when you apply castor oil to your navel, you enhance the movement of toxins and improve digestion by mobilizing the lymphatic system. However, he cautions that there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.

The vagus nerve running through the naval area may explain why rubbing castor oil on the navel is calming, which is why it is often associated with better sleep and relief of menstrual pain.

Some TikTok commenters reported experiencing cramping after using castor oil for navel pulling, according to Rocco. This side effect is more likely to occur when castor oil is ingested orally.

Pregnant individuals should steer clear of consuming castor oil because it may induce premature contractions.

She suggests trying navel pulling as it can restore balance in the GI tract without any negative effects, although some people might not feel the benefit.

Rocco recommends castor oil for the scalp and skin.

Navel pulling has been around for centuries and is safe with a low threshold for side effects. It's definitely worth a try.

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