I tried navel oiling for one month–here’s everything you need to know about it

A few weeks in, I noticed another shift—my skin. Acne-prone and perpetually dehydrated, it began to feel calmer, clearer.

“Navel oiling deeply nourishes Rasa Dhatu (nutrient plasma), preventing dryness, pigmentation, and acne,” Dr Chatterjee says. “Additionally, it detoxifies the body to eliminate toxins and enhances circulation.”

Dr Shukla adds that it also “supports reproductive health and relieves menstrual discomfort. Some people believe it could help cyst reductions for those with PCOS or fibroids. However, in my clinical experience, I have not seen a significant improvement in these conditions.”

Even the castor oil itself plays a key role. “Castor oil (Eranda Taila) is a powerful detoxifier and Vata-Kapha pacifier, as per Ayurveda,” says Chatterjee. “Some of its key benefits include relief from constipation, reduced inflammation, boosts lymphatic drainage, and deeply hydrates the skin.” She recommends using a cold-pressed, organic, hexane-free version for purity.

Modern science agrees with the ancient view, says Dr Chatterjee. “Modern research supports the Ayurvedic view that the navel is an absorption point due to its dense network of blood vessels and lymphatics,” says Dr Chatterjee.

And while scrolling through wellness reels, I also came across influencers massaging castor oil onto their stomachs and securing it with a heat pack. A slightly different practice. “While navel oiling primarily works through deep absorption, targeting Vata imbalances, digestion, and systemic detoxification, a full abdominal massage (Udara Abhyanga) focuses more on lymphatic drainage, gut motility, and external relaxation,” explains Dr Chatterjee. “Topical application in the form of an abdominal pack is more beneficial in conditions of abdominal pain or dysmenorrhea,” adds Dr Shukla.

With the internet launching a new wellness trend every five minutes, scepticism is a survival skill. But this one came backed with something rare: Ayurvedic roots, scientific logic, and enough personal wins to make me keep going. And unlike some of the more elaborate trends, this one is low-lift, low-cost, and surprisingly effective.

So, did the ancient technique of navel oiling live up to its skin-glowing, gut-soothing reputation? My gut says yes.

Also read:

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