Castor oil is a vegetable oil with a wide range of cosmetic and medicinal uses. Some people claim that rubbing castor oil in the belly button can help with weight loss, inflammation, gut health, and even stimulate fat loss from the abdomen. However, there is no scientific evidence to back up these claims.
Castor oil is known to relieve constipation due to its laxative properties, but no studies support its purported weight loss benefits. The only links to weight loss with castor oil seem to be related to the diarrheal effect, although one study in rats indicated that castor oil may have some anti-obesity effects.
Castor oil has been used medicinally as a laxative as well as topically to soothe joint/muscle pain and treat skin issues. It is generally recognized as safe, but it can cause adverse effects in some people, such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, irritation or damage to the intestinal tract, irritation, rash, clogged pores, and acne.
In summary, there is no scientific evidence to support using castor oil in the belly button for weight loss or any other health benefits. Safe, effective, and sustainable weight loss requires that you limit unhealthy habits and adopt healthy behaviors in their place.
