A viral TikTok trend claims that putting castor oil in your belly button can relieve bloating. But according to medical experts, there’s no scientific proof to back this up.
While castor oil has a long history in traditional medicine — especially as a laxative — applying it topically to the belly button is unlikely to improve gut health, digestion, or reduce bloating.
“Simple logic should be applied here,” said Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, a board-certified dermatologist and professor at the University of Pittsburgh Physicians. “Small amounts of oil placed in the belly button cannot penetrate deeply enough to affect digestion or circulation in a meaningful way.”
The Soothing Effect Might Be Real — But It’s Not What You Think
Dr. Michael Chichak, a physician and internal medicine instructor at Northeast Ohio Medical University, explains that any relief people feel likely comes from the relaxing act of applying warm oil to the skin — not from the oil itself entering the body.
“Warm castor oil packs might help relax muscles in the abdomen and reduce tension, giving the impression of digestive relief,” said Dr. Chichak. A warm compress could have the same effect, he added.
Is It Safe to Use Castor Oil on the Belly Button?
For most people, castor oil is safe to use on the skin. But experts caution that it won’t go deeper than the skin’s surface. That means it won’t affect digestion or bloating directly.
“The oil just stays in the belly button and doesn’t really absorb in a way that changes anything inside the body,” said Dr. Kazlouskaya. “There’s no major harm, but also no real benefit.”
There are still a few things to be cautious about. People with sensitive skin or allergies may experience irritation or rashes from castor oil.
Even more concerning, Dr. Chichak warns, is the risk of ignoring real digestive problems. “People may delay getting proper treatment if they rely on internet trends like this,” he said. “They might actually have irritable bowel syndrome, food intolerances, or other gut issues that need medical attention.”
Better Ways to Ease Bloating
Rather than turning to unproven home remedies, experts recommend these proven methods to reduce bloating:
Stay hydrated: Drinking water can help prevent constipation, a common cause of bloating.
Eat more fiber: Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains support healthy digestion.
Avoid trigger foods: Processed foods and dairy can cause gas and bloating in some people.
Move your body: Light exercise, yoga, or abdominal massage can help release trapped gas.
Use over-the-counter options: Medicines like Gas-X or Pepto-Bismol may help with occasional bloating.
“If the bloating doesn’t go away, it’s important to speak to a healthcare provider to rule out more serious issues,” said Dr. Chichak.
What This Means for You
TikTok trends can be fun to try, but they’re not always backed by science. Putting castor oil in your belly button is unlikely to help your gut — though it probably won’t hurt either. For long-term relief from bloating, medical professionals agree that the best approach is a healthy lifestyle: drink water, eat fiber, move more, and don’t skip checkups.
