Through the years, we have seen many trends rise and fall on social media. One of the most viral trends that has people obsessed right now is using castor oil for getting a flatter belly. Wellness influencers are claiming that using this technique they can banish bloating, boost digestion and even promote weight loss.
In this trend, people massage a few drops of this oil into their belly button and the surrounding abdomen. Some people leave it at that, while some go a step further and tape their belly button closed. This castor oil trend is known as navel pulling.
About the Trend
According to the viral trend, you need to put the oil in your belly button, massage it and let it work its magic overnight. While this castor oil navel pulling trend is now trending with youngsters, it is quite an ancient technique. This navel pulling technique is rooted in the practice of Ayurveda, but doesn’t have a direct link to weight loss.
Castor Oil for a Flatter Belly
We come to the real question of whether this does help one in weight loss or not. Castor oil has a long history of use in traditional medicine as a laxative. Any immediate weight loss or reduction in belly size from using castor oil is likely due to the loss of water weight and waste, not actual fat loss.
There have been no studies done on castor oil’s direct relation to weight loss. Nevertheless, this oil can relieve constipation, which can result in weight loss in some cases.
Benefits of Castor Oil
Using this oil might not have a direct relation with fat loss, but you should check out the other benefits of this oil!
- Wound healing: Thi oil may be beneficial for wound healing due to its antibacterial effects.
- Hair health: Using this oil may increase your hair lustre.
- Pain relief: Application of this oil may help in reducing pain and swelling caused by inflammation.