Castor oil in the navel: a new wellness trend that works
Why drip oil in the navel?
While TikTok is abuzz with videos on the benefits of castor oil, ancient Ayurvedic practices are making a comeback in our bathroom. One of the top trends is navel oil treatments, or navel oiling. It's said to help with abdominal bloating, menstrual pain, digestive problems, and at the same time improve sleep and relaxation. Vogue contributor Margot Anbowba has tested it out for herself and shares her impressions.
🌿 What is it, anyway?
In Ayurveda, the navel (nabhi in Sanskrit) is considered the centre of vital energy. It is through it that we received nourishment and connection with our mother before birth. The adult body, according to practitioners, retains this energy "core", through which you can influence your well-being. And even modern science is not lagging behind - the area around the navel is closely connected to the vagus nerve, which regulates sleep, anxiety and the general state of the body.
So oil dripped directly into the navel can have a much more profound effect than just "nourishing the skin".
🛁 How to do it right?
It's simple:
Gently pinch the skin around your belly button - literally 15-20 seconds.
Drop 1-3 drops of oil (preferably castor oil, ghee or a blend with adaptogens).
Put cotton wool or a piece of tissue in the navel to prevent the oil from leaking out.
Go to bed - it is better to do this procedure before going to sleep.
💬 Margot Anbouba's personal experience
I opted for the Sky Organics castor oil. It was thicker and "clingier" than my favourite oils (jojoba, rosehip) but very economical. At first I just dripped a couple of drops into my belly button, but after a couple of days I turned it into a mini ritual with a belly massage. I used clockwise movements, as in dry brushing, so that the lymph would disperse better.
I noticed the first changes in a week: the skin on my abdomen became softer and the heaviness in the mornings disappeared. After two weeks, my stomach became visually tighter and my skin became moisturised and smooth. Overall - bonuses both on the outside and on the inside. Admittedly, the treatment is not for long nails: pinching became a real challenge.
🤔 And is it worth doing?
If you like the idea of grooming rituals that are both relaxing and really beneficial, give it a try. The key is to choose a quality oil (preferably organic), and do it regularly. And if you want an enhanced effect, there are special blends with adaptogens, such as UMA Navel Oil.