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What is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is a very thick and sticky vegetable oil made from the seeds of the castor plant. (Ricinus communis)
It originated in Tropical East Africa in 4000 BC and is said to have originally been used to light lamps.
The oil later started to be used for medicinal practices due to its anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties.
Although castor oil has been around for centuries, castor oil started to rise in mainstream popularity over the last decade or so due to its many uses. From rubbing castor oil on the stomach to other health and beauty regimens, it’s safe to say that castor oil isn’t going anywhere anytime soon!
Rubbing Castor Oil on the Stomach and Belly Button
Recently there has been much talk about rubbing castor oil on your stomach or belly button. This is something that started centuries ago for therapeutic reasons to help people relieve stress and tension.
It later became apparent that through this method of applying castor oil, the body experienced many other benefits as well.
Why the belly button or Stomach?
The belly button or navel area is a pivotal part of our bodies starting at conception.
When we are in our mother’s womb the fetus’ belly button is where the umbilical cord connects to the placenta. This allows the oxygen and nutrients to flow to the baby and for any waste to be carried away.
The belly button is connected to many veins in the body including the liver. The liver is our largest internal organ and has over 500 functions to keep our bodies working properly.
Some of the jobs the liver has are filtering all the blood in the body, carrying away waste, aiding in digestion, our metabolism, and much more. As you can see this area is very important to our well-being and the functioning of our bodies
Benefits of rubbing castor oil on the stomach
- Relieves constipation & aids in digestion– Once the oil absorbs into the skin it activates the muscles of the intestines and encourages the movement of the bowels causing you to produce a stool.
- Detoxification – Since your liver is located in the abdomen region rubbing castor oil on this area activates the liver as it carries away waste and eliminates toxins.
- joint pain – Castor oil contains an ingredient called ricinoleic acid. (Which is only found in the castor bean plant.) This is an omega-9 fatty acid that is anti-inflammatory and has pain relief benefits making this great for arthritis and joint pain.
- Menstrual cramps – Helps release muscle tension and cramping by relaxing the muscles in the abdomen.
- Boost immune system – When rubbed into the skin the anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties help to prevent infections helping your body fight off infections.
- Smooth and moisturize skin & stretch marks – It helps to prevent dry skin and improve the appearance of stretch marks by smoothing and moisturizing. This is because castor oil is a humectant, which means it keeps the skin hydrated by drawing moisture into the skin. (See article on (Castor Oil For Stretch Marks)
- Relaxation and stress relief – Applying castor oil on your stomach helps to relax, calm, and soothe the body. It’s a perfect massage oil.
Other Benefits of Rubbing Castor Oil on Stomach
Castor Oil for Fertility
Castor oil is said to improve the blood flow and circulation of the pelvic area reducing any pelvic stagnation. Thus, the belief that it helps with fertility struggles was born.
For decades now, midwives have also used castor oil to induce labor. The castor oil activates the bowels, which triggers the uterus, causing the contractions to begin.
Although there is not much medical proof suggesting that castor oil helps fertility or labor, there are many women who have experienced great results from this natural remedy.
However, always make sure you consult your physician before trying anything that may affect your health and baby.
Beauty
- Hair growth
If looking up any information on growing back thinning hair castor oil will quickly pop up.
It can be used to thicken, grow, and moisturize the hair. It also works great for eliminating dandruff on the scalp.
But not just the hair on your head. When applied to the eyebrows and eyelashes castor oil works to strengthen grow and soften them as well!
- Skin
Castor oil has many benefits for the skin due to the fatty content that the oil contains. Castor oil is also non-comedogenic meaning it doesn’t clog pores! So, it’ll work as a facial oil for acne-prone people too.
- It helps to heal acne, smooth wrinkles, soften lips, and cuticles, and even helps to reduce and smooth cellulite and stretchmarks.
- Helps fade scars and heal wounds.
Always remember to do a patch test first to make sure the castor oil agrees with your skin.
Castor Oil Packs
Simply put, a castor oil pack is a cloth that you place castor oil on that wrap around an area of your body, typically the abdomen or neck. You then leave it on for a recommended period. While the castor oil pack is on, all the benefits of the oil are penetrating the skin and going to work! Great for detoxification of the body.
A common pick is the Pukka Castor Oil. It is a high-quality pure organic castor oil that’s great for all the benefits listed above including the castor oil packs! However, any 100% castor oil you find will do. Just make sure to read the ingredients and make sure the only ingredient listed is pure castor seed oil so that you receive the maximum benefits.
Another popular pick that I love is Tropic Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil. This is a great choice for hair growth, nails, eyelashes, and scalp!
Overall thoughts on rubbing castor oil on the stomach
Castor oil is a great oil with many benefits, but just like with anything else there can be side effects. Make sure you do a patch test when first putting it on your skin and be aware of how you feel physically when applying it. This goes for if you apply with your hands or by using the castor oil packs.
Castor oil is one of my favorite oils for so many of the reasons listed above!
Leave a comment and let me know your favorite ways to use castor oil!
Related Article: Castor Oil For Stretch Marks
I’ve been gone for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this website. Thank you, I will try and check back more often. How often do you update your website?
Thank you so much Joi! I really appreciate your comment and support! I try to post once a week!