Best Oils For Your Belly Button- That Actually Work

Apart from using essential oils for your belly button, you can also use regular oils. Not only do they moisturize the skin in and around your belly button, but they also have whole-body benefits.

In this article, I will go through some of the best oils you can use for on your belly button. And we will go through exactly how they help when applied in your belly button.

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How Oil Absorption Works In and Around The Belly Button

Regular science postulates that the area around the belly button has a rich supply of blood vessels, so anything applied in that area can diffuse through the skin and into the blood vessels more easily.

However, according to Ayurvedic medicine, there is a gland in the belly button area called the Pechoti gland. This gland absorbs nutrients and medicines, and delivers them to the body. The existence of this gland has not been proven by science. But, Ayurvedic medical practitioners believe that it is there and that it works.

So, whether you choose to work with the scientific explanation or the traditional medicine one, the general idea is that oils can be absorbed through the belly button to provide systemic benefits.

You can check out my article on The Benefits & Risks of Using Oil in Your Belly Button

Best Oils For Your Belly Button

1- Castor Oil

Cold-pressed castor oil is the most popularly used oil for naval oiling. It is rich in ricinoleic acid, a rare kind of fatty acid. This may lessen inflammation, promote good blood flow, strengthen the immune system, and defend against bacteria and fungi. It also contains triglycerides, and other fatty acids like oleic acid, linoleic acid, and stearic acid.

But what does it do when applied in and/or around your belly button?

Firstly, castor oil, when applied to your belly button is said to be great for menstrual cramps and even joint and muscle pains. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce pain and improve blood circulation.

Secondly, castor oil is said to improve constipation by increasing gut fluid levels and improving smooth muscle contractions which aid bowel movement. It is also said to improve gut health by promoting a balanced gut environment, encouraging good bacteria growth, and lowering inflammation, all of which improve digestion and aid nutrient uptake.

Thirdly, castor oil is said to be a great detoxifier. Using castor oil regularly on your belly button aids the body’s natural detoxification process by reducing inflammation, improving lymph node function and flow, and improving liver and kidney functions.

And, fourthly, castor oil is known to be great for the skin. It moisturizes, improves collagen and elastin production, helps to reduce stretch marks and wrinkles and generally promotes healthier skin. In the belly button area, healthier skin means better absorption.

Side Effects of Castor Oil in Belly Button

Now, do keep in mind that when applied to the skin castor oil can potentially cause irritation and rashes. Also, because it is so thick, it can cause clogged pores and acne.

To avoid this, many people dilute castor oil with thinner oils like coconut oil, jojoba oil or almond oil.

Related Article – 8 DIY Remedies to Clean Smelly Belly Button

2- Coconut oil

Coconut oil is a rich source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) which is a type of saturated fat. When absorbed into the body, these can help to promote fat burning and act as a quick source of energy so that you feel less hungry.

This oil is also rich in Lauric acid which makes up about 50% of the MCTs. This fatty acid has great antimicrobial effects that are especially effective against E. coli and H. pylori, both of which commonly affect the gut causing irritation and diarrhea. Lauric acid also helps to balance gut bacteria since it can prevent overgrowth without completely killing all the good bacteria, keeping them at a suitable level.

Skin also benefits from coconut oil in that it is a great moisturizer, prevents excess water loss, protects against free-radical damage and boosts skin function. This means better absorption through the skin.

Side Effects

The only side effect of using coconut oil on the skin, especially if you already have oily skin, is that it can make acne worse. It can also clog your pores and result in blackheads and whiteheads.

3 – Olive Oil

Olive oil is another oil with great systemic benefits. For starters, it is very rich in mono-saturated fats. The most important one is oleic acid. This makes up about 73% of the mono-saturated fat content and it reduces inflammation. Oleic acid may even have beneficial effects on genes linked to cancer.

Another great benefit is that olive oil is rich in antioxidants. When absorbed into the bloodstream, they fight inflammation and help protect your blood cholesterol from oxidation. These two benefits may lower your risk of heart disease and protect you from other chronic diseases.

Even though we have talked about inflammation already, it is worth mentioning that olive oil is a master anti-inflammatory agent. Chronic inflammation is one of the major drivers for diseases like cancer, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, arthritis and even obesity.

Oleic acid and antioxidants in olive oil, once in your bloodstream, can reduce levels of important inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and may even inhibit some genes and proteins that drive inflammation.

When it comes to the gut itself, olive oil has antibacterial properties. It is especially useful against Helicobacter pylori, which lives in your stomach and can cause stomach ulcers and stomach cancer when there is an overgrowth.

Now the best way to get the most benefits from olive oil would be to ingest it in food. But, applying some to your belly button to be absorbed directly into your bloodstream every day can also go a long way. Remember that the best kind to use is Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Side Effects

If used too much, olive oil can potentially block your pores and cause acne and breakouts on the skin. It can also cause allergic reactions and rashes in people who are allergic to olives. Internally, if used too much it can cause diarrhea and gall bladder stones. However, using a little in your belly button is unlikely to cause these internal side effects.

Important Note

There are many other oils that you can use that are safe for topical use. However, since the concept is that these oils get into your systemic circulation through your belly button, not all of them are known to be safe for internal use.

Therefore, I chose to focus on these three that are known to be safe for both external and internal use.