Most of us pour our self-care into our faces. The navel rarely gets a second thought. Navel oiling changes that. It’s a simple practice from Ayurveda: a few drops of oil in the belly button before bed, as a grounding end to the day.
What Is Navel Oiling?
In Ayurveda, the navel is seen as a central point of the body, and oiling it has been part of daily self-care for generations. The belly holds a similar place of importance in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Modern research on navel oiling is limited, so we share it as a ritual rooted in tradition rather than a treatment. What we can say: it takes two minutes, it feels wonderful, and it gives you a reason to pause.
- A calming, screen-free moment before bed
- A few minutes of gentle attention for your belly
- Soft, moisturized skin around the navel
How to Practice Navel Oiling
- Lie down comfortably with your knees bent so your belly can relax.
- Warm a few drops of castor oil between your hands.
- Fill your navel with a few drops and massage gently in slow, clockwise circles for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Breathe slowly and let the oil absorb overnight.
Practice it nightly or a few times a week, whatever fits your evenings.
Make It Easier
- Less mess: our Disposable Navel Patches keep the oil in place overnight.
- A longer ritual: pair navel oiling with a castor oil pack for an hour of deeper rest.
- In winter: add a drop or two after your shower, when skin tends to feel driest.
During Your Cycle
Many women enjoy a cozier version of this ritual during their cycle: warm oil, a soft blanket, a cup of tea and an early night. Some prefer to pause on their heaviest days. Every body is different, so listen to yours.
Before You Begin
Castor oil is for external use only. Patch test first, avoid broken skin and stop if irritation occurs. Please don’t use castor oil, castor oil packs or navel patches during pregnancy, and check with your healthcare provider first if you’re breastfeeding or under medical care.
Why Elham’s
Many castor oils are extracted with hexane, a petroleum-based solvent, to squeeze more oil out of every seed. Ours never is. Every bottle of Elham’s Organic Castor Oil is:
- 100% organic
- Cold-pressed and hexane-free
- Bottled in amber glass to protect it from light