Top Health Benefits of Using Castor Oil in the Navel
Ricinus communis or castor plant is a widely traditionally used and potent medicinal plant amongst all the thousands of medicinal plants. Castor oil is a vegetable product extracted from Ricinus communis (castor seed). Eranda Taila (Castor oil) is a wonderful Ayurvedic herbal oil which can rejuvenate the body and can be administered in many ways. Applying castor oil on the navel (Nabhi) is considered one of the most effective and traditional ways of using it in Ayurveda and natural healing. Its unique qualities make it a go-to natural solution in many health and beauty regimens. In this blog, we will see the benefits of castor oil and its powerful uses through the navel (Nabhi).
Properties of Castor Oil
Botanical Name: Ricinus communis
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Rasa (Taste): Katu (Pungent), Tikta (Bitter), Madhura (Sweet)
Guna (Qualities): Snigdha (Unctuous), Guru (Heavy), Sara (Spreading), Picchila (Sticky) Veerya (Potency): Ushna (Hot in potency)
Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Katu (Pungent)
Dosha Karma (Effect on Doshas): Vatahara (Balances Vata) Kaphahara (Balances Kapha)
Benefits Of Castor Oil
In Vataj Rog -Erand Tail (Castor Oil) is a highly effective Ayurvedic remedy for managing various Vata disorders such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (Amavata), Dysmenorrhea (Kashtartava), and Constipation (Vibandha). In Rheumatoid Arthritis, Erand Tail works as an anti-inflammatory agent that reduces joint pain and stiffness and can be used both orally and in Basti karma (medicated enema).In Dysmenorrhea, it acts as a natural antispasmodic and vaat anuloman dravya, easing painful menstrual cramps and promoting smoother flow.
Liver Detoxification-Castor oil (Erand Tail) is valued in Ayurveda for its powerful detoxifying and cleansing properties, especially in relation to the liver and digestive system. It possesses tikshna (penetrating), ushna (heating) and virechaka (purgative) qualities, which help stimulate the liver and promote the removal of ama (toxins) from the body. When taken in appropriate doses, castor oil enhances bile flow, supports liver function, and clears accumulated waste from the intestines.It is often used in Ayurvedic Panchakarma therapies particularly Virechana karma, to expel deep-seated toxins and restore digestive fire (agni). Castor oil thus serves as a natural liver cleanser, improving metabolism.
Promotes Hair Growth Rich in ricinoleic acid and omega-6 fatty acids, castor oil boosts blood circulation to the scalp, strengthens roots, and promotes healthy hair growth. It also reduces dandruff and split ends.
Nourishes Dry Skin Castor oil is a natural humectant that deeply moisturizes the skin, reduces inflammation, and heals dry, flaky patches.Rich in ricinoleic acid, it deeply moisturizes dry, rough, or flaky skin, making it ideal for Vata-type (dry)skin conditions.
Natural Laxative Ayurveda recommends castor oil as a mild yet effective purgative (Virechana karma) to cleanse the colon and relieve chronic constipation
Top Health Benefits of Using Castor Oil in the Navel
Applying oil through the navel is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that helps nourish the body from within. The navel is connected to several veins, and massaging or applying oil here supports better absorption, improves digestion, balances hormones, enhances skin health, and promotes overall wellness naturally.
1. Reduces bloating and acidity
2. Nourishes skin and adds natural glow
3. Improves digestion and relieves constipation
4. Promotes healthy hair growth
5. Supports hormonal balance and menstrual health
6. Boosts fertility and reproductive wellness
7. Strengthens immunity and detoxifies the body
8. Relieves joint and muscle pain
9. Provides deep relaxation and better sleep
Just 3–5 drops of castor oil in the navel at night For All the above mentioned Benefits.
How to take castor oil to cleanse stomach
Cleaning the stomach with castor oil is not only for relieving constipation but also considered a form of Panchakarma therapy called Virechan. It works by eliminating deep-rooted toxins from the liver and intestines, pacifying aggravated Pitta, and proving beneficial in conditions like fatty liver, liver fibrosis, skin disorders, and other Pitta-related ailments. Lets se how you can do laghu virechan through castor oil at home.
Adults above 20 years: Take 4–5 spoons of castor oil.
Children below 10 years: Take 1 spoon of castor oil.
The dose may be altered as per the individual’s condition by a doctor.Mix the castor oil in lukewarm milk.
Drink it at night after a meal for best results.
Have light meal like moong daal khichdi or soup whole day after loose motions.
Conclusion
Castor oil is truly a multi-purpose Ayurvedic remedy with profound benefits for internal and external health. Regular use of castor oil nourishes the skin from within, supports tissue regeneration, and delays signs of aging, making it a natural and holistic solution for maintaining soft, healthy, and youthful skin .It also supports hair growth and liver detoxification. Whether applied topically or taken under guidance, castor oil is a timeless Ayurvedic tool for holistic health.