Coconut Oil in Belly Button: Exploring the Science-Backed Benefits - PharmEasy Blog (2024)

Key Highlights:

• The belly button plays a key role in absorbing coconut oil.
• Coconut oil in the belly button provides numerous potential benefits ranging from skin health to pain relief.
• Balancing the navel chakra through coconut oil application is proposed to impact overall well-being.
• There are precautions to follow when using coconut oil in the belly button.
• Consistency is essential for experiencing the benefits of coconut oil in the belly button.

Introduction

Coconut oil is a game changer in the health and wellness scene. It’s been used for centuries for the amazing benefits it offers. People also rub it in the belly button, which is said to boost health. In this article, we’re going to explore the science behind this ancient trick, and how it may upgrade your health.

Coconut Oil in Belly Button: The Science Behind It

The secret lies in the unique properties of the belly button and the oil’s ability to seep into the skin. This is further described below.

The role of the belly button

Before we get into why coconut oil works, we need to know why the belly button is chosen.

• Connection to the umbilical cord

The belly button is the baby’s lifeline when in the womb. Through the umbilical cord, it gets food and oxygen, while throwing out waste.

• The blood vessels in the belly button

Even after birth, the belly button is a network hub. It connects to organs and main veins by blood vessels. So, when you put oil on it, it can reach your entire body.

The absorption of coconut oil

Coconut oil has fats. These fats, called medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), are easily absorbed by our body via the skin.

• Fatty acid absorption

The skin absorbs the MCFAs in coconut oil. These fats then make their way into your bloodstream. Plus, they keep your skin well-fed and moist. The belly button being well connected to organs and blood vessels also easily absorbs the MCFAs.

Potential Benefits of Coconut Oil in Belly Button

1. Improving skin health

The top benefit is healthy skin.

• Nourishing the skin

The MCFAs in coconut oil hydrate skin. They feed it and make it soft, smooth, and bright.

• Clearing blemishes

Coconut oil may help get rid of pigmentation spots. It fights harmful bacteria that can cause skin problems like pimples.

2. Reducing belly fat

Coconut oil on your belly button may help reduce belly fat.

• Metabolism boost

The MCFAs in coconut oil is proposed to give the metabolism a boost. This means you burn more energy and lose weight faster.

• Feeling fuller for longer

When applied to the navel, coconut oil is proposed to keep hunger at bay. This way, you may avoid extra snacks.

3. Enhancing fertility

There’s a belief that says belly button coconut oil may help make you more fertile.

• Balancing hormones

It is proposed to help balance hormones tied to having kids, such as estrogen and progesterone. There is no valid science backing this as of now.

4. Alleviating menstrual pain

The period can come with pain and discomfort. MCFAs in coconut oil are thought to have muscle-relaxing and anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, proposed to relieve menstrual pains. More research is needed in this regard.

5. Managing upset stomach

Coconut oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties so they may be able to get rid of harmful bugs that cause stomach pain. The MCFAs are said to aid digestion. Thus, it may be good for managing an upset stomach. Taking it orally will be more beneficial than rubbing in the belly button.

6. Strengthening vision

While more evidence is needed, the oil potentially offers key nutrients that may help fight inflammation, also keeping your eyes at their best. Moreover, the MCFAs provide nutrition to tissues all over the body. This may make your eyes healthier and work better.

Although research have shown positive effects of coconut oil application, further large-scale human studies are needed to confirm these benefits.

Scientists have suggested that certain components of coconut oil, like lauric acid, ketone bodies, and MCTs, might work in a way that could help with Alzheimer’s disease. This idea has gained more support recently however more research is needed on this topic.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta

Balancing Chakras with Coconut Oil in Belly Button

The navel chakra

Based on age-old wisdom from Ayurvedic and yoga practices, the belly button chakra, or navel chakra, is said to have a big role in your overall strength and self-belief.

• Location and Significance

The navel chakra is found above your belly button. It is linked to self-assuredness, feeling empowered, and steering your life’s path.

• Connection with other chakras

The navel chakra ties in with other energy points like the Root and Heart chakras. Keeping it balanced is said to be key for a well-rounded emotional, mental, and spiritual health. Rubbing coconut oil around the belly button is said to help maintain a balanced navel chakra.

Applying coconut oil to the navel chakra

• Technique

All it takes to apply coconut oil to your navel chakra is heating up a little oil, and massage it around your belly button. Do this as part of your daily routine or along with a full chakra balance ritual.

• Benefits

Rubbing coconut oil on your belly button may boost your self-confidence, ease digestion, and increase energy levels.

Precautions to Follow

As a caution, while belly button coconut oil use is typically safe, being aware of some safety tips is a good idea.

Cleanliness of the belly button

The first step is to keep your belly button clean. Be sure to remove any dirt or lint.

• Removing dirt

You need just a soft cloth, soak it in warm water, and gently rub the area.

• Ensuring hygiene

Being clean may avoid infections due to dirt build-up and bad bacteria.

It’s a lesser-known fact that the connection between the navel and the body’s organs was documented as far back as the Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor (Huangdi Neijing), an ancient Chinese medical text dating from the late Warring States period (475–221 BC) to the Han dynasty (202 BC–220 AD)

Dr. Rajeev Singh

Quality of coconut oil

Next, pick a good-quality coconut oil.

Virgin vs. refined coconut oil

Virgin coconut oil is better. It’s less processed and is richer in quality .

Organic and cold-pressed options

Go for organic, cold-pressed oils. They’re free of preservatives and keep the good substances intact.

Allergies to coconut oil

Some may have an allergic reaction to coconut oil.

• Identifying an allergic reaction

If you feel itchy or red, stop using the oil. Talk to your healthcare provider right away.

• Alternative oils

You can try other oils like almond, sunflower, or olive. Just be sure to discuss this with your healthcare provider first.

Also Read: Why Does Your Stomach Growl: Scientific Insights into Body Sounds

Conclusion

Rubbing coconut oil on your belly button can seem odd. But this old trick might provide potential health benefits. Though it’s generally safe, discussing with a doctor before starting is always important. Be sure to follow the tips we shared here. In cases you are allergic, then stop the coconut oil and visit a doctor right away. You can try using alternative oils in case of allergy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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