Castor oil is generally safe but it can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.
Sharon Maina used to put castor oil in her belly button, spread it across her lower abdomen, and massage it in. That was in 2022, and the nighttime ritual would happen three to four times a week.
She says she came across castor oil in online discussions.
"I am always exploring natural, low-risk practices that may support my overall well-being," she says. "When I looked into it further, I realised it was something older women in my community also talked about," says the 27-year-old.
This practice also frequently appeared in traditional remedies across African, Caribbean and Asian communities, as well as in wellness circles influenced by Ayurvedic principles.
In these spaces, castor oil was said to aid digestion, relieve constipation, support lymphatic circulation, reduce inflammation, moisturise the skin, and promote hair growth. Some practitioners also believed that it could help to regulate hormones and detoxify the body.
For Sharon, a mother of two boys, the appeal was personal. She had struggled with ovarian cysts for years, but surgery was not an option at the time. She was actively seeking natural ways to manage her condition and quickly put castor oil to the test.
Castor beans. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
"I noticed mild improvements in digestion and bloating within the first week," she reports. "Over time, I was sleeping better. I also experienced relief from the occasional menstrual discomfort, although this was more noticeable during my next cycle. Consistency seemed to matter.”
As for the cysts, Sharon had an ultrasound scan after six months of using the oil consistently.
“I was informed that they had disappeared,” she says.
Eddah Wanjiru, 33, discovered castor oil three years ago. She was looking for an organic way to relieve painful period cramps.
“I applied it on alternating days in the weeks leading up to my period,” she says. "Once they started, however, I would immediately stop. I learned the hard way that my periods were heavier if I kept applying the castor oil during my cycle.”
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Eddah says she no longer feels the need to use this method to relieve pain.
"Although my cramps were painful, they weren't debilitating. I could still move around and function well," she says. "But I haven’t experienced the discomfort for a while now, so I use castor oil for other issues, such as bloating."
Eddah says she uses castor packs, which are made of absorbent material to help retain the oil in the area of application.
While both practitioners say castor oil is generally safe, they also warn that it can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.
“A patch test is always recommended before committing to use,” says Eddah, who owns Wiyathi Organics. “You could also mix it with other plant-based carrier oils to lessen its potency. These include coconut, jojoba, argan or avocado oil.”
When asked about the focus on the navel, Sharon, who runs the organic wellness business Organic Cravings, says that the navel is traditionally believed to be a central point of connection in the body.
'This is because it is the site of umbilical attachment in the womb,' she adds. ‘In some holistic belief systems, it’s considered a point of energy or nerve concentration. It is believed that gentle massage in that area stimulates circulation.”
However, Sharon is careful to state that this use of castor oil should not replace professional medical advice.
Castor oil.
“Natural remedies can complement modern healthcare, but balance and informed decision-making are important,” she says. "Not every traditional practice works in the same way for everyone. It’s always wise to do your own research, consult professionals, and listen to your body.”
No scientific backing
From a medical standpoint, Dr Felix Oindi, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Aga Khan University Hospital, says that these claims lack scientific backing.
"In adulthood, the belly button is simply the healed remnant of where the umbilical cord was attached before birth," he explains. "Once we are born, that connection closes completely, cutting off any link to the internal organs."
While castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, its topical application primarily affects the superficial layers of the skin and the underlying muscles. There is no scientific evidence that castor oil applied topically penetrates deeply enough to reach the uterus, let alone shrink fibroids, eliminate ovarian cysts, regulate hormones or improve fertility.
Even though the abdomen and pelvis share nerve pathways, Dr Oindi insists that this is not a direct route to the uterus.
Emmaculate Ngei at her castor beans farm in February.
"That said, massage itself can be soothing. It can relax muscles, improve blood flow, and sometimes reduce the intensity of cramping."
He gives more reasons why some symptoms may be alleviated by this practice, mentioning that many ovarian cysts, especially simple and functional ones, tend to resolve spontaneously over time without treatment. He also points out that period pain naturally fluctuates from month to month.
"Belief also plays a powerful role. The mind and body are closely connected. When someone feels calmer, supported, and in control, their symptoms can genuinely feel lighter.”
He is particularly emphatic when it comes to fibroids.
“Fibroids do not disappear because of topical oils or massage. They are growths within the muscle of the uterus, and depending on their size and the associated symptoms, they may require medical monitoring or, in some cases, treatment.”
Dr Ajua Nkengasong, the president of the Gastroenterology Society of Kenya and a consultant gastroenterologist at the Aga Khan University Hospital and the Gastro Hub Clinic, says that, although no substance applied to the navel can be absorbed into the digestive system, castor oil can be ingested orally to relieve bloating and constipation.
"When used medically as a laxative, it should only be taken in carefully measured amounts, typically 15 to 50 ml daily in divided doses," he says, noting that excessive intake can cause significant gastrointestinal distress and dehydration. "It is also available in capsule form these days, and these should be limited to three per day."
While gentle self-care practices may offer some comfort, medical experts emphasise that proper medical assessment is essential when dealing with persistent pain, heavy bleeding, fibroids, fertility concerns, or long-term gastrointestinal complaints.
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