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The Backstory: Waking Up to Myself Again

I’m 46, raising teens, running businesses, remembering to feed the dog, and somewhere along the line—I started forgetting me. Not all at once, but in small, sneaky ways. My body’s been sending signals lately: sleep’s patchy, moods shift fast, digestion’s off, and don’t even ask about the bloating. Perimenopause, hello.

So I’ve entered what I’m calling my “Self-Heal Era.” I’m not chasing miracle cures or expensive routines—I’m just trying to listen. To slow down. To give my body the softness and curiosity it’s asking for.

And that’s how I stumbled across this little ritual that made me laugh at first—rubbing castor oil into your belly button. But after some reading, some trying, and some very real results, I’m kind of hooked. Be mindful it can cause diarrhea or as some put it, clean you out. 

So What Does Castor Oil Do in the Belly Button?

Well, here’s what I’ve learned—and experienced firsthand.

1. It Helps My Bloating.

You know those days when your jeans feel like a trap and you’d swear someone snuck a balloon into your gut overnight? A few drops of castor oil massaged into and around my navel before bed has helped ease that tight, uncomfortable feeling. It’s not magic. It’s movement. Support.

2. It Calms Me Down at Night.

There’s something deeply grounding about belly massage. I do this with the lights dim, warm oil, and a few deep breaths. It reminds my body I’m not running from danger—I’m safe. That helps me sleep better, and I need sleep more than ever these days.

3. It Feels Like a Ritual—Not a Remedy.

In Ayurveda, the navel (called the “Pechoti”) is considered a hub of life energy and nerve endings. Whether you believe that or not, this practice has brought me back into my body. It’s not about fixing. It’s about connecting.

How I Do It: My 5-Minute Castor Oil Ritual

You’ll need:

• Cold-pressed castor oil 
• A clean dropper or your fingers 
• Optional: a warm compress or wheat pack 

My steps:

1. Just before bed, I lie back and warm a few drops of castor oil in my palm. 
2. I gently massage it into and around my belly button in slow, circular motions. 
3. If I’m feeling extra, I place a warm compress over my belly and breathe deeply for 5–10 minutes. 

That’s it. Simple. Easy. Kind.

What It’s Helped Me With (So Far)

• Nighttime bloating relief 
• Gentler digestion 
• Fewer cramps around my cycle 
• Feeling more present in my body 
• Lower anxiety before bed 

It’s subtle. But it’s real. And honestly, in this season of perimenopause where everything can feel loud, fast, or invisible—subtle is beautiful.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind:

• Always do a patch test—castor oil is rich but safe for most skin. 
• Don’t use it on broken skin or with belly button piercings. 
• Not recommended during pregnancy (always check with your doctor). 

This Is About More Than Oil

This tiny act, this weird trending trick, has become a quiet comfort in my week. And no, it won’t solve all your hormonal puzzles. But it might help you slow down and listen. That’s what this chapter is about for me—less noise, more noticing.

So if you’re in your own self-heal era, give it a try. Castor oil on your belly button might sound like nonsense—but sometimes nonsense is exactly the thing that brings us back to ourselves.