Traditional medicine passed on from previous generations suggests some common home remedies. One of these is applying coconut oil to the navel. Read more!
All about your navel
The navel situated on your abdomen marks the spot where your umbilical cord was once attached. The umbilical cord carried nutrients to your body from your mother’s body when you were in her womb. The umbilical cord is cut after birth, and your navel is formed mostly by scar tissue. The navel is regarded as the body’s center of balance. It is well supplied with blood vessels, nerves, and pathways to the body’s extremities. The navel also has a very thin layer of muscle separating its skin from the inner vagus nerve. Hence, stimulating the navel helps stimulate the vagus nerve too. The vagus nerve activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which causes muscles to relax and eases pain and stress
Applying Coconut Oil to Navel
The Indian traditional medicine system of Ayurveda believes that the absorption of oils into the body is possible through the navel. It prescribes medicinal oils on the navel as a preventive and curative measure for several health conditions. Coconut oil is in the list of such beneficial oils. Ayurveda has been using coconut oil in many of its treatments and formulations for thousands of years and endorses its many health benefits.
Coconut oil is an edible oil extracted from the dried kernels of coconuts. The oil consists of 92% saturated fats. It is rich in Lauric acid, which has anti-bacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. It also has iron, vitamin A, and vitamin K. Coconut oil is infamous widely in cooking, in the cosmetic industry, and in traditional folk medicine.
Benefits of Applying Coconut Oil on the Navel
1. Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties
Warm Coconut oil helps loosen and remove dirt in and around the navel. Many kinds of bacteria can breed in the navel as people often overlook it during a bath. Coconut oil has anti-bacterial and antifungal properties, which help prevent infections that these bacteria can cause.
2. Eases Digestion
It also prevents bloating of the abdomen, eases digestion, and regulate the activity of your bowels.
3. Helps Increase Fertility
It can improve your fertility by promoting the health of your reproductive organs and by increasing sperm count. Belly fat can have a negative effect on fertility, but thanks to coconut oil as it helps in burning excess belly fat. It helps cure abdominal pain and the cramps associated with menstruation.
4. Good for Eye and Overall Health
Vitamin A in coconut oil promotes eye health and keeps your eyes moist. It also improves skin and hair health and boosts energy. Regular application of coconut oil on the navel is believed to help keep your internal organs healthy and promote overall health.
How to apply?
You can apply coconut oil to your navel every day at bedtime to reap its benefits. First, wash the navel area and pat it dry. Sit or lie down on your bed. Apply 1-2 drops of the oil into your navel and lightly massage the area around your navel using your finger and thumb in a gentle pinching motion for a minute. Cover the navel with a cotton ball so that the doesn’t stain your sheets. Leave the oil overnight.
Precautions
Choose organic, virgin coconut oil, and sanitize your hands before applying the oil. Do a patch test to check for allergy before applying the oil. Massage the navel very gently, and do not apply too much pressure.
Disclaimer
Scientific evidence does not support the purported benefits of applying oil on the navel. According to experts, this practice can only benefit similar to using oil on any other part of the skin.