Diljit Dosanjh’s nighttime belly button oil ritual is trending: Can it boost your health
New Delhi: From sold-out concerts to global fashion moments, Diljit Dosanjh has a knack for setting trends. Now, it’s not his music or style that’s making headlines – it’s a simple bedtime wellness ritual. The Punjabi superstar recently revealed that he applies a blend of neem oil and mustard oil to his belly button every night before sleeping, sparking a wave of curiosity across social media. Thousands are now asking the same question: Can putting oil in your navel actually improve your health, or is it just another viral wellness fad? The answer, according to experts, lies somewhere between ancient tradition and modern science.
Diljit Dosanjh’s viral belly button oil ritual
The actor-singer shared the routine during his appearance on Vogue India’s In The Bag series, where he revealed that navel oiling has been a part of his nightly self-care ritual for years.
According to Diljit, he mixes neem oil and mustard oil, applies a few drops to his belly button before bedtime, lies flat on his back for about 30 minutes, and then gently massages the area. He believes the navel is deeply connected to the rest of the body, making it an important point for overall wellness.
His revelation quickly went viral, with many social media users praising the traditional practice while others questioned whether it has any real medical benefits.
What is navel oiling
Known as Nabhi Purana in Ayurveda, navel oiling involves placing a few drops of warm oil inside the belly button and massaging the surrounding skin.
Ayurvedic practitioners have traditionally associated the navel with digestion, circulation and overall balance in the body. Different oils are believed to serve different purposes:
- Neem oil: Traditionally used for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Mustard oil: Believed to improve circulation and provide warmth.
- Sesame oil: Often recommended for relaxation and nourishment.
- Coconut oil: Used for hydration and cooling.
- Castor oil: Traditionally linked with digestive support.
While these beliefs have been passed down for generations, modern medicine evaluates them differently.
Does science support the practice
The short answer is not really – at least not for the claims being made online.
Medical experts say there is no robust scientific evidence showing that applying neem or mustard oil to the belly button can:
- Balance hormones
- Improve digestion from within
- Detoxify the body
- Cure constipation
- Treat chronic diseases
- Improve fertility or immunity
These are popular claims circulating on social media but remain unsupported by clinical research.
Health experts quoted by India Today explained that while oils can moisturise the skin around the navel and gentle massage may promote relaxation, there is no established anatomical pathway that allows substances placed in the belly button to travel through the body and treat internal organs or medical conditions.
So why do some people say it works
Experts believe several factors may explain why people report feeling better after navel oiling.
Relaxation effect
Taking a few minutes before bed to massage the abdomen can activate the body’s relaxation response, helping reduce stress and improve sleep quality.
Skin benefits
Mustard and neem oils can moisturise dry skin around the navel, while neem oil possesses natural antibacterial and antifungal properties when applied topically.
Traditional wellness practice
Many people follow the ritual as part of Ayurvedic self-care rather than as a medical treatment. Like other wellness routines such as massage or meditation, it may offer comfort and promote mindfulness without necessarily treating disease.
The verdict: A wellness ritual, not a medical remedy
Diljit Dosanjh’s bedtime ritual has undoubtedly reignited interest in an age-old Ayurvedic practice. While navel oiling may help moisturise the skin, encourage relaxation and become part of a calming nighttime routine, current scientific evidence does not support claims that it can heal internal organs, balance hormones or treat medical conditions.
As experts emphasise, it is best viewed as a traditional self-care practice rather than a scientifically proven therapy. Those looking to improve digestion, hormonal health or chronic illnesses should rely on evidence-based medical care instead of viral wellness trends.
In the end, Diljit’s ritual may be worth trying if your goal is relaxation and skincare – but expecting it to transform your health would be stretching the science beyond what the evidence currently supports.