Last Updated on August 3, 2022 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that applying essential ginger oil on belly button can lead to belly drainage, resulting in weight loss. We fact-checked and found this claim to be False.
The Claim
A post on Facebook shares the video of a product containing, ‘Belly drainage ginger used.’ The video claims that the application of this on belly button can make a person lose weight. The screenshot of the post is attached below.
Fact Check
How can body fat be reduced?
Fat can be reduced by eating a balanced diet with fiber and protein. One should also avoid alcohol, processed foods, sugar, and high-fat food items.
Physical activities such as exercise, strength training, and swimming will help reduce fat. Research states that a type of belly fat called visceral fat is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions. Hence, one must lose extra fat and keep the BMI (Body Mass Index) in proportion. Physical activities such as exercise, strength training, and swimming will help reduce fat.
Secondly, there might be certain underlying medical conditions due to which one is gaining weight, such as diabetes, thyroid disease, and PCOS, to name a few. In such cases, treating the underlying condition is necessary to lose weight.
Dr. P. Rammanohar, Research Director, Amrita Centre for Advanced Research in Ayurveda (ĀCĀRA), further explains this precisely from Ayurvedic perspective by stating that, “As per Ayurveda, obesity is a condition difficult to cure. In fact, the text states bluntly that it is almost an incurable disease – na hi sthulasya bheshajam. There is no magical remedy for obesity. No single medicine, internal or external, can treat the problem. Stress management, lifestyle, and diet constitute the main approach to treatment. Medicines, either external or internal, are only supportive. The more patients comply with the comprehensive protocol, the better the results. Obesity also requires an individualized treatment protocol.”
Does ginger help in weight loss?
Yes. Ginger is believed to aid in weight loss, when consumed. Although, it must be used in conjunction with physical activity, dietary regulations and lifestyle modifications. It decreases inflammation, stimulates digestion, and suppresses your appetite. A meta-analysis done in 2017 says that, “Supplementation with ginger significantly decreased body weight (BW), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and insulin resistance.”
Gingerol, a bioactive compound in ginger has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which help in weight loss. A research that studied the effects of gingerol present in ginger concluded that, “Ginger supplementation suppresses obesity induced by a high fat diet and it might be a promising adjuvant therapy for the treatment of obesity and its complications.”
Please note that these studied are linked with consumption of ginger and not application of ginger on the body.
What is the significance of applying oil on belly button?
In Ayurveda, a method called as, ‘The Pechoti method’ is based on the concept that you can absorb substances like essential oils through your belly button. This includes massaging for pain relief and relaxation. It may make you feel warm from the inside and generate heat in the body but that is just because of the elements present in it.
Does applying ginger oil on the belly button help in weight loss?
No. There is no scientific evidence which can prove that applying ginger oil on belly button can eliminate cellulite, or subcutaneous fat, resulting in weight loss. The navel becomes closed off once the umbilical cord is detached at the time of birth. Moreover, it is based on the claim that it stimulates the pechoti gland, that sits behind the navel. But, there is no scientific evidence that this gland actually exists. It is true that applying essential oils to your skin can promote well-being, often when used in conjunction with a medical regime. Lastly, obesity is a disease, and it requires a multidimensional approach in which eliminating the underlying cause is vital.
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