Diljit Dosanjh's belly button neem and mustard oil ritual is viral: Does it work?

Actor and singer Diljit Dosanjh has once again got the internet talking, not because of a film or a song, but because of a simple wellness habit he follows every night.

In a recent interview with Vogue, the Satluj actor revealed that he carries neem oil and mustard oil wherever he goes and applies the mixture to his belly button before going to bed. "Everything is connected to your belly button. It is very important to nurture it," he said.

The statement quickly went viral on social media, with many users wondering if this traditional practice really has hidden health benefits. Videos claiming that belly button oiling can improve digestion, boost immunity, balance hormones, cure dry skin and even enhance overall health have resurfaced online.

But doctors say there is an important distinction between traditional practices and treatments backed by scientific evidence.

While applying oil to the navel is unlikely to cause harm for most people, experts say there is currently no strong scientific proof that it can improve whole-body health. However, some oils do offer benefits for the skin where they are applied.

WHY DO PEOPLE APPLY OIL TO THE BELLY BUTTON?

Navel oiling has been part of traditional wellness practices in many Indian households for generations.

Many people believe the belly button is connected to different organs in the body and that applying oil there allows nutrients to spread throughout the body.

This belief is often linked to the concept of the "Pechoti gland", a structure that is frequently mentioned on social media as the reason belly button oiling works.

However, modern medical science does not recognise the existence of a Pechoti gland or any special gland in the navel that absorbs oils and distributes them throughout the body.

Doctors say that after birth, the umbilical cord is cut and heals into the belly button. It no longer functions as a channel for absorbing nutrients or medicines.

CAN NEEM AND MUSTARD OIL OFFER ANY BENEFITS?

Although the belly button itself is unlikely to act as a gateway to better health, the oils being used may still have benefits for the skin.

NEEM OIL

• Neem oil has been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
• Studies have shown that it contains compounds with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• When applied to the skin, neem oil may help soothe minor irritation and reduce the growth of certain bacteria and fungi.
• However, these effects are limited to the area where the oil is applied.
• No evidence shows that applying neem oil to the navel can improve digestion, hormone levels or immunity.

MUSTARD OIL

• Mustard oil is rich in fatty acids and natural antioxidants.
• It acts as an emollient, helping soften dry skin and support the skin's protective barrier.
• Some people also use it during massages because it helps reduce dryness.
• Again, experts stress that these benefits are localised to the skin and should not be confused with whole-body health effects.

CAN BELLY BUTTON OILING IMPROVE DIGESTION OR IMMUNITY?

This is one of the most common claims circulating online.

Doctors say there is currently no reliable scientific research showing that applying neem oil, mustard oil, coconut oil or any other oil to the belly button can improve digestion, relieve constipation, strengthen immunity or balance hormones.

Similarly, there is no evidence that navel oiling can treat chronic illnesses or replace medical care.

If someone finds the ritual relaxing or enjoys including it in their bedtime routine, there is generally no harm as long as it does not cause skin irritation.

ARE THERE ANY RISKS?

• Even natural oils can cause problems in some people.
• Neem oil may trigger allergic reactions, causing redness, itching or irritation in those with sensitive skin.
• Mustard oil can also lead to contact dermatitis in some individuals.
• Doctors also warn that the belly button naturally traps sweat, dead skin and dirt.
• Applying oil without cleaning the area first can create a moist environment that allows bacteria or fungi to grow.

Anyone who notices persistent itching, rashes, discharge, foul smell or pain should stop using the oil and consult a healthcare professional.

WHAT ABOUT THE 'PECHOTI GLAND'?

The idea of the Pechoti gland is widely shared on social media whenever belly button oiling trends. However, anatomy experts say there is no medically recognised gland in the navel that absorbs oils into the bloodstream.

The belly button is simply a scar left after the umbilical cord heals following birth. Unlike the intestines or certain medicines applied through specialised skin patches, the navel is not designed to absorb nutrients or therapeutic oils into the body.

BETTER WAYS TO SUPPORT OVERALL HEALTH

Doctors say people looking to improve their skin, digestion or overall wellness should focus on habits that have proven health benefits instead of relying solely on viral remedies.

These include:

• Eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet

• Drinking enough water

• Following a suitable skincare routine

• Using sunscreen daily

• Exercising regularly

• Sleeping for seven to eight hours every night

• Managing stress

These lifestyle measures have far stronger scientific evidence than belly button oiling for maintaining long-term health.

Diljit Dosanjh's nightly ritual has brought an age-old home remedy back into the spotlight, but experts say it should be viewed with realistic expectations.

Neem and mustard oil may help moisturise the skin and offer mild antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory effects where they are applied. However, there is no scientific evidence that applying them to the belly button improves digestion, boosts immunity, balances hormones or treats medical conditions.

If the practice is soothing and does not irritate the skin, it is generally harmless. But doctors recommend treating it as a personal wellness ritual, not as a substitute for evidence-based healthcare or healthy lifestyle habits.

Actor and singer Diljit Dosanjh has once again got the internet talking, not because of a film or a song, but because of a simple wellness habit he follows every night.

In a recent interview with Vogue, the Satluj actor revealed that he carries neem oil and mustard oil wherever he goes and applies the mixture to his belly button before going to bed. "Everything is connected to your belly button. It is very important to nurture it," he said.

The statement quickly went viral on social media, with many users wondering if this traditional practice really has hidden health benefits. Videos claiming that belly button oiling can improve digestion, boost immunity, balance hormones, cure dry skin and even enhance overall health have resurfaced online.

But doctors say there is an important distinction between traditional practices and treatments backed by scientific evidence.

While applying oil to the navel is unlikely to cause harm for most people, experts say there is currently no strong scientific proof that it can improve whole-body health. However, some oils do offer benefits for the skin where they are applied.

WHY DO PEOPLE APPLY OIL TO THE BELLY BUTTON?

Navel oiling has been part of traditional wellness practices in many Indian households for generations.

Many people believe the belly button is connected to different organs in the body and that applying oil there allows nutrients to spread throughout the body.

This belief is often linked to the concept of the "Pechoti gland", a structure that is frequently mentioned on social media as the reason belly button oiling works.

However, modern medical science does not recognise the existence of a Pechoti gland or any special gland in the navel that absorbs oils and distributes them throughout the body.

Doctors say that after birth, the umbilical cord is cut and heals into the belly button. It no longer functions as a channel for absorbing nutrients or medicines.

CAN NEEM AND MUSTARD OIL OFFER ANY BENEFITS?

Although the belly button itself is unlikely to act as a gateway to better health, the oils being used may still have benefits for the skin.

NEEM OIL

• Neem oil has been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
• Studies have shown that it contains compounds with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• When applied to the skin, neem oil may help soothe minor irritation and reduce the growth of certain bacteria and fungi.
• However, these effects are limited to the area where the oil is applied.
• No evidence shows that applying neem oil to the navel can improve digestion, hormone levels or immunity.

MUSTARD OIL

• Mustard oil is rich in fatty acids and natural antioxidants.
• It acts as an emollient, helping soften dry skin and support the skin's protective barrier.
• Some people also use it during massages because it helps reduce dryness.
• Again, experts stress that these benefits are localised to the skin and should not be confused with whole-body health effects.

CAN BELLY BUTTON OILING IMPROVE DIGESTION OR IMMUNITY?

This is one of the most common claims circulating online.

Doctors say there is currently no reliable scientific research showing that applying neem oil, mustard oil, coconut oil or any other oil to the belly button can improve digestion, relieve constipation, strengthen immunity or balance hormones.

Similarly, there is no evidence that navel oiling can treat chronic illnesses or replace medical care.

If someone finds the ritual relaxing or enjoys including it in their bedtime routine, there is generally no harm as long as it does not cause skin irritation.

ARE THERE ANY RISKS?

• Even natural oils can cause problems in some people.
• Neem oil may trigger allergic reactions, causing redness, itching or irritation in those with sensitive skin.
• Mustard oil can also lead to contact dermatitis in some individuals.
• Doctors also warn that the belly button naturally traps sweat, dead skin and dirt.
• Applying oil without cleaning the area first can create a moist environment that allows bacteria or fungi to grow.

Anyone who notices persistent itching, rashes, discharge, foul smell or pain should stop using the oil and consult a healthcare professional.

WHAT ABOUT THE 'PECHOTI GLAND'?

The idea of the Pechoti gland is widely shared on social media whenever belly button oiling trends. However, anatomy experts say there is no medically recognised gland in the navel that absorbs oils into the bloodstream.

The belly button is simply a scar left after the umbilical cord heals following birth. Unlike the intestines or certain medicines applied through specialised skin patches, the navel is not designed to absorb nutrients or therapeutic oils into the body.

BETTER WAYS TO SUPPORT OVERALL HEALTH

Doctors say people looking to improve their skin, digestion or overall wellness should focus on habits that have proven health benefits instead of relying solely on viral remedies.

These include:

• Eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet

• Drinking enough water

• Following a suitable skincare routine

• Using sunscreen daily

• Exercising regularly

• Sleeping for seven to eight hours every night

• Managing stress

These lifestyle measures have far stronger scientific evidence than belly button oiling for maintaining long-term health.

Diljit Dosanjh's nightly ritual has brought an age-old home remedy back into the spotlight, but experts say it should be viewed with realistic expectations.

Neem and mustard oil may help moisturise the skin and offer mild antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory effects where they are applied. However, there is no scientific evidence that applying them to the belly button improves digestion, boosts immunity, balances hormones or treats medical conditions.

If the practice is soothing and does not irritate the skin, it is generally harmless. But doctors recommend treating it as a personal wellness ritual, not as a substitute for evidence-based healthcare or healthy lifestyle habits.