Where Did This Trend Come From?
Let’s be clear: there is zero scientific evidence that applying castor oil to the skin over your navel has any systemic health benefits. The so-called “Pechoti gland” that’s often mentioned doesn’t exist in human anatomy. And while castor oil may soothe irritated skin, it’s not going to balance your hormones or heal your gut microbiome via your belly button.
Why Do These Trends Catch Fire?
This is where the psychology of wellness fads comes in. People are overwhelmed. They’re tired. They’re not feeling their best and often don’t know where to start. A soothing, simple ritual, like rubbing oil into your belly buttonoffers the illusion of control, especially when it’s framed as ancient wisdom or backed by personal testimonials.
The Detox Myth & Celery Juice Culture
Detoxing is one of the most persistent, and misleading, ideas in the wellness space. Celery juice is a prime example. Promoted as a miracle morning ritual to detox the liver, heal acne, reduce inflammation, and support weight loss, it became a phenomenon with zero scientific backing.
Okra Water: A Slippery Substitute
Another recent trend is drinking okra water: soaking okra pods overnight and drinking the liquid to lower blood sugar, lose weight, and balance cholesterol.
Borax Water: Where Wellness Crosses the Line
Some trends are just silly. Others are dangerous. Drinking borax (a laundry additive) falls into the latter category. This trend promotes borax water as a cure for arthritis, parasites, and heavy metals.
The facts: Borax is toxic. It is not approved for human consumption. It can cause nausea, vomiting, hormonal disruption, infertility, and even death. People who promote this often use pseudoscientific language to make it sound legitimate, but there is no safe level of borax ingestion.
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If you take away one thing from this article, let it be this: Stop taking health advice from influencers who aren’t medically trained.
Why We Keep Falling for It
The appeal of these fads is simple. They promise results without the hard work. They tap into our desire for control, healing, and hope. But the truth is that wellness isn’t about hacks. It’s about habits. It’s about science, not sensationalism.
Your Body Deserves Better
Your body deserves better than belly button oil and borax cocktails. It deserves real, evidence-based care.
At Aspect Wellness, we help midlife women cut through the noise and focus on what actually works: nutrition, movement, hormone support, sleep, stress management, and lasting behavior change.
