Everyone is familiar with stomach pain, but belly button pain throws off most people. It is an unusual feeling that can lead to some panic. There are many causes for experiencing pain around your belly button, such as indigestion, gallbladder stones, pregnancy, appendicitis, and stomach ulcer.
While the causes sound serious, most of them can be treated when caught at an early stage. If you tackle it from the beginning, you may not even need to visit a doctor as simple home treatments might be enough to assuage the pain in the belly button area.
| Your belly button is home to thousands of varieties of bacteria. |
How to Treat Belly Button Pain?
CURE 1: Essential Oils
Essential oils contain the concentrated essences of the plants and therefore are very potent forms of treatment.
1. Ginger Oil
Why Does It Work?
Ginger has been in use for a long time to treat gastrointestinal issues. Ginger can fight inflammation, ulcers, tumors, and it is also rich in antioxidants(1). Ginger aids the digestion process and helps you in treating indigestion. Indigestion and stomach ulcers are some of the causes of sharp pulling pain in the belly button.
How to Use it?
Ginger essential should only be applied topically or inhaled. You should never ingest the essential oil. Simply add about one or two drops to the diffuser or to a cotton ball and inhale the scent.You can also try adding some drops of ginger essential oil to a tablespoon of coconut oil or olive oil and apply it on the sore belly button.
How Much to Use?
One or two drops of ginger oil are all you need at a time.
[ Read: Lose Belly Fat Naturally ]
2. Peppermint Oil
Why Does It Work?
Peppermint oil can reduce the formation of and aid in the expelling of gas from the stomach. It reduces the belly button pain that is caused by indigestion and gas(2).
Peppermint oil also improves the functioning of the gallbladder and therefore offers some relief from pain that is caused by gallbladder stones.
How to Use it?
The best way to use peppermint oil for a tender belly button is to apply it topically after dilution. Add some drops of peppermint oil to a carrier oil and apply the mixture all over the abdomen area. You can also inhale the oil for added effectiveness.
How Much to Use?
One or two drops of the essential oil are all you need.
3. Carrot Seed Oil
Why Does It Work?
Carrot seed oil has antibacterial and antifungal abilities. It fights the bacteria named pylori(3) that is responsible for causing ulcers and other gastrointestinal issues. Carrot seed oil is also excellent in fighting flatulence. It also aids digestion and ensures the smooth functioning of the intestines.
How to Use it?
You can mix four to five drops of essential oil with around 30 ml of carrier oil such as olive oil or coconut oil. Apply this mixture to the abdomen concentrating on the sore belly button.
You can cover the area with a warm towel to increase the penetration of the oils and increase the efficacy of the treatment. You can also inhale the aroma after adding a few drops to the diffuser.
How Much to Use?
You only need 4 to 5 drops of carrot seed oil for every 30 ml of carrier oil.
[ Read: Essential Oils for Acid Reflux ]
| Your belly button was the location of your umbilical cord. |
CURE 2: Foods
1. Garlic
Why Does It Work?
Garlic is an excellent anti-inflammatory agent. It is also efficient in relieving flatulence, and it aids digestion. All of this makes garlic a great treatment for indigestion, gastric troubles, and it even soothes the symptoms of appendicitis(4) to an extent.
How to Use it?
You can make garlic a regular addition to your diet. You can add it to curries, salads, stir fry etc. If possible, try to consume a few raw cloves of garlic every day to gain the maximum benefit.
How Much to Use?
A few cloves of garlic daily is enough to reap its benefits in treating belly button pain for male and female.
[ Read: Benefits and Uses of Garlic ]
2. Yogurt
Why Does It Work?
Probiotics aid the growth and sustenance of healthy gut bacteria. These bacteria are crucial for regulating your digestive system. Probiotics can also fight pylori bacteria and help in treating ulcers(5).
Yogurt is one of the richest sources of probiotics. Consuming more yogurt will reduce the occurrence of digestive issues which are usually the reason for belly button pain.
How to Use it?
Yogurt is a very versatile ingredient that can be added to both sweet and savory dishes. You can make raitas or consume a plain bowl of yogurt as a snack. You can even add muesli to yogurt or make smoothies with it for a healthy breakfast.
How Much to Use?
Around one bowl of low-fat yogurt every day is enough to deal with a sore belly button.
[ Read: Easy to Digest Foods ]
3. Fenugreek
Why Does It Work?
Fenugreek can help reduce inflammation(6) and the chances of infection. It does so by removing the toxins and waste from the intestines. Fenugreek not only helps in treating sharp pulling pain from the belly button caused by indigestion and ulcers, but it is also effective in treating appendicitis and its symptoms.
How to Use it?
You can make a concoction from fenugreek seeds by adding two or three teaspoons of seeds to a cup of water. Heat this mixture on high flame and once it has started to boil, reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for approximately five minutes. You can now drink this concoction after straining the seeds.
How Much to Use?
Drink a glass of this mixture daily.
[ Read: Amazing Fenugreek Benefits ]
| Your innie can become an outie during pregnancy. It will return to being an innie after delivery. |
Belly button pain is usually a symptom of some other issue. Have a look at the other symptoms you are experiencing to find the cause for your belly button pain.
Once you do, you can opt for any of the remedies mentioned above to treat it. Please note that if the problem persists even after taking these remedies or is getting worse, then you should contact a physician immediately.
FAQs
1. What does it mean when your belly button hurts?
Belly button pain can be an indication of some other conditions such as indigestion, gallbladder stones, stomach ulcer, pregnancy, etc.
2. Can constipation cause belly button pain?
Yes, constipation can also be one of the reasons behind belly button pain.
3. Is belly button pain a sign of early pregnancy?
For a few women, pain behind the belly button is one of the symptoms of pregnancy. You can take a test to be sure.
4. Are the home remedies effective in treating pain around the belly button?
Home remedies address most of the underlying causes of the pain. But you should note that they do take time to work. Consult a doctor is the condition becomes worse.
