What Is Mustard Oil?
Mustard seeds are commonly used as a seasoning ingredient in many cooking dishes. Mustard essential oil is rich in fatty acids like erucic acid, linoleic acid and oleic acid.
The essential oil is made up of 92 percent allyl isothiocyanate, which is responsible for the pungent taste of mustard. Mustard essential oil is extracted from mustard seeds through the process of steam distillation.
Uses of Mustard Oil
Mustard essential oil is used in the following ways:
- As a pain reliever
- As an insect repellent
- In vapor rubs
- As a decongestant and expectorant
- In hair fall treatments
Benefits of Mustard Oil
The health benefits of mustard essential oil can be attributed to its diaphoretic, antifungal, stimulant, appetizer, antibacterial, cordial, insect repellent, tonic and anti-rheumatic properties.
The significant health benefits include:
1. Boosts the appetite
Mustard essential oil is a natural appetizer and helps in boosting hunger. It stimulates the inner lining of the stomach and triggers the secretion of digestive juices, which in turn creates a feeling of hunger and increases appetite.
2. Prevents the formation of phlegm
Mustard essential oil is an excellent tonic for the respiratory system. It provides warmth to the respiratory system and prevents the accumulation of phlegm deposits. Mustard essential oil is an effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma, cold, cough and sinusitis.
3. Prevents fungal infections
Due to the presence of allyl isothiocyanate, mustard essential oil acts as an antifungal agent. It inhibits fungal growth and also treats fungal infections if already affected. It is particularly effective against Candida albicans and removes this fungus efficiently.
4. Acts as an irritant
Being an irritant can prove beneficial in some cases. The irritant property in mustard oil can be used to bring back the sensation of organs from a state of numbness. Mustard essential oil can also be used to stimulate muscle growth.
5. Excellent for hair health
Mustard essential oil is rich in linoleic and oleic acids, which act as hair revitalizers. Mustard essential oil promotes blood circulation on the scalp and nourishes the hair follicles from the root to tip. Using mustard essential oil regularly helps prevent hair loss and damage.
6. Aids in detoxification and digestion
Mustard essential oil stimulates the secretion of bile and gastric juices from the liver and spleen. It also initiates peristaltic motion of the intestines and aids digestion.
Mustard essential oil also has detoxifying properties that help eliminate uric acid and other harmful toxins through the excretory system.
7. Anti-inflammatory properties
Mustard essential oil contains anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe inflamed muscles and surrounding tissues. Applying this essential oil topically provides instant relief from muscular and joint pain.
Mustard essential oil has been used to treat rheumatism and arthritis since ancient times.
8. Promotes sweating
Mustard essential oil when consumed or applied externally increases perspiration and promotes sweating. Sweating more enlarges the pores of the skin through which harmful toxins, excess salts and water are eliminated from the body.
This property is also useful in reducing body temperature when you have a fever.
Side Effects of Mustard Oil
To know the correct dosage of mustard oil, consult your doctor before use. Refrain from mustard essential oil if you are suffering from an existing medical condition and always perform a patch test before using mustard essential oil.
- Mustard essential oil contains a high concentration of erucic acid, which can cause a medical condition called myocardial lipidosis, where fibrotic lesions develop in myocardial fibers of the heart.
- Due to the presence of allyl isothiocyanate, mustard essential oil is a strong irritant. When consumed, it can cause inflammation in the lungs, intestines and stomach.
- Mustard essential oil is toxic in nature and causes allergic reactions such as cracked skin, blisters, redness and itchy skin.
- Pregnant women and breastfeeding women are also advised not to use mustard essential oil as it contains chemical compounds that can cause miscarriage or affect the growing baby.
