Mustard Oil

Mustard oil, conversely referred to as sarso oil in India, is obtained from the mustard seeds harvested from varieties of mustard plants. It has been around for thousands of years, especially with usage in countries like India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Traditionally, it is used in cooking due to its 'smoking point' and its flovour retaining properties. Moreover, it has been associated with therapeutic values, such as an effective massage oil for arthritis and a natural healer for skin and hair health. Its rich fatty acids and antioxidant composition are important in alternative medical practices.

Source of Mustard Oil

Mustard oil is extracted from the seeds of the plant, coming in three versions: black mustard (Brassica nigra), brown mustard (Brassica juncea), and white mustard (Sinapis alba). The oil extracted from the seeds is cold pressed with its natural nutrients still in it; the oil has a strong taste. Steam distillation can be done on this oil to extract an essential oil used in aromatherapy.

Mustard oil is commonly called by different names in different regions:

• Sarso oil (India)
• Sarson ka tel/ Rai ka tel (Hindi)
• Sarsay tel (Bengali)
• Kadugenna (Malayalam)
• Rainu tel (Gujarati)

The uses of mustard oil are not limited to only the outer body. You can utilise this oil to gain many health benefits inside your body.

1. Heart-Protective Benefits

Mustard oil is a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids or MUFA. MUFA lowers the bad cholesterol levels, known as LDL, and raises the good cholesterol levels, known as HDL. This keeps the heart system healthy, reducing the  risks of heart diseases like atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke. Omega-3 fatty acids in mustard oil decrease inflammation and help promote better blood circulation for a healthy heart.

2. Alleviates Cough and Cold Symptoms

An age-old remedy for respiratory illnesses has been mustard oil for coughs, colds, and sinus problems. The pungent smell of mustard oil and its warming effect on the body make it an excellent remedy to decongest the nose and open up blocked airways. Applying warm blended mustard oil with camphor to the chest loosens chest congestion and promotes easier breathing.

3. Properties that Combat Bacteria, Fungi, and Cancer

The oil also carries glucosinolates and allyl isothiocyanate, which also help prevent infections, thus helping to heal wounds quicker by performing massive cell repair functions. Research also shows that mustard oil may be anti-carcinogenic because constituents in the oil may help prevent the growth of carcinoma-causing cells.

4. Enhances the Strength of Red Blood Cells

Mustard oil is rich in vitamin E, which protects and repairs red blood cells. Because of its role in strengthening red blood cells' antioxidant defences, mustard oil strengthens them. It increases their lifespan, thus ensuring better oxygen transport around the body.

5. Supports Blood Flow 

It acts as a natural stimulant in topical application. It causes increased circulation by improving flow to the skin and muscles, hence stimulating sweat glands. It helps detoxify the body and improves its metabolism.

6. Alleviation of Joint Pain and Arthritis

One of the best-known benefits of mustard oil is that it relieves joint pain and arthritis. The anti-inflammatory property of the oil relieves inflammation in the joints, thereby offering some relief to people with arthritis. Massages done regularly with mustard oil improve mobility and reduce stiffness in the affected parts of the body.

7. Immune System Enhancer

Mustard oil, rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids, is a great immune system booster. This oil creates the body's ability to fight infections and decreases the chances of frequent diseases such as common colds and fever. Improved circulation with the stimulation of white blood cell production may boost the body's overall immune function.

8. Minimises Risks Associated with Diabetes

It has been established that a mustard oil supplement to the diet results in low blood sugar, making it an important supplement for people with diabetes. It enhances the metabolism of glucose as well as the regulation of insulin levels. This, therefore, ensures an individual's reduced risk of complications with diabetes.

9. Enhances Appetite

Mustard oil stimulates the digestive juices. This will increase appetite and also aid digestion. A savoury flavour enhances it, activating the taste buds and signalling to the brain to increase digestion enzymes.

10. Could Potentially Control the Growth of Cancer Cells

A few studies show that mustard oil possesses certain compounds that may act to reduce the risk of cancer. The glucosinolates and isothiocyanates in mustard oil are strongly linked to their anticancer properties, controlling cancer cell growth from the breast, lung, and gastrointestinal systems.

Mustard oil serves numerous purposes, from culinary to medicinal and cosmetic. Some of the most important uses of mustard oil in daily life include the following:

1. Cooking and Pickling

Mustard oil is a popular ingredient in South Asian cooking, especially in India, and Bangladesh, due to its strong flavour. It is commonly used for stir-frying, curries, pickles and salad dressings. Mustard oil works as a strong preservative and can be used in pickling to enhance the shelf life and flavour of the pickles.

2. Highly Effective Massage Oil

Mustard oil is a popular massage oil since it has warming effects that warm up the blood, improve blood flow, and ease muscle stiffness. When applied to the skin, this oil creates a heating effect on the body, helps relieve joint pain or arthritis, and helps relieve body aches. It has natural anti-inflammatory properties that relax tired muscles.

3. Supports Healthy Oral Hygiene

Another less common use of mustard oil is in oral care. This has been used in Ayurvedic medicine as a combination of salt and mustard oil, which is applied to the gums through massaging to control gingivitis and improve general gum health. It is also an antibacterial agent and reduces plaque, thus reducing tooth decay. It is also applied in oil pulling, which is done by swishing the oil in the mouth and removing toxins while keeping good oral health.

4. Exceptional Hair Care Benefits

Homemakers in India used mustard oil as a natural cure to care for their hair. Rich in essential fatty acids, it contains active essentials such as omega-3 and omega-6 that give nutrition to the scalp and strengthen it. If done regularly, applying mustard oil to the scalp controls dandruff, makes hair grow fast, and stops hair from falling. Rich in its natural heat-producing property, it stimulates hair follicles and thus makes it very ideal for healthy hair.

5. Beneficial for Our Skin

The mustard oil is rich in vitamins and antioxidants and is an excellent medication for the skin. Since it acts as an antifungal and antibacterial agent, it kills the fungus and bacteria responsible for the infection and hence eases skin infections; also, it reduces the formation of acne. When placed on the skin, this mustard oil gives deep moisturization to enhance the skin's texture. It can even be used to control pigmentation and dark spots, and its warming nature makes it excellent for dry skin, mainly in colder climates.

6. Natural Insect Repellent

The strong scent of mustard oil makes it an effective insect repellent, keeping the pest away from home.

1. For Cooking

Mustard oil is a staple in many kitchens because of its strong pungency and high smoke point. Therefore, it can fry, sauté, or add depth to curries, stir-fries, and marinades.

Steps to use:

• Add 1-2 tablespoons of mustard oil into a hot pan with vegetables or meat to sauté.
• It can even be used to dress salads or brushed over pickles and chutneys.
• This will add the qualities of mustard oil to the dishes, for example, improved digestion and even heart health, but will upgrade the flavours of the original dishes.

2. Hair Care

Mustard oil is perfect for hair care products because of its nourishing properties. These properties feed the scalp, speeding up hair growth and eliminating dandruff.

Steps to use:

• Warm 2-3 teaspoons of mustard oil.
• Massage it lightly around the scalp and hair, covering all the places.
• Leave it on for 1-2 hours or overnight before washing with shampoo.

3. As a Skin Moisturiser

Mustard oil is a natural moisturiser abundant in vitamin E and antioxidants. It is, therefore, beneficial for softening and hydrating the skin. However, a patch test is recommended as it may provoke allergic symptoms in sensitive individuals.

Steps to use:

• Apply a few drops directly on dry skin areas
• Massage well for better absorption
• Also, it can be mixed with coconut oil to enhance its benefits. Its regular usage will moisturise and improve the skin's texture, providing key benefits of mustard oil to enhance skin, smooth it, and make it glow.

4. Oral Care

Mustard oil ensures healthy gums and teeth and is also traditionally used in Ayurveda to maintain good oral hygiene, as it helps reduce bacteria and plaque.

Steps to use:

• Take one tablespoon of mustard oil and a pinch of salt.
• Massage this mixture on the gums of the mouth for some time.
• Then, gargle in the mouth thoroughly with water.
• Mustard oil can be used for oil pulling by swishing 1 tablespoon in the mouth for 10-15 minutes to detoxify and improve general oral hygiene.

5. Respiratory Care

Mustard oil, with its warming properties can be employed in respiratory conditions like chest congestion. 

Steps to Use:

For Steam Inhalation:

• Boil water in a pot and add 1-2 teaspoons of mustard oil and salt.
• Cover your head and eyes with a towel.
• Inhale the steam for 5-10 minutes to help ease nasal and chest congestion.

For Chest Application:

• Lukewarm 1-2 teaspoons of mustard oil with a pinch of camphor
• Massage it gently over the chest and the back area
• Cover with a blanket to get sufficient warmth

6. Ear Pain

The anti-inflammatory properties of mustard oil may help ease ear pain caused by inflammation or mild infections. It may also help soften earwax. However, be cautious when using this remedy. Consult a doctor if the pain persists for more than 24 hours after using it.

Steps to use:

• Slightly warm ½ teaspoon of mustard oil
• Pour 1-2 drops of mustard oil in both the ears

• Daily Preparation Amount: Below 1-2 tablespoons
• Hair Treatment Amount: 2-3 teaspoons based on hair length
• Massage Amount: Quantity sufficient  for the area to be massaged

• The medicinal properties of mustard oil benefit the heart, skin, and hair.
• Mustard oil is used for cooking, massage therapy, oral application, and skin care.
• It's a great immune system booster due to its high antioxidant and vitamin content.
• It must be carefully used, mainly in pregnant women and those who have pre-existing diseases.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mustard oil stands out as a versatile and time-tested natural remedy valued for its culinary, medicinal, and skincare uses. Its rich nutritional profile and strong therapeutic properties make it a staple in Indian households and traditional Ayurvedic practices. Whether used for cooking, massage, or topical application, mustard oil supports heart health, relieves joint pain, improves skin texture, and promotes overall well-being. Its enduring popularity highlights its effectiveness and adaptability in modern wellness routines. Embracing mustard oil in daily life can offer a natural and holistic approach to health and self-care.