Mustard Oil

The name Sarshapa Taila comes from two Sanskrit words: sarshapa, meaning mustard seed, and taila, meaning oil. In Hindi, the oil is commonly called sarson ka tel. The seed and its oil are described in classical Ayurvedic texts, and their medicinal properties have been reviewed in Ayurvedic literature. Mustard oil has long been used as a cooking and massage oil, especially in northern and eastern India.

In Ayurveda, Sarshapa Taila is described in terms of its Rasa (taste), Virya (potency), Vipaka (post-digestive effect) and Guna (qualities). The Rasa is Katu (pungent), the Virya is Ushna (heating) and the Vipaka is Katu. Tikshna (sharp) and Laghu (light) are its main Gunas. The oil is traditionally considered to reduce Vata and Kapha doshas and to increase Pitta dosha. Classically, it is placed among the oils (Taila Varga), while the mustard seed is listed in the Kandughna Mahakashaya, a group of herbs traditionally used to relieve itching. 

Mustard oil is known by the following names in English, Sanskrit and regional Indian languages.

• Botanical: Brassica juncea
• English: Mustard oil, Indian mustard oil
• Sanskrit: Sarshapa Taila
• Hindi: sarson ka tel, rai ka tel
• Punjabi: sarson da tel
• Bengali: sorsher tel
• Gujarati: sarsav nu tel
• Marathi: mohariche tel
• Tamil: kadugu ennai
• Telugu: avala nune
• Kannada: sasive enne
• Malayalam: kaduku enna

Mustard oil contains the following main constituents. Their amounts vary with the mustard variety and the pressing method (Rahman et al., 2024). 

• Erucic acid: a monounsaturated fatty acid that makes up roughly 22 to 55 per cent of the fatty acids in Brassica juncea oil, depending on the variety.
• Oleic acid: a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid, roughly 8 to 33 per cent of the fatty acids.
• Linoleic acid: an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid, roughly 12 to 21 per cent.
• Alpha-linolenic acid: an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, roughly 8 to 20 per cent.
• Gadoleic (eicosenoic) acid: a monounsaturated fatty acid, roughly 5 to 12 per cent.
• Tocopherols (vitamin E): fat-soluble antioxidants, with gamma-tocopherol being the main form.
• Phytosterols: plant sterols such as beta-sitosterol, campesterol and brassicasterol.
• Phenolic compounds: such as sinapic acid, which have antioxidant activity and help protect the oil from rancidity.
• Allyl isothiocyanate: a sulphur-containing compound formed from sinigrin when mustard seeds are crushed. It gives mustard its sharp smell and can irritate the skin, eyes and airways.

Mustard oil has the following potential properties, which are described mainly in laboratory research.

• Rubefacient: produces local warmth and redness on the skin, which is the basis of its use in traditional massage (Rahman et al., 2024).
• Antimicrobial: breakdown products of mustard glucosinolates have shown activity against some bacteria and fungi in laboratory tests (Rahman et al., 2024).
• Antioxidant: tocopherols and phenolic compounds may help limit the oxidation of fats in the oil (Rahman et al., 2024).
• Anti-inflammatory: sinigrin, a mustard glucosinolate, has shown anti-inflammatory activity in laboratory studies (Rahman et al., 2024).

Most of these effects have been observed in laboratory or animal studies, often using mustard seed extracts rather than the finished oil. Well-designed human trials of mustard oil are lacking, so these findings do not establish that it provides therapeutic benefits in people. Traditional Ayurvedic use rests mainly on the heating and sharp qualities of the oil, as described in classical texts.

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. Supports Heart Health

Mustard oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), which may help maintain healthy cholesterol levels by supporting the balance between LDL and HDL. While not a substitute for heart medication, its inclusion in a balanced diet is linked to better heart health.

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. Joint & Muscle Support

In Ayurveda, mustard oil massage is recommended for stiff joints, arthritis, and muscle soreness. Its warming and anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce swelling and improve mobility when massaged regularly.

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

Preliminary research suggests that including mustard oil as part of a balanced diet may assist in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. It may support the metabolism of glucose, though it should not replace prescribed diabetic medication.

9. Enhances Appetite

Mustard oil is a known Deepana (appetite stimulant) in Ayurveda. It stimulates the digestive juices (Pachaka Pitta), which increases appetite and aids digestion. Its savoury flavour enhances the palatability of food, activating the taste buds and signalling to the brain to increase digestive 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 is used in the kitchen, in traditional massage and in some home care practices. The uses below describe traditional practices rather than established medical treatments.

Cooking and Pickling

Mustard oil is traditionally used for frying, sautéing and preparing curries, pickles and salad dressings in northern and eastern India, where its sharp flavour is part of regional cooking. Only sealed, labelled oil intended for culinary use should be used for food.

Traditional Body Massage

Gently warmed mustard oil is traditionally massaged onto the arms, legs and back in cold weather, or when joints and muscles feel stiff. In Ayurveda, this practice is linked with Vata and Kapha care. The massage should be gentle, and a patch test should be done first. Avoid applying oil that is too hot, and discontinue use if irritation occurs.

Gum Care in Traditional Practice

A small amount of mustard oil mixed with a pinch of salt is traditionally massaged onto the gums of adults. It is not a substitute for brushing, flossing or dental treatment, and bleeding, swollen or painful gums should be assessed by a dentist. Evidence supporting this practice is limited, and mustard oil may irritate the oral tissues.

Scalp Oiling and Hair Care

Warm mustard oil is traditionally massaged into the scalp and left for a short time before washing, as part of hair care. There is no reliable clinical evidence that it prevents hair loss, promotes hair growth or treats dandruff. Stop using it if scalp irritation or discomfort occurs.

Skin Care in Dry Weather

In cold, dry weather, a thin layer of diluted mustard oil is traditionally applied to the body before bathing. Because mustard oil can irritate the skin, it should be diluted with a gentler carrier oil and should not be used on the face or on babies' skin. Dilution does not eliminate the risk of irritation, so discontinue use if redness, burning or discomfort develops. 

Other Household Uses

In some homes, mustard oil is burned in lamps and used as a folk insect deterrent. Evidence that it protects against mosquitoes or other insects is limited, so it should not replace nets or approved repellents where insect-borne disease occurs,

Mustard oil is a strong, pungent oil, and the precautions below apply to its use as food and on the skin. Speak to a doctor or an Ayurvedic practitioner before using it for any health purpose.

Purity and Adulteration

Mustard oil has been adulterated with oil from Argemone mexicana (prickly poppy), which causes epidemic dropsy, a serious illness with leg swelling, skin redness and a fast heartbeat. Buy sealed, labelled oil with an FSSAI licence number, and avoid loose or unlabelled oil. Seek urgent medical help for leg swelling, breathlessness or palpitations. 

Heart Conditions and High Cholesterol

Traditional mustard oil is high in erucic acid. In animal studies, high intake caused fat to build up in heart muscle (EFSA CONTAM Panel, 2016). People with heart disease or high cholesterol should ask their doctor before using it as their main cooking oil. 

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Reliable safety data on mustard oil in pregnancy and breastfeeding are limited. Mustard oil is eaten in many regional diets, but its use in medicinal amounts or as a massage oil on the abdomen should be discussed with a doctor or an Ayurvedic practitioner first.

Newborns, Infants and Young Children

Research has raised concern that mustard oil may damage the skin barrier of newborns, so it is not advised for newborn or infant massage (Kumar et al., 2021). Camphor-containing mixtures should not be applied to the chest or near the nose of children under 2 years. 

Allergy and Patch Test

Mustard is a recognised food allergen, and people with a known mustard allergy should avoid the oil. Before skin use, apply a small amount to the inner forearm and wait 24 hours. Do not use the oil if redness, itching, swelling or burning appears.

Sensitive Areas and Broken Skin

Mustard oil can irritate or burn the skin. It should not be applied to broken skin, the eyes, the inner nose, the genitals or the face. For body massage, dilute it with a gentler carrier oil such as coconut oil. Dilution does not eliminate the risk of skin irritation.

Asthma and Breathing Difficulty

Fumes from heated mustard oil may irritate the eyes, nose and airways. People with asthma or other breathing problems should cook in a well-ventilated space and avoid inhaling the vapour. Mustard oil should not be used for steam inhalation.

Pitta Constitution and Acidity

In Ayurveda, mustard oil increases Pitta because of its heating potency. People with acidity, heartburn, gastritis or a Pitta-predominant constitution may find it aggravating and should seek advice from an Ayurvedic practitioner before regular use.

Mustard Essential Oil

Mustard essential oil is highly irritating because it contains concentrated allyl isothiocyanate. It should not be applied to the skin or used for aromatherapy (Rahman et al., 2024).

Mustard oil is used as a cooking oil and as an external massage oil. Follow the method that matches your purpose, and test a small area of skin first before using it externally.

Cooking With Mustard Oil

• Heat a small amount of oil in a clean pan over medium heat.
• Add the vegetables or other ingredients once the oil is hot.
• Measure the oil with a spoon and count it within your total daily oil allowance, which is about 4 to 10 teaspoons for adults, depending on energy needs and the intake of other oils and fats (ICMR-NIN, 2020).
• Reduce the heat if the oil starts to smoke heavily, and keep the kitchen well ventilated.

Scalp Oiling Method

• Do a patch test on the inner forearm and wait 24 hours. A patch test does not guarantee that irritation will not occur.
• Warm 2 to 3 teaspoons of oil in a small bowl placed in warm water. The oil should feel comfortably warm and never hot.
• If your scalp is sensitive, mix the oil with an equal amount of coconut oil. Dilution may reduce irritation but does not eliminate the risk.
• Massage it gently into the scalp with your fingertips and keep it away from the eyes.
• Leave it on for about 1 hour, then wash it out with a mild shampoo. Overnight application is not advised, because prolonged contact may increase the risk of scalp irritation.

Body Massage Technique

• Do a patch test on the inner forearm and wait 24 hours. Discontinue use if redness, itching, burning or swelling develops.
• Mix the oil with a gentler carrier oil, such as coconut oil, in equal parts.
• Warm the mixture until comfortably warm, and test it on the inside of your wrist.
• Apply a thin layer to intact skin and massage gently with circular strokes for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Wipe off the excess and wash with warm water. Take care on tiled floors, because oil makes them slippery.

Gum Massage With Salt

• This is a traditional practice for adults, but evidence supporting its safety and effectiveness is limited. It should not replace routine oral hygiene or dental care.
• Mix about 1 teaspoon of oil with a pinch of fine salt.
• Massage the mixture gently onto the gums with a clean finger for about 1 minute. Mustard oil and salt may irritate oral tissues, so avoid this practice if your gums are sore, bleeding or inflamed.
• Rinse your mouth well with water and spit it out. Do not swallow the mixture.
• Stop if you feel burning, or if the gums bleed or become sore. Consult a dentist if gum symptoms persist.

Disclaimer: This information is for general education only and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor, dentist or Ayurvedic practitioner. Stop use and seek medical advice if irritation or swelling occurs. Seek emergency medical care if you experience difficulty breathing or swelling of the face or lips.

Herbs Traditionally Used With Mustard Oil

In household practice, mustard oil is traditionally combined with the ingredients below. These combinations are based on traditional use and have not been adequately evaluated in clinical trials.

No standard therapeutic dose of mustard oil has been set in clinical guidelines. The guidance below covers everyday food use and external use. It is not a treatment dose.

Children (Under 12 Years)

No separate amount of mustard oil has been set for children. It should be used only in small amounts as part of family meals, because children can reach a higher erucic acid intake for their body weight (EFSA CONTAM Panel, 2016). A paediatrician or dietitian can advise on the right oil for the child. 

External use: Mustard oil is not advised for newborns and infants. For older children, seek advice from a healthcare professional before applying mustard oil to the skin, as it may cause irritation. 

Teenagers (12 to 17 Years)

Mustard oil should stay within the total cooking oil allowance advised for the teenager's age and activity level, as cooking oil limits depend on energy needs (ICMR-NIN, 2020). 

External use: There is no established safe dosage for scalp oiling. Mustard oil may irritate the scalp, so seek professional advice before use and discontinue it if irritation occurs. 

Adults (18 to 59 Years)

Mustard oil counts within the total cooking oil allowance of about 4 to 10 teaspoons (20 to 50 g) a day from all oils, depending on energy needs (ICMR-NIN, 2020). This is a general allowance for all cooking oils and fats, not a mustard-oil-specific recommendation.

External use: No standard amount has been established for scalp oiling or body massage. Mustard oil can irritate the skin, and dilution does not eliminate this risk. Gum massage with mustard oil and salt is not recommended because it may irritate oral tissues and does not replace routine oral hygiene or dental care. 

Elderly (60 Years and Above)

Food: The same total oil allowance as for adults applies, adjusted to the advice of a doctor or dietitian, especially in heart disease or high cholesterol. 

External use: Older skin is thinner and more sensitive. Do a patch test, dilute the oil, use a smaller amount, and avoid slipping on oily floors after a massage.

Disclaimer: This information is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Needs vary with health conditions, so follow the guidance of a qualified doctor or Ayurvedic practitioner. Speak to a healthcare provider before using mustard oil if you take regular medicines.

Mustard oil is usually used in small amounts, but the following side effects may occur, particularly with undiluted skin use or excessive intake.

Skin Irritation and Burning

Mustard oil contains allyl isothiocyanate, which can cause redness, itching and a burning sensation, especially on broken, sensitive or thin skin, or when the oil is left on for long periods (Rahman et al., 2024). 

Allergic Reactions

Mustard is a recognised food allergen. Allergic reactions to mustard may cause hives, swelling, wheezing or breathing difficulty after skin contact or consumption. A severe reaction needs emergency medical care.

Eye and Airway Irritation From Fumes

Fumes from heated mustard oil may cause watering eyes, coughing and throat irritation because of the irritant compounds in mustard (Rahman et al., 2024). Cooking in a well-ventilated space reduces this risk. 

Digestive Discomfort and Heartburn

In Ayurveda, mustard oil is traditionally described as potentially aggravating Pitta. This is associated in Ayurvedic practice with symptoms such as acidity, heartburn or stomach discomfort. Using a smaller amount or choosing another oil may help, and persistent symptoms need a medical review.

Erucic Acid and Heart Strain

High, long-term intake of erucic acid caused fat to build up in the heart muscle of young rats and piglets, and EFSA set a tolerable intake of 7 mg per kg of body weight per day (EFSA CONTAM Panel, 2016). The relevance of these animal findings to humans at usual dietary intake levels remains uncertain, so mustard oil should be consumed in moderation. 

When to Seek Medical Help

Stop using mustard oil and seek medical care for swelling of the lips, face or throat, breathlessness, a widespread rash, leg swelling, chest pain, a fast heartbeat, or skin burning that does not settle after washing the area.

Formal studies of mustard oil and prescription medicines are limited, so the points below are precautions rather than established interactions.

Limited Evidence on Medicine Interactions

Few studies have tested mustard oil alongside prescription medicines, so the absence of a reported interaction does not prove safety. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you use mustard oil in medicinal amounts or apply it regularly over large areas of skin.

Medicines Applied to the Skin

Mustard oil may irritate the skin. Using it on the same area as medicated creams, such as steroid, retinoid, benzoyl peroxide or antifungal creams, may increase skin irritation. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before combining them.

Other Camphor-Containing Products

Mustard oil is often mixed with camphor for chest and muscle rubs. Using this mixture together with commercial balms that also contain camphor may increase exposure to camphor. Camphor can be toxic in excess, especially in children.

Heart, Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Medicines

Mustard oil is not a substitute for these medicines. People who take them should follow their doctor's dietary advice and discuss any change in their main cooking oil, because dietary fats can affect cholesterol and blood sugar control.

Disclaimer: This information is for general education only and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist.

Storage of Mustard Oil

Correct storage helps maintain the quality of mustard oil and reduce the risk of rancidity.

• Keep the oil in a clean, dry container with a tight lid.
• Store it in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources such as the stove.
• Use a clean, dry spoon, because water can spoil the oil.
• Use the oil before the expiry date printed on the label.
• Discard oil that has a stale or paint-like smell, a bitter taste or an unusual change in colour. Rancid oil may contain potentially harmful oxidation products.

• Mustard oil (Sarshapa Taila) is a pungent oil used in Indian cooking and traditional massage, and Ayurveda traditionally describes it as reducing Vata and Kapha and increasing Pitta.
• It supplies unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E, but evidence that it treats any disease in humans is limited, and it is not a substitute for medical care.
• Traditional mustard oil is high in erucic acid, so it should be used in moderate amounts and counted within the total daily oil allowance.
• Buy sealed, properly labelled oil from a reputable seller to avoid adulteration, do a patch test before skin use, and avoid applying it to newborns, infants and broken skin.
• Speak to a doctor or an Ayurvedic practitioner before use if you are pregnant, have heart disease, high cholesterol, asthma or acidity, or take regular medicines.