Mustard Oil: Uses, Benefits, Uses & Possible Side Effects

Do you call yourself a food enthusiast who wants to explore culinary delights? If yes, you must learn about mustard oil.

Ever since ages, it has been a staple in many Indian households. It is derived from humble mustard seeds and packs in a rich flavour.

Mustard oil has been an integral part of various cuisines. Its popularity dates back to ancient civilizations.

The origins can be traced to Indus Valley Civilization, where these seeds were cultivated and regarded for their medicinal properties.

The practice associated with extracting oil from seeds evolved. With that, mustard oil became a staple in the world of culinary delights. Today in India, most people call mustard oil as sarson ka tel. The following table narrates the nutritional benefits of mustard oil:

Here are a few benefits of mustard oil massage

Before going through the benefits, let’s see the nutritional value the oil contains. 

A natural sunscreen

With its thick texture and rich Vitamin E content, this vegetable oil is a natural sunscreen. Vitamin E aids protects your skin from harmful rays of the sun and other toxins. Besides, it also delays the onset of wrinkles and premature ageing.

One note: If you use mustard oil instead of sunscreen, massage your face thoroughly to ensure that there is no extra oil on your skin. If not, it could result in a dust buildup on your face and harm rather than help your skin. 

Lightens dark spots and tan

Mustard oil has a lot of importance in Ayurveda. Massaging with mustard oil can help lighten pigmentation and reduce dark spots. You can create a face mask by combining mustard oil with besan or gram flour, a spoonful of curd, and lemon juice. Thoroughly combine the ingredients and dab them onto your face and neck. For optimal effects, try washing your face after 10 to 15 minutes and using the face mask at least thrice a week.

Prevents chapped lips

Mustard oil has vitamin E. Note that Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from free radicals. From maintaining healthy skin and hair to supporting your immune system, it does it all. 

Applying mustard oil to your lips will reduce the chapness if your lip balm doesn't provide long-lasting benefits. This oil comes in a thick texture, so it’s a powerful natural moisturiser that improves the condition of your lips and skin. Compared to marketed lip balms, it can effectively treat cracked lips.

Enhances skin health

Mustard oil has been a fan-favourite ingredient in hair and skincare routines, particularly in South Asian cultures. Its nourishing properties make it a great choice for promoting healthy hair and skin. In addition, the anti-inflammatory properties may also help alleviate scalp conditions such as psoriasis and dandruff.

Considering skincare, mustard oil's antioxidants can protect the skin and prevent premature ageing. Its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe inflamed or irritated skin conditions like acne and eczema.

Improved scalp health

The higher content of fatty acids and antioxidants help nourish your scalp and hair follicles, promoting stronger and shinier hair. It enhances the scalp's health since mustard oil has several anti-bacterial and anti-fungal qualities. Regular massage therapy might aid in the fight against fungal diseases of the scalp. The most prevalent of all hair issues, dandruff, is prevented, and the scalp is kept clean. 

You may massage your hair from root to tip using a mixture of equal parts mustard, olive, and coconut oils. After the massage, wrap your hair in a warm towel for ten minutes. You can shampoo your hair twenty minutes after applying this paste in your hair strands and scalp.

Stops premature greying and reduces hair fall

Mustard oil is packed with vital vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, making it a great option for hair care. If you're worried about premature greying, try using mustard oil to massage your scalp and hair before bed. Mustard oil prevents hair loss by acting as a vitaliser for hair. It ensures hair development by limiting bacterial and fungal infections in your scalp. 

It brightens teeth and helps with oil pulling

The best part of oil pulling is that it reduces harmful bacteria in your mouth. Bad bacteria inside the mouth may create a biofilm on the teeth. You will find a thin layer also referred to as plaque. Mustard oil is a great choice if you practise oil pulling in the morning, swishing oil around your mouth before cleaning your teeth.

Applying mustard oil with your toothpaste can be excellent for your dental health. After using your toothpaste everyday, you can coat them with mustard oil and salt. If you want, you may add a few drops of lemon juice. Wait for five minutes and rinse it with lukewarm water. 

How should you use mustard?

Food may be fried and cooked in mustard oil. In this sense, it strengthens immunity and benefits diabetics and our hearts.

• When added to pickles and chutneys, it serves as a preservative.
• Inhale mustard oil-infused steam to relieve congestion in our respiratory systems.
• One of the best benefits of mustard oil massage on feet is relief from cold. Use mustard oil, garlic, and ajwain on your feet and chest to relieve a cold or cough.
• A spoonful of honey and mustard oil can be consumed to treat various respiratory issues.
• When used for oil pulling, mustard oil eliminates microorganisms and stops gum bleeding.
• Brushing our teeth and gums with a paste made of mustard oil, turmeric, and salt helps them become healthier.

Conclusion

Mustard oil has been a culinary essential all over the world ever since centuries. It is a staple in every kitchen and is commonly called Sarson ka Tel in India. Strong in flavour, mustard oil elevates the flavour of a variety of foods and comes with various health benefits.

FAQs

1. Can I massage my skin with mustard oil every day?

Massaging with mustard oil can relieve joint aches and muscle pain. For arthritis patients, many doctors recommend using mustard oil for regular massage. The presence of Omega-3 fatty acid eases pain and stiffness.

2. What happens when you apply mustard into your navel?

Mustard oil is sometimes used topically to massage muscles and joints. Its warming and pain-relieving qualities are supposed to spread throughout the body when applied to the navel, perhaps relieving discomfort in the muscles and joints.

3. How much mustard oil is safe to take each month?

It is best to consume 600–700 cc of mustard oil per month, which, when taken regularly, comes down to one teaspoon every meal.

4. Does skin shine after using mustard oil?