Mustard oil, derived from the seeds of the mustard plant, is a staple in Indian cooking. Given its potent flavour, aroma, and high smoke point, mustard oil is regularly used for stir-frying and sautéing vegetables in many parts of the world, including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan.
Although it is proscribed as a vegetable oil in the US, Canada, and Europe, pure mustard oil is commonly applied topically and used as a massage oil, skin serum, and hair treatment. Furthermore, it is acceptable and practical to use mustard essential oil, a kind of essential oil made from mustard seeds by a steam distillation procedure, as a flavouring agent.
What are the Health Benefits of Mustard Oil?
Listed below are the benefits of mustard oil:
- Enhances skin quality and hair health
Applying pure mustard oil regularly on the skin and hair can assist in revitalising them. In addition to being a component in do-it-yourself face and hair masks, you can occasionally combine mustard oil with wax and apply it to the foot to help treat cracked heels.
Most of the information now available regarding the topical advantages of pure mustard oil is anecdotal, even though many people claim improvements in fine lines, wrinkles, and hair growth. Use only a tiny amount of mustard oil and do a patch test before applying it to your skin or scalp.
- May alleviate discomfort
Allyl isothiocyanate is a chemical component found in mustard oil, and researchers have extensively studied its effects on the body's pain receptors. Despite the dearth of human studies, one animal study found that adding mustard oil to mice's drinking water could desensitise particular pain receptors and alleviate generalised pain.
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is an omega-3 fatty acid prevalent in mustard oil, which may help soothe pain and reduce inflammation from conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. However, remember that topical application of pure mustard oil for protracted periods has produced severe burns on the skin.
- Can prevent microbial growth
According to specific research, the mustard essential oil has strong antibacterial qualities and may be able to prevent the growth of some dangerous bacterial strains.
In test-tube research, white mustard essential oil was found to inhibit the growth of multiple bacterial species, including Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. A more in-depth study is necessary to find out how the benefits of mustard oil can affect human health, as the majority of evidence comes from trials conducted in test tubes.