Mustard oil is quite common in Asia, especially India, and it is mostly used for cooking and alternative medicine. As a matter of fact, an Indian blogger referred to it as “an ingredient that can never be replaced in the Indian kitchen”.
Mustard oil is extracted from the seeds of the mustard plant (black, brown, and white). It is also quite popular in Rome and Greece.
Despite its popularity in Asia, the use of mustard oil for cooking is quite controversial. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of oil for cooking purposes due to the fact that it contains erucic acid that is known to cause heart problems in humans. This has made it more popular for its therapeutic uses such as; massage oil, skin serum, and hair treatment in the United States of America, Canada, and Europe.
It may not be popular in the rest of the world for cooking, but the nutty and pungent oil is still loaded with many health benefits. Some of which are described as “miraculous”.
Below are 5 benefits of mustard oil.
1. Relieves Cold And Cough:
Owing to its pungent nature, mustard oil has been used to cure cold, cough and other respiratory illnesses since ancient times.
It contains a heating property that clears up the congestion in the respiratory tract. When combined with garlic, it makes a remarkable concoction that relieves cold and cough when massaged on the chest, feet or back.
Experts recommend it as a “home remedy”. According to Sauma Reddy, a Bangalore-based nutritionist, you can rub a teaspoon of the oil on your chest before sleeping, and the oil does the rest.
2. Acts as a Stimulant:
Mustard oil is a natural stimulant that is known to stimulate our sweat glands, thereby improving circulation, boosts metabolism, rejuvenates stressed muscles, and invigorates digestion. It works as a natural cleanser, eliminating toxins from the body.
According to a study conducted by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, adding mustard oil in your regular diet could be beneficial to heart health.
3. Has Anti-Ageing Effects:
Mustard oil is rich in vitamin B complex, vitamin A, vitamin E, calcium, protein and omega 3 fatty acids. Mustard oil is brilliant in promoting anti-ageing.
The excess amount of vitamin E present in it accounts for a significant reduction in fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of skin ageing.
4. Treats Rashes And Infections:
Mustard oil has exceptional anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, which prevents infections, acne, and treat skin rashes and allergies. It also prevents dryness and itching. When applied on the skin, it is capable of reducing fine lines and wrinkles and can act as a sunscreen. However, too much of the oil could be dangerous to your skin and cause irritation. Therefore, experts recommend that mustard oil massage should be done with limited quantities.
5. Stimulates Hair Growth:
Mustard oil stimulates hair growth by increasing blood circulation in the scalp.
It is a rich source of protein, antioxidants, magnesium, vitamin A, D, E and K and alpha fatty acids – all of which moisturize and revitalize your scalp and keep it hydrated; promoting hair growth. These properties which are both antibacterial and antifungal help to prevent hair loss and ensure healthy hair growth.
To use this oil for your hair, massage a little oil into your hair and scalp. Cover your hair with a shower cap for about 3 hours, shampoo and condition your hair as usual. After a few uses, you will see visible results.
In conclusion,
Mustard oil can be used as a healthy tonic to promote overall health and wellness of the body. The regular use of mustard oil can give you clear, glowing and healthy skin.
