Health Benefits Of Mustard Oil

The health benefits of mustard oil are multiple. It is known to cure diseases and problems related to the heart, skin, joints, muscles, and so much more. Following are some of the well-known benefits of this wonder oil.

1. Reduces The Risk Of Cancer

Research suggests that mustard oil has strong cancer-fighting properties. It contains ample amounts of linolenic acid, which when converted to omega-3 fatty acid, helps prevent stomach and colon cancers.

A study by South Dakota University proves the same. They tested the efficacy of mustard, corn, and fish oils on rats affected by colon cancer. Mustard oil was found to be more effective in preventing colon cancer than fish oil.

2. Has Cardiovascular Benefits

Mustard oil contains rich amounts of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (MUFA and PUFA) as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These good fats lower your risk of developing ischemic heart disease by 50%.

Enriched mustard oil is also known to show hypocholesterolemic (cholesterol-lowering) and hypolipidemic (lipid-lowering) effects. It reduces bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and increases good cholesterol (HDL) levels in the body, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

3. Is A Natural Stimulant

Mustard oil is a very powerful natural stimulant. It improves digestion and appetite by stimulating digestive juices and bile in the liver and spleen.

When massaged into the skin, it also stimulates our circulatory system and sweat glands. This ensures improved blood circulation throughout the body and enlarged skin pores through sweating.

This diaphoretic ability of mustard oil results in lowered body temperature and removal of toxins from the body.

4. Stimulates Sensation In The Muscles

Feeling numbness in your muscles?

Just massage some mustard oil on the affected area, and you will slowly start gaining some sensation in your muscles.

5. Relieves Cold And Cough

Owing to its pungent nature, mustard oil has been used to cure cold and cough since decades.

It contains a heating property that clears up the congestion in the respiratory tract. It works best when combined with garlic and massaged on the chest and back.

Another method of using mustard oil for clearing cold and cough is using steam treatment. Add caraway seeds and a few spoonfuls of mustard oil to a pot of boiling water and inhale the steam. This clears the phlegm build-up in the respiratory tract.

6. Eases Joint Pain And Arthritis

Regularly massaging mustard oil on the skin works amazingly well in curing joint aches and arthritis by increasing blood flow and circulation throughout the body.

Mustard oil also contains large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which act as an anti-inflammatory to ease joint stiffness and pain associated with arthritis.

7. Helps Heal Chapped Lips

Do you have trouble with chapped lips?

Each night, just before you are about to sleep, pour two or three drops of mustard oil in your navel.

Yes, you read that right! Pour two or three drops of mustard oil in your belly button. As long as you do this every night, you should never have to worry about having chapped lips ever again.

8. Improves Functioning Of The Organs

A massage done with mustard oil refreshes the body and improves the functioning of your organs by increasing blood circulation to all parts of the body.

Mustard oil massage for newborns is quite a popular practice in many countries. Studies showed that the common reasons to use mustard oil for massaging were to promote strength, maintain health, and provide warmth to the body.

9. Has Antibacterial, Antifungal, And Anti-inflammatory Properties

Mustard oil is known to contain antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Its anti-inflammatory properties are attributed to the presence of selenium, which reduces pain and swelling, thus easing joint pain. This anti-inflammatory property of mustard oil also finds its use in the formulation of diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory medication.

Recent studies have shown that microemulsions containing mustard oil work as antibacterial agents against E. coli. The glucosinolate present in mustard oil prevents the growth of unwanted bacteria and other microbes.

Mustard oil also contains powerful antifungal properties that can treat skin rashes and infections caused by fungi. A study was conducted on rye bread spoilage (by fungi) by exposing it to different oils. Mustard oil proved to be the most effective, owing to the presence of a compound called allyl isothiocyanate.

10. Beneficial For Asthma

Asthma is a disease that has no permanent cure. But its symptoms and effects can be managed and greatly reduced by using mustard oil. This is known to be one the safest and most effective cures to treat the effects of asthma.

Massage brown mustard oil on your chest to increase airflow to the lungs during an asthma attack. Or you can make a mixture of 1 tablespoon of mustard oil with 1 teaspoon of camphor and rub it on your chest.

You can also prevent asthma attacks by swallowing a mixture of one tablespoon each of mustard oil and honey, three times a day.

11. Is An Excellent Insect Repellent

Worried about mosquito or insect bites when you go outdoors? Apply some mustard oil on your skin, and insects will stay away from you.

12. Whitens Teeth And Treats Dental Problems

Why spend so much money on teeth whitening strips or chemical treatments to whiten your teeth when you can use mustard oil?

Make a paste of ½ teaspoon of mustard oil, 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Rub this mixture on your teeth and gums twice a day to promote healthy teeth and provide relief from gingivitis and periodontitis.

13. Boosts Brain Function

The high concentration of fatty acids present in mustard oil is known to boost brain function and help treat depression. They are also said to boost memory and improve cognitive functions in the brain.

14. Promotes Overall Health

Mustard oil can be used as a healthy tonic to promote overall health and wellness of the body. It provides benefits to the entire body, whether consumed or used externally.

15. Removes Tan And Dark Spots

Massaging mustard oil on your face regularly can significantly reduce tan, dark spots, and skin pigmentation.

Make a paste of mustard oil with chickpea flour, 1 teaspoon of yogurt, and a few drops of lemon juice. Apply this on the face and neck. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes before washing it off with cold water. Do this three times a week for a few months, and you will notice excellent results.

16. Lightens The Skin Tone

Mustard oil is rich in vitamins A, B complex, and E – all of which promote anti-aging and healthy skin.

For young-looking skin, mix equal parts of mustard and coconut oils. Massage this mixture into your skin every night for 15 minutes and then wash off with a mild face wash.

If you use it regularly, you will start to notice your skin tone getting lighter. It also reduces the signs of aging by delaying the onset of wrinkles.

17. Natural Sunscreen

You don’t ever have to worry about going out in the sun or buy expensive sunscreens as long as you have mustard oil at home.

Massage a small quantity of this wonder oil into your skin before you step outdoors. The high amount of vitamin E in this oil protects your skin from the harmful UV rays and environmental toxins.

Remember not to use large quantities of this oil on your skin because excess oil attracts dust and pollution.

18. Treats Rashes And Infections

As mentioned earlier, mustard oil has powerful anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, which help it to ward off infections and treat skin rashes and allergies. It also prevents dryness and itching.

19. Has Anti-Aging Effects

Mustard oil is brilliant in promoting anti-aging. The excess amount of vitamin E present in it accounts for a significant reduction in wrinkles and other signs of skin aging on regular use.

Is Mustard Oil Good For Hair?

Yes, it is. Mustard oil ensures hair growth, prevents hair loss, reduces graying, and much more. Moreover, a mixture of mustard oil and curd can work wonders for the hair. Read on to know more.

20. Stimulates Hair Growth

Regular hair massages keep the scalp nourished. Mustard oil stimulates hair growth by increasing blood circulation in the scalp. It contains protein, a major component of hair, and omega-3 fatty acids – both of which nourish your hair and encourage hair growth.

The antibacterial and antifungal properties of this oil prevent hair loss and ensure healthy hair growth.

Using this oil for hair growth is very easy. Just massage a little oil into your hair and scalp. Cover your hair with a shower cap for about 3 hours and shampoo and condition your hair as usual. After a few uses, you will see visible results.

21. Prevents Premature Graying

Mustard oil is packed with essential vitamins and minerals that help prevent premature graying of hair on regular use.

You can use this before going to bed. Apply mustard oil to your hair and leave it on for 30 minutes before washing it off.

22. Gets Rid Of Dandruff And Itchy Scalp

The antibacterial and antifungal properties of mustard oil ensure a healthy scalp, free from dandruff and itchiness.

Mix equal amounts of mustard and coconut oil and massage into the hair. Cover your hair with a towel and leave it on for two hours. Wash off with a mild shampoo. Do this a few times a week and watch your dandruff disappear slowly.