Impressive Benefits Of Mustard Essential Oil

The health benefits of mustard essential oil can be attributed to its properties as a stimulant, irritant, appetizer, antibacterial, antifungal, insect repellant, hair vitalizer, cordial, diaphoretic, antirheumatic, and tonic substance.

About Mustard Essential Oil

Mustard oil had contradictory reputations in different parts of the world over the years. It is a very popular oil in the Indian subcontinent and in Bangladesh. It is used as an edible oil and is considered very healthy, whereas, in the rest of the world, it is often considered toxic, irritable, and not suitable for edible purposes. In some parts of Europe, there is a ban on selling this oil and in some other countries; it is sold as a massage oil reserved for external application only.

Mustard essential oil is totally different from mustard oil, not because it is extracted from anything else, but in terms of the process of extraction, chemical composition, and medicinal properties. Both of these oils are extracted from the seeds of mustard, which bears the scientific name Brassica Nigra (Black Mustard) or Brassica Hirta (White Mustard).

While mustard oil is extracted by cold compression of mustard seeds, its essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of mustard seeds soaked in water, and that is where the major difference occurs. Mustard seeds (black or white) contain an enzyme called myrosinase and a glucosinolate called sinigrin. These two remain isolated in mustard seeds under normal conditions but react when the seeds are subjected to pressure or heat. In the presence of water, these two components react to form allyl isothiocyanate (in case of black mustard) and normal isothiocyanate (in case of white mustard), which is a toxic compound.

Allyl isothiocyanate present in mustard essential oil, accompanied by certain fatty acids like oleic, linoleic, and erucic acid, has been proven to have certain health benefits, which are discussed in greater detail below.

Health Benefits Of Mustard Essential Oil

The health benefits of mustard essential oil are mentioned below in detail;

Stimulates Circulation

Mustard essential oil is a very strong stimulant, just like mustard oil. If used externally for the purpose of massage, it boosts circulation very well. It also promotes digestion by stimulating the secretion of gastric juices and bile from the spleen and liver. The excretory system is also aided by this oil since the peristaltic motion of the intestines is activated, thus benefiting digestion.

Acts as an Irritant

Although being an irritant is not often seen as a good thing, it can be beneficial in some cases. Irritation is nothing but a way that an organ reacts to an external agent or stimulus. It also shows that the organ is responding to external stimuli. This property can be used to bring sensation back to the organs suffering from numbness or lack of sensation. Mustard essential oil is also used to pump up muscles and stimulate muscle growth or excitation.

Boosts Appetite

Mustard essential oil acts as an appetizer and boosts hunger. This can also be a side effect of the irritant and stimulant qualities of this oil. It irritates the inner lining of the stomach and intestines, stimulates digestive juices, and creates a feeling of hunger.

Fights Bacterial Infections

This essential oil has bactericidal or antibacterial properties. Internally, it fights bacterial infections in the colon, digestive system, excretory system, and urinary tract. When applied externally, it can treat bacterial infections on the skin.

Prevents Fungal Infections

This oil serves as an antifungal agent, due to the presence of allyl isothiocyanate. It does not allow fungal growth and also inhibits the spread of infection if it has already formed.

Useful Insect Repellent

Mustard essential oil acts as a useful insect repellent as well. It can be used in fumigants and vaporizers to drive away insects.

Hair Care

The presence of fatty acids such as oleic and linoleic acid make mustard essential oil an efficient hair revitalizer. Its stimulating effects increase blood circulation in the scalp while the fatty acids nourish the hair roots. It has been repeatedly shown that prolonged use of this oil can effectively prevent hair loss.

Prevents Phlegm

The feeling of warmth that this oil provides makes it very cordial. It warms up the respiratory system and protects it from the formation and accumulation of phlegm. This may be partially due to its stimulating and mildly irritating effects.

Promotes Sweating

Mustard essential oil promotes sweating, both when consumed and when applied externally. It stimulates sweat glands to produce more sweat as well as enlarges the openings of the pores on the skin. This property is helpful in lowering body temperature as well as for removing toxins, excess salts, and water from the body.

Excellent Toner

This oil serves as an all-around tonic for your body’s health. It tones up all the systems operating in the body, gives strength, and boosts the immune function.

Reduces Symptoms of Arthritis

Mustard essential oil provides relief for symptoms of rheumatism and arthritis and has been used for this purpose since ancient times.

Other Benefits

It is beneficial in treating cold & cough, headache, congestion resulting from cold, body pain, and is helpful for muscle growth. It can also be rubbed on gums to strengthen them. It also protects the teeth from germs. This oil contains a good percentage of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E, which have their exclusive health benefits.