10 Big Health Benefits of Mustard Oil

Mustard oil is a vegetable oil made from pressing mustard seeds. The result is an oil that’s great for external use or as a dietary supplement, allowing you to experience its benefits in various ways. The flavor of mustard oil is very strong—much like the flavor of mustard itself. It’s high in good fats which makes it good for your cholesterol, and its high smoking point makes it a good oil for deep frying. Keep reading to learn more about the health benefits of consuming mustard oil, and how you can incorporate some into your diet.

Skin Health

Mustard oil is very high in vitamin E which makes it a great skincare oil. It has a nice oily texture that makes it perfect for massages and easy to use as a simple lotion, much like coconut oil. Putting mustard oil on your skin may also help improve your circulation and immune health. You can buy 100% mustard seed oil or opt for skincare products with mustard seed oil in the theme.

Healthy Hair

Another way to get the benefits of mustard oil without actually eating it is to put it on your hair. Simply massage a mixture of mustard seed and coconut oil into your scalp, wrap your hair with a towel, and let it sit for a while. When you rinse it out, your hair will be smoother and healthier. Since mustard oil has lots of omega-3 fatty acids, eating it may also help improve the health of your hair.

Cardiovascular Health

Because of its high levels of monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, the mustard seed oil is good food for boosting heart health. It has been shown to raise HDL cholesterol levels while lowering bad LDL levels. You can get the heart health benefits of mustard oil by using it to cook, flavor foods, or even as a supplement.

Antibacterial and Antifungal

In addition to its many other health benefits, mustard oil also has antibacterial and antifungal properties. You can use it to help with bacterial infections both inside and outside of the body, and it also makes a good remedy for nail fungus when applied externally. In fact, some people have had success treating yeast infections and other similar infections by massaging mustard oil into the affected area.

Pain Relief

The discovery that many types of pain are related to inflammation made many foods valuable as medicine. Mustard oil has a lot of selenium in it, a compound that reduces inflammation in the body. This aids with pain relief as well as provides relief for some chronic illnesses which are a result of inflammation.

Improves Blood Flow

When you massage the oil into your skin, it provides circulation-boosting benefits. You can combine mustard oil with coconut oil or another essential oil to make it last longer and add other fragrances and effects. It is best at improving your circulation when you warm it up before you use it.

Treats Gum Disease

Speaking of diseases that are closely related to inflammation, gum disease is one of the most common. Serious cases of gum disease can even cause you to lose your teeth. You can prevent and treat gum disease by using mustard oil and salt as a rub for your gums. Gently rub a mixture of oil and salt into your gums for about five minutes twice a day to treat periodontal disease.

Cold and Cough Relief

Since it’s so pungent, mustard oil is a good treatment for the common cold and the cough that comes with it. The oil produces a strong odor which helps to clear out your sinuses, reducing the symptoms of your cold and allowing you to expel mucus better. To experience the congestion-fighting benefits of mustard oil, simply rub some of it on your chest.

Helps Treat Asthma

Mustard oil won’t make your asthma magically go away, but it can definitely help make it more bearable. Asthma is a result of inflammation of your airways which makes it harder for air to get into your lungs. Since it can be used to reduce inflammation in your body, it’s an effective way to ease the symptoms of asthma.

Improves Brain Function

Studies have shown that certain fatty acids can help improve our brain function. Taking an omega-3 supplement is a good way to help your brain work a little bit better, and mustard oil is naturally high in omega-3 fatty acids. Adding a bit of mustard seed oil to your cooking won’t just add some flavor, it will make your brain work a little better, too.