Mustard also known as Cruciferae, is a member of the cabbage family that has cross-shaped flowers and smooth erect pods containing the seeds. Mustard seeds come in three variants: black mustard seed, white mustard seed and brown mustard seed. Mustard, commonly grown and cultivated in all parts of the world like the Middle East, China, India and Mediterranean countries. Its seeds have a common distinction depending on the color and the place where it has been harvested.
Mustard Essential Oil is known to be extracted from three variants of mustard seeds namely: Brassica nigra or Black Mustard Seed, Brassica alba or White Mustard Seed and Brassica juncea or Brown Mustard. However, only the first two varieties are used for making organic oils. This oil produces a strong pungent odor and its appearance varies from the kind of seeds used for oil extraction.
Mustard Essential Oil is an organic by-product that has various therapeutic effects but is highly regarded to contain toxic compounds. It is a known diaphoretic which aids the excretion of harmful substances in the body, helps treat both bacterial and fungal infections, and a potent appetite stimulant
Benefits of Mustard Essential Oil
Here are the benefits of Mustard Essential Oil:
- Acts as a natural sunscreen and helps protect the skin from harmful UV rays from the sun
- Aids in the treatment of rashes and other skin infections
- Lightens the skin by removing dark spots and tan lines
- Helps the stimulation of hair growth thus preventing hair loss and other scalp problems
- Provides relief from arthritis and rheumatism
- Aids in the treatment of asthma and other respiratory problems
- Strengthens the body and boosts immunity
- Stimulates the sweat production thus allowing the excretion of harmful toxins in the body
- Aids in proper digestion and is a known appetite stimulant
- Aids in the treatment and prevention of bacterial and fungal infections
Mustard Essential Oil Uses
- Mustard Essential Oil as Hair Revitalizer: This oil is composed of certain fatty acids like oleic acid and linoleic acid. Once combined, these two act as a potent hair revitalizer, which stimulates the increase of blood supply in the scalp and nourishes the hair roots.
- Mustard Essential Oil as an Appetite Stimulant: This oil comprises chemical substances that help boost the appetite thus increasing the sensation of hunger and food consumption.
- Mustard Essential Oil as Antimicrobial: Having the presence of Allyl Isothiocyanate, an antifungal agent found in this oil, it aids in the prevention of fungal infections commonly found in the skin. It is also known for its bactericidal properties that help fight various bacterial infections with various bodily systems.
- Mustard Essential Oil as a Tonic: This oil is a known tonic, which helps strengthen the body and tones the bodily systems thus increasing one’s immunity.
- Mustard Essential Oil as Diaphoretic: This oil has certain chemical properties that aid in the stimulation of sweat glands to produce more sweat thus eliminating excessive salt, water and other harmful toxins in the body.
- Mustard Essential Oil as Anti-Rheumatic & Anti-Arthritic: It has chemical components that inhibit further pain caused by rheumatism and arthritis.
- Mustard Essential Oil as Stimulant: This type of essential oil is a potent stimulant that aids in the proper function of various body systems like the circulatory, digestive and excretory systems.
Side Effects of Mustard Essential Oil
Mustard Essential Oil is considered toxic and has harmful effects when used for human consumption. It has the presence of Allyl isothiocyanate a toxic agent that has rigorous lachrymatory effect and can cause severe irritation. However, regulated dosage of this oil can still be used for various therapeutic purposes.
Here are the following precautions you need to consider in using Mustard Essential Oil:
- People with known allergies must not use this oil due its possible adverse reactions it may cause. It starts with severe skin irritation as evidenced by itchiness and redness of the skin, followed by blistering and further irritation with the mucous membranes.
- Pregnancy and Lactation. The use of Mustard Essential Oil to pregnant women is strictly prohibited. It is known to induce uterine contractions that may lead to severe bleeding and possible miscarriage. Nursing mothers should also be cautious and must consult a medical practitioner first before use.
- Patients with Diabetes. It is has the tendency to lower the blood sugar levels that may interfere with the effects of the usual medications that treat diabetes.
- Due to its potent effect to lower blood sugar levels, it is advised that patients who will undergo various type of surgery must not use this oil at least 2 weeks before the procedure.
- Prolonged use of this oil may interfere with the normal function of the skin by augmenting the loss of water and can modify the structure of the skin layers.
- Respiratory Tract. Once inhaled, it may cause severe irritation with the eyes, nose, mucous membranes and other parts of the respiratory system.
How to Use Mustard Essential Oil
Mustard Essential Oil is commonly used through topical application of specified and regulated amounts to help treat various ailments with the skin and other systems of the body. Gently massage the oil on the specific part of the body that is in need of fast relief from pain and to reduce inflammation.
How to Make Mustard Essential Oil
Mustard Essential Oil is drawn out from the two varieties of mustard seeds: Black Mustard Seed and White Mustard Seed, which then undergoes the process of steam distillation to obtain the organic component of the oil.
Steam distillation is a type of separation process that carefully considers the temperature sensitivity of most organic compounds. It is commonly used to press organic oils to avoid the decomposition of natural aromatic compound when exposed to higher temperatures.
Mustard Essential Oil Recipe
You can make your own version of Mustard Essential Oil with the following instructions:
- Grind the mustard seeds using a mortar and pestle, then set aside.
- Using a pan, start to heat up the carrier oil of your choice.
- When it’s ready, add the ground mustard seeds and let it boil until it turns brown.
- Once done, allow to cool before transferring the oil to a glass container for storage.
- Do not forget to refrigerate after it is transferred to a container; this is to help maximize its potency.
)
Where to Buy Mustard Essential Oil
Mustard Essential Oil like all other organic oils can be purchased in various health and wellness stalls near you. You can also check the Internet for online health shops for fast and easy access. They usually come in different sizes and are stored in sealed containers to keep its potency and attain maximum effectivity.
More information on Mustard Essential Oil
- Mustard Essential Oil contains known components like: Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamin-E that has numerous health benefits and exhibits various therapeutic effects.
- This oil is not usually used for aromatherapy and is not commonly blended with other essential oils due to its irritating effect in the respiratory system.
- It is a potent insect repellant that is often used in fumigants to drive away and kill insects.
- In some countries like India and Bangladesh, this oil is used for oral consumption regardless of its toxic precautions. But for most countries, it is extremely advised to be applied solely for external use.
