In this world of Ayurveda, mustard oil has immense importance in the ancient Indian medicine system. It is an important and valuable cooking oil used in Indian kitchens. However, it is widely used for both health and beauty benefits in traditional in various cultures across the globe. Hence, it has been used in culinary, health, and skincare routines. Let's explore its uses in the health and skincare industry.

Health benefits of mustard oil:

➢ Heart health : Mustard oil helps reduce the bad cholesterol due to the presence of monosaturated and polysaturated fats. Hence reduces the risk of heart attack.  

➢ Anti-inflammatory properties : Diseases like muscle soreness and arthritis can be relieved with the use of mustard oil as it contains selenium and magnesium which leads to anti-inflammatory properties of mustard oil.

➢ Digestive aid: Mustard oil is known to improve gut health and digestion. To improve digestion, it is recommended to have a teaspoon of mustard oil before having meals.

➢ Immune system support : Mustard oil contains a lot of nutrients such as Vitamin A, D and E. Hence regular consumption of mustard oil improves the immune system of an individual.

➢ Respiratory health: Mustard oil helps improve the overall respiratory health of an individual by adopting a traditional method of inhaling the vapours of mustard oil, especially after heating.

➢ Bone health: Vitamin K helps the absorption of calcium, which in turn is essential for bone health. Mustard oil is rich in vitamin K hence is good for our bone health, promotes healthy bones, and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.

➢ Weight management : Mustard oil provides a sense of fullness and enhances metabolism which helps in keeping the weight under control. Hence mustard oil can be a better and healthier alternative for other cooking oils.

➢ Antioxidant activity : Since mustard oil is rich in vitamin E, it helps in reducing oxidative stress and risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

➢ Antimicrobial activity : Mustard oil helps fight bacterial and fungal infections internally and externally due to the presence of antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Pain-killer properties of mustard oil:

Everyone loves a relaxing deep-tissue massage. A good massage can help treat many kinds of bodily pains. Mustard oil is a great massage oil because it can help in improving blood circulation, relieving joint pains, promoting and muscle relaxation. Hence, this oil is added as a common ingredient in many Ayurvedic massage oils. 

Skin benefits of mustard oil:

➢ Moistures skin: It is very beneficial for dry skin. It contains vitamins and fatty acids which moisturises the skin deeply and makes it soft and hydrated.

➢ Improves skin tone: It helps in reducing the pigmentation, dark spots and blemishes, and helps even out the skin tone resulting in brightening the skin tone.

➢ Promotes hair growth: Messaging the scalp with mustard oil improves the blood circulation, nourishes the hair follicles and accelerates the hair growth. It prevents the split ends and reduces the hair breakage, resulting in strong and healthy hair.

➢ Conditions hair: It is beneficial for dull and dry hair. It deeply nourishes and moisturises the hair making it more manageable and shinier and soft.

➢ Strengthen nails: Messaging nails and cuticles with mustard oil helps prevent breakage and brittleness and makes them stronger and healthier.

➢ Natural makeup remover: It acts as a natural make up remover by removing even the waterproof makeup. It gently and quickly cleanses the skin, making it refreshed and hydrated.

➢ Fights acne: Mustard oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Hence it can help fight acne causing bacteria and fungus making the skin clearer, healthier and even tone.

➢ Soothes irritated skin: It can help reduce redness, itching and discomfort and promotes skin health. This can be done due to the presence of anti-inflammatory properties in mustard oil. It hence can improve the skin conditions such dermatitis and eczema.

Mustard oil has beauty and health benefits along with culinary uses. It is suggested to apply mustard oil on a patch of skin before using it for a specific purpose to avoid any allergic reactions, if any. Also, it is suggested to use mustard oil or any other product in moderation in order to avoid any side effects of the product.