Move Over Hot Dog, the Mustard is Movin' on Up!

I am in love with Mustard Oil. I am now offering massages with Mustard Oil that I purchased from a little Indian mart in my neighborhood, and I couldn't be more excited. Sounds a little nuts I know, but I am telling you this stuff is practically magic.

Mustard Oil has contrary reputations in different parts of the world. It is a very popular oil in the Indian Subcontinent (more precisely in the Eastern parts of India and in Bangladesh) as edible oil and is considered very healthy. It is also sold as massage oil for external application.

It has a lovely pungent aroma that is similar to but not as strong as horseradish. As you apply the oil to the body the scent dissipates and leaves no odor on the body, but before it does it has a sweet smell almost like dried hay. The density is quite heavy and glides smoothly over the skin with enough tackiness to allow for deeper work on trigger points and adhesions. It is also a fabulous stimulant to the circulatory system, as well as the following:

Stimulant: Mustard Oil is a very strong stimulant. It is particularly effective in stimulating circulation, digestion and excretion. This oil, if used externally for massage, stimulates circulation very well. The effects are even visible. It stimulates digestion by stimulating secretion of gastric juices and bile from spleen and liver. The excretory system is also stimulated by this oil since the peristaltic motion of the intestines is stimulated.

Irritant: Although being an irritant is not viewed upon as beneficial, yet it can be beneficial in some cases too. Irritation is nothing but a way of reaction of an organ to an external agent. It also shows that the organ is responding to external stimuli. This property is also used to pump up muscles.

Anti Bacterial: This essential oil has bactericidal or anti bacterial properties. Internally it fights bacterial infections in the colon, digestive system, excretory system, urinary tract etc. Externally applied, it can treat bacterial infections on skin.

Anti Fungal: This oil serves as an anti fungal agent, due to presence of Allyl Isothiocyanate. It does not allow fungal growth and also inhibits if there is any.

Insect Repellant: Insects and even some smaller animals avoid this oil and keep away from it. That is why Mustard Essential Oil acts as an insect repellant too. It can be used in fumigants and vaporizers to drive away insects. **For more info on vaporizers and other modus operandi, see The Nose Knows ~part 2~ **

Hair Vitalizer: The stimulating effects and the presence of certain fatty acids such as oleic acid and linoleic acid, when combined together, make Mustard Oil an efficient hair vitalizer. Its stimulating effects increase blood circulation in the scalp while the fatty acids nourish the hair roots. It has been seen that prolonged use of this oil on hair may give it a brown tint but strengthens it and prevents hair fall effectively.

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

Anti Rheumatic & Anti Arthritic: It gives good relief in rheumatism and arthritis and for long has been in use as a rub in such cases.

Other Benefits: It is beneficial in treating cold & cough, headache, congestion resulting from cold, aches and body-pain and for muscular growth. It is also used to rub on gums for strengthening them. This also protects teeth from germs. This oil also contains good percentage of OmegAlpha3 and OmegAlpha6 fatty acids, anti oxidants and vitamin-E which have their own benefits.


So what do you say? Next time someone asks if you want ketchup or mustard on your hot dog, take the Mustard!