Mustard Oil: A Traditional Elixir with Modern Benefits

Among natural oils with powerful healing and wellness properties, mustard oil stands out for its rich history, versatility, and growing popularity in both households and health communities. From ancient Ayurvedic practices to modern-day beauty and wellness routines, mustard oil is valued for its unique chemical composition and wide range of applications.

In this guide, we explore what makes mustard oil so beneficial, how it can be used for cooking, hair, and skin, and why it remains a household staple in regions like South Asia, especially Pakistan.

What Is Mustard Oil?

Mustard oil is extracted from the seeds of the mustard plant (Brassica juncea, Brassica nigra, or Brassica hirta). The oil is typically cold-pressed or expeller-pressed, ensuring that the natural nutrients and properties remain intact.

It has a pungent aroma, a dark yellow to golden hue, and a sharp, spicy taste. Rich in omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, mustard oil has been used traditionally for cooking, massage therapy, and medicinal purposes.

Mustard Oil Benefits: Why You Should Include It in Your Routine

1. Promotes Hair Growth and Scalp Health

Mustard oil benefits is loaded with fatty acids like omega‑3 and omega‑6, along with vitamins A, D, E, and K. These nutrients nourish the scalp, strengthen hair roots, and promote growth.

• Stimulates blood flow to hair follicles
• Prevents dandruff and scalp infections
• Reduces premature greying when used regularly

Usage Tip: Warm the oil slightly and massage it into the scalp. Leave it on for an hour or overnight, then wash with mild shampoo.

2. Improves Heart Health

Mustard oil is high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, both of which are beneficial for cardiovascular health.

• Helps reduce bad cholesterol (LDL)
• Boosts good cholesterol (HDL)
• Supports healthy blood circulation

In many South Asian households, mustard oil is the go-to cooking oil due to its heart-friendly profile.

3. Boosts Immunity

Mustard oil contains compounds like glucosinolates and allyl isothiocyanate, which have antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Fights infections and supports respiratory health
• Helps relieve cold, cough, and sinus congestion
• Acts as a natural decongestant when used in steam therapy

4. Enhances Skin Health

Mustard oil is a natural emollient that locks in moisture and improves skin tone.

• Helps reduce tan and pigmentation
• Acts as a natural sunscreen
• Treats dry and flaky skin
• Suitable for massage in babies (used traditionally in Pakistan and India)

Caution: Always do a patch test, as mustard oil can cause irritation in sensitive skin types.

5. Relieves Joint Pain and Muscle Stiffness

Used in warm massage therapy, mustard oil improves blood flow and soothes inflammation in muscles and joints.

• Popular among elderly individuals for arthritis pain relief
• Used by athletes for faster muscle recovery

Adding turmeric or garlic to warm mustard oil enhances its pain-relieving effects.

6. Aids in Digestion

When used in cooking, mustard oil improves appetite and supports digestion due to its stimulating effects on gastric juices.

• Reduces indigestion and bloating
• Enhances metabolism
• Supports liver and spleen health

Its sharp taste also adds depth to many traditional Pakistani dishes like achar, curries, and fried snacks.

Mustard Oil for Cooking: Is It Safe?

There’s often confusion about whether mustard oil is safe for cooking. In Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Nepal, it’s widely used in kitchens for its flavor and health benefits.

In Pakistan:

• Cold-pressed mustard oil is widely accepted and safe for consumption
• Adds a bold, pungent flavor to desi recipes
• Used in marinades, pickles, and sautéed vegetables

Note: In Western countries, mustard oil labeled “for external use only” typically contains erucic acid, which is restricted due to health concerns at high concentrations. Always choose food-grade oil if you’re using it for cooking.

Nutritional Profile of Mustard Oil (Per 100ml Approx.)

• Calories: 884 kcal
• Total Fat: 100 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 60 g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Vitamin E: 17 mg
• Omega-3 and Omega-6: Abundant

How to Identify Pure Mustard Oil

To ensure you’re getting high-quality mustard oil:

• Color: Should be deep yellow or golden
• Smell: Strong, pungent aroma
• Texture: Slightly thick, smooth when applied to skin
• Label: Check for “cold-pressed” or “food grade”
• Packaging: Dark glass bottles or airtight containers preserve freshness

Popular brands in Pakistan offering pure mustard oil include ChiltanPure, Organico, Nutrioleum, and local unbranded village-pressed oils.

Mustard Oil Price in Pakistan

The cost of mustard oil depends on quality, extraction method, and packaging.

Prices may vary slightly by city and seller. Look for online stores like ChiltanPure, Organico, or Daraz for reliable delivery options.

Tips for Using Mustard Oil Safely

• Always warm mustard oil before applying it to the skin or hair
• Avoid using it on broken or irritated skin
• Perform a patch test for skin sensitivity
• Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight
• Choose certified food-grade oil for cooking use

Final Thoughts

From boosting hair growth to supporting heart health and skin nourishment, mustard oil is a natural powerhouse. Its long-standing use in Pakistani households is rooted in both tradition and science, and it continues to prove its value across generations.

Whether you’re using it as a cooking ingredient or a personal care essential, the benefits of mustard oil make it one of the most versatile and affordable oils available today.