Mustard
essential oil, a type of essential oil produced from mustard seeds using a
steam distillation process, is also available and approved for use as a
flavoring agent.
Here are benefits of mustard oil and mustard essential oil, along with some simple ways
to use them.
How
to use it
- Pure mustard
oil is not permitted for use as a vegetable oil in many countries
around the world, including the United States, Canada, and Europe.
- This is
because it contains a compound called erucic acid, which is a fatty acid that
can have serious adverse effects on heart health.
- On the other
hand, mustard essential oil is extracted from mustard seeds via a steam
distillation process, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has deemed it
generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a flavoring agent.
- Although the
two are considered different types of oil, they are both extracted
from mustard seeds and share many of the same beneficial compounds.
- Both can also
be diluted with a carrier oil, applied topically, and used as a massage
oil or mixed into homemade skin serums and scalp treatments.
- Be sure to
perform a patch test by applying a small amount to your skin and wait at least
24 hours to check for any redness or irritation.
- There’s
currently no recommended dosage for mustard oil, and research on the effects of
its topical application among humans is lacking.
- Therefore,
for topical use, it’s best to start with a small amount of around 1 tablespoon
(14 mL) and increase slowly to assess your tolerance.