Extracted from “seeds” of a plant belonging to the “Brassica” and “Sinapis” genus is an essential oil known as Mustard Seed Oil. This oil is derived from the seeds of a plant known as “Mustard” belonging to the “Brassicaceae” family. Furthermore, this oil is obtained by crushing the mustard seeds, adding water to the powdered seeds, and eventually using the steam distillation process to derive the final product. In addition, this oil possesses a distinctive “pungent” taste since it contains an organic compound known as “allyl isothiocyanate”.
A. Chemical constituents of Mustard Seed Oil:
This oil is derived from the seeds of the “Mustard” plant belonging to the “Brassica” and “Sinapis” genus and the “Brassicaceae” family in the plant kingdom. In addition, this oil also comprises of about 60% monounsaturated fatty acids i.e. euric acid, oleic acid, 21% polyunsaturated fatty acids i.e. omega-3, alpha linolenic acid, and omega 6 linoleic acid and 12% saturated fats. Furthermore, it also possesses an organic compound known as “alkyl isothiocynate” which gives the oil its distinctive “pungent” taste.
B. The uses and benefits of the Mustard Seed Oil:
There are a number of health benefits that an individual can gain by using this essential oil. However, one should also consider the adverse reactions or side effects reported from its use:
1. Antibacterial:
This oil when used helps in destroying disease causing bacteria thereby preventing bacterial infections, and serving as an antibacterial.
2. Stimulant:
This oil also serves as a “stimulant” when used by stimulating various systems in the body such as circulatory, digestive, excretory etc.
3. Diaphoretic:
This oil also helps stimulating the increased production of sweat, and thereby serves as a diaphoretic.
4. Anti-rheumatic:
This oil also exhibits an “anti-rheumatic” property when used and helps inhibiting the symptoms of severe condition known as rheumatoid arthritis.
5. Antifungal:
This oil also possesses an “antifungal” property and when used helps in destroying viruses and preventing viral infections.
C. The adverse effects of the Mustard Seed Oil:
There are a couple of adverse effects that may occur on using this essential oil. They are as follows:
- The use of this oil could lead to irritation of the mucous membranes, and hence needs to be used carefully.
- This oil usage can also be severely harmful to pregnancy, and hence pregnant women must avoid using it.
