Mustard Oil: Applications, Treatments, Health Benefits

Mustard oil is the essential as well as the fatty oil from the mustard seeds. Organic isothiocyanates are also under the name of mustard oil. The oil is a special strategy of plants to defend against pests.

Occurrence and cultivation of mustard oil

Mustard oil is the essential as well as the fatty oil from the mustard seeds of the mustard plant. Mustard oil is an oil with a pungent odor and a sharp taste. The oil is contained in various plants, which use it to protect themselves from various pests. Mustard oil is produced only when a plant is injured by a feeding animal. Meanwhile, the discovery has been made that mustard oils can be used in the therapy of numerous diseases. Especially their possible use as a substitute for chemically produced antibiotics is remarkable. Mustard oil is composed of two different types of oil, namely the fatty oil as well as the essential oil. The seeds of black mustard contain up to 30 percent vegetable oil. From a chemical point of view, this oil, like most vegetable oils, is a so-called triglyceride. It is therefore characterized by a high content of unsaturated fatty acids. This oil is particularly popular in Indian cuisine as a food, but its use is not unreservedly recommended. This is because in a raw or insufficiently heated state, the glycerides of mustard oil contain the so-called erucic acid, which can lead to fatty degeneration of the heart in the long term. Also, mustard oil in cold-pressed form in India is usually heated briefly and intensively to the smoke point during cooking. This softens the pungent taste caused by the isothiocyanates. In the USA as well as the EU, mustard oil may only be marketed as a foodstuff on condition that the proportion of erucic acid is lower than five percent. In addition to the fatty oils, mustard oil also contains pungent essential oils. These provide the burning flavor of horseradish, mustard, wasabi, radish, arugula and cress. In dry mustard seeds, the characteristic burning taste only develops when water is added. This is because only then can the essential oil be released.

Effect and application

Mustard oils have an inhibitory effect on specific bacteria and viruses. This effect is primarily seen in respiratory and urinary tract infections. For example, in vitro tests with mustard oils showed that the contained 2-phenylethyl isocyanate, benzyl isothiocyanate, as well as allyl isothiocyanate reduced viral growth of epithelial cells of the lungs infected with the risky H1N1 influenza A virus by nearly 90 percent. In addition, further in vitro tests have shown that mustard oils have a broad-spectrum antibacterial effect. This effect is primarily seen with mustard oils derived from horseradish or nasturtium. In particular, the antibacterial effect of mustard oil can be useful in combating bacterial pathogens. It also occurs with problematic germs such as vancomycin-resistant enterococci, MRSA or penicillin-resistant pneumococci. In addition, mustard oil activates the so-called TRPV1 and TRPA1 channels by means of certain cysteines. These channels are permeable to calcium ions and are able to register and trigger both acute and inflammatory pain signals. This effect can be compared to the mode of action of capsaicin and is used, for example, in combination with gold compounds to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Research is also being conducted regarding its application in tumor treatment. In addition, mustard oil can also combat antibiotic-resistant germs. This means that patients can avoid treatment with antibiotics, which is a clear advantage. Antibiotic resistance is increasingly problematic and spreading. Therefore, it makes more sense to treat simple bacterial infections with herbal preparations. Mustard oil from horseradish and nasturtium, for example, can be used for uncomplicated bladder infections. Mustard oil is also used in combination with clay, cayenne pepper and water as a so-called Munari pack and is used as part of a heat therapy for tension and pain in the musculoskeletal system. In addition, a corresponding massage can be performed.

Significance for health, treatment and prevention.

Mustard oils have anti-inflammatory and anti-infection effects comparable to those of numerous antibiotics.Various studies have shown that mustard oils can inhibit up to 13 different types of bacteria from multiplying. This keeps viruses and bacteria under control, which can trigger respiratory and intestinal infections, for example. In addition, mustard oils can also effectively fight fungi, which is why they can also be used for urinary tract infections and bladder infections. Such natural antibiotics are usually obtained mainly from nasturtium, chamomile, horseradish, sage, thyme and garlic. In addition, mustard oils from horseradish and broccoli are said to be able to prevent cancer. The substances contained in broccoli are said to be able to destroy the germ Helicobacter pylori, which can promote both stomach ulcers and cancer. Various precursors of mustard oils have been shown in studies to be able to fight stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer and lung cancer. In particular, mustard oils from horseradish are effective against inflammation and rheumatism. They are able to reduce the pain stimulus by a kind of counter stimulus. This relieves pain and reduces inflammation. Bladder infections can be treated with mustard oil in tablet form, which are available in pharmacies. Such remedies have far fewer side effects than antibiotics. Female patients suffering from chronic cystitis in particular may benefit from mustard oil.