The topic of our article today will be one of the most famous and popular spice in almost the whole world. Mustard oil, mustard powder have been well known to man since ancient times. It should be noted that such popularity is associated not only with excellent taste, but also with unique healing properties.
Translated from the ancient Indian language, the name of this spice means - "warming", "destroying leprosy." There is documentary evidence that mustard was widely used in folk medicine of ancient Rome and Greece at the beginning of our era.
A little bit about the history of the plant
It is generally accepted that the homeland of mustard is East China. From here, the spice was brought to India, and even later it “moved” to Asia and Southern Europe. The first gray mustard appeared in Russia as a weed plant, which was accidentally brought from Asian countries to the Lower Volga region along with imported flax and millet.
Mustard oil, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which a person studied gradually, was already supplied from Great Britain to the table of Catherine II in the VIII century. It was produced from the best varieties of mustard and was one of the empress's favorite delicacies.
For this reason, at the end of the 17th century, Russia began the history of growing gray mustard, which today has more than 250 years old. Mustard oil was developed from its best varieties. Useful properties and contraindications of this plant began to study Russian scientists.
In 1765, Catherine II issued a Decree according to which the settlement of Sarepta was created in the south of the Saratov province - a special colony of immigrants from Germany whom the empress invited to develop the lands of the Volga region.
One of the inhabitants of this settlement - Konrad Neitz - after many years of experiments managed to develop a mustard variety, which was distinguished by excellent taste. His find has been preserved to this day and is known to many as a special variety - Sarepta mustard.
In 1801, this tireless breeder (Konrad Neitz) from the seeds of mustard grown by him with the help of a manual mill received mustard oil. In 1810, its original taste was appreciated by Emperor Alexander.
In 1810, the manual production of oil was technically improved, and it began to be produced in industrial volumes. Therefore, this year is considered the beginning of the history of the production of mustard oil in our country.
Mustard Oil Composition
Today, three types of mustard are common : black, white and bluish (Sarapet). White spice has a delicate, piquant taste. Black mustard is very tart and sharp, somewhat reminiscent of horseradish. The most common and familiar to adult residents of our country mustard is gray dew, since it is from its seeds that table mustard is made.
This valuable vegetable oil contains many active substances necessary for the human body (vitamins (A, E, D, B6, B3, B4, P, K,), polyunsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols, phytoncides, chlorophyll, mustard essential oil, glycosides, etc. .).
The composition of mustard oil contains linolenic acid (Omega-6 group) and linolenic acid, similar in its properties to the substances contained in linseed oil. In combination, these fatty acids stabilize:
- the work of the heart and blood vessels, do not allow the development of atherosclerosis, prevent deposits in the blood vessels of cholesterol plaques, reduce blood viscosity and improve vascular elasticity;
- restore fat metabolism, improve the digestive tract;
- maintain hormonal balance, improve the functions of the nervous, endocrine and reproductive systems;
- strengthen immunity;
- neutralize toxins, slags, radionuclides, salts of heavy metals.
Vitamins
The composition of mustard oil includes vitamin E. Its amount significantly exceeds the content in sunflower oil.
It has anti-inflammatory, immuno-strengthening, anti-aging and wound healing properties. Vitamin E effectively lowers cholesterol, normalizes blood coagulation, preventing the formation of blood clots.
Vitamin D , contained in mustard oil, helps maintain normal levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood - macro elements that are essential for bone growth.
Vitamin B6 is important in metabolic processes - carbohydrate, fat, water-salt, and protein. It regulates the amount of sugar and blood cholesterol, takes an active part in the formation of hemoglobin.
Vitamin B3 is required by the human body for energy metabolism. He is "responsible" for the work of the brain and nervous system, indispensable for the proper functioning of the digestive system .
Choline (vitamin B4) is part of lecithin (an important component of nerve fibers and brain cells). This component of mustard oil not only has a beneficial effect on the state of the nervous system, but also synthesizes phospholipids - substances that protect the liver from fatty infiltration.
Oil application
For many centuries, mustard oil has been widely used. Useful properties and contraindications of it are well understood today. This unique substance is widely used in cooking, its properties are used in traditional and traditional medicine. In addition, cosmetologists and dermatologists successfully use it in their fields. In this article, we will introduce you to how mustard oil can help in certain situations.
Application in cosmetology and dermatology
Scientists have proven that this oil can improve the function of the epithelium of the skin and mucous membranes. Mustard oil for the skin is used in the form of cosmetic masks for diseases such as acne (acne), seborrhea, allergic and pustular lesions, atopic dermatitis, herpes, lichen, psoriasis, mycosis, and eczema.
The high content of phytosterols, vitamins E and A, fatty polyunsaturated acids, which have a beneficial effect on hormones, mustard oil has long been used in cosmetology as a skin care product.
Mustard oil: recipes (cosmetic)
Mask with mustard oil will help people with problem skin. Soak them with napkins, after mixing it with other oils, for example with almond, and apply them twice a day to problem areas. With this mask it is better to lie down for half an hour, and then rinse it off with warm water.
With combined skin, the mask is made according to the same principle, but using either pure oil or mixed in equal proportions with peach.
The mask for aging skin consists of one tablespoon of mustard oil and essential oils of rose and mint, orange (one drop each).
All women dream that their hands will always be beautiful and well-groomed. This can be achieved if you make baths of warm mustard oil once a week.
Such an infusion will help you get rid of dandruff:
- 100 grams of oil;
- 60 grams of nettle roots (dried).
Put this mixture in a water bath for thirty minutes. After this, the composition is infused for fourteen days. Then it can be filtered and thoroughly rubbed into the scalp every other day.
Treat hair
It is no secret that every woman strives for excellence. Beautiful and healthy hair is an important component of a perfect look. When any problems appear (hair loss, for example), we try to eliminate them as quickly as possible.
Mustard oil, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which are well known to dermatologists today, has a beneficial effect on the scalp and hair. Regular use of this oil in hair care prevents the appearance of early gray hair, strengthens hair, and is an effective prevention of hair loss and brittleness.
Mustard hair oil is able to neutralize the effects of toxins, waste, radionuclides on the human body, which, in turn, has a positive effect on the condition of the hair.
Mask from early gray hair
You will need:
- 50 g of crushed nettle rhizomes;
- 100 g mustard oil.
The composition is heated in a water bath for seven minutes. Then place it in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid and leave it to stand in a dark place for seven days.
After this, strain the oil, squeeze out the raw materials well using gauze. Rub the resulting composition into the hair roots two or three times a week (30 minutes before shampooing).
For hair growth
Mustard hair oil will help you accelerate their growth. To do this, in a container (preferably glass) mix natural honey (four tablespoons in liquid form), red hot pepper (tablespoon) and mustard oil (two tablespoons).
The composition should be applied to the scalp, cover it with plastic wrap (or a hat), wrap it with a towel and stand for forty minutes.
Wash off the mask with warm water without shampoo. Such a mask with mustard oil has its own characteristics. When applying it, be extremely careful - do not let the composition get into your eyes. Do not get carried away - it is recommended to make a mask no more than twice a week. With regular use, the hair length increases by three centimeters.
Mustard oil in folk medicine
Everyone knows that traditional medicine has long used mustard as mustard plasters. How is this valuable substance used by traditional healers? We offer you some recipes.
Vitamin Salad
This simple culinary dish will help saturate the body with vitamins, especially vitamin D. To prepare it, you will need spinach, any greens, vegetables that you like (fresh). Mustard oil will serve as a salad dressing. It will help the beneficial substances from vegetables and herbs to fully absorb.
For sight
Mustard oil, the price of which is quite affordable (from 180 to 200 rubles per 350 ml) is very useful for vision. Its effectiveness is several times higher when consumed with blueberries and blueberries.
A glass of berries will require approximately 50 ml of oil. The berries are ground to a homogeneous mass and taken daily (on an empty stomach), one tablespoon. This tool is extremely effective for night blindness, myopia.
With a cold
For all viral diseases, it is useful to gargle with mustard oil. You can take it before meals three times a day. The intake rate is one teaspoon.
With gastritis, stomach ulcer
Traditional healers use this tool to heal stomach ulcers. They advise taking a tablespoon of oil three times a day (30 minutes before eating).
We did not talk about all the diseases in which mustard oil is used. How to take it, you already know. Nevertheless, I would like to warn that treatment (especially internal diseases) can only begin after consultation with the attending physician.
Contraindications
Despite the huge number of useful properties, mustard oil has contraindications. The most common ones are:
- individual intolerance;
- myocardial disease;
- gastritis with high acidity;
- enterocolitis.
It should be noted that people with sensitive skin with external use of mustard oil sometimes complain of allergic reactions.
Mustard oil: reviews
Many positive reviews receive hair masks using mustard oil. Women note that masks are prepared easily and quickly, and the effect manifests itself very quickly - the hair becomes healthier, stronger, hair loss stops.
Oil used for cosmetic purposes has earned no less than kind words. According to reviews, it is very effective in acne, herpes, seborrhea, dermatitis.
Readers note that mustard oil as a dressing for salads contributes to weight loss and normalization of the stool, in addition, it tastes very good.