Cold Pressed Mustard Oil: A Guide for Indian Homes

A bottle of mustard oil will be present in any Indian kitchen. Some families use it to prepare and cook meals, others to clean hair, and still others even as a massage. unless the villages of Bengal and those of the Punjab each farming-house, contain mustard oil more than oil. It is not just a token and a recollection, but it is a wholesome decision as well.

But these days, when we visit the store, we find all sorts of bottles. These are labelled refined mustard oil, wood pressed mustard oil or cold pressed mustard oil. Many of us get confused. Which is the most suitable mustard oil to cook with? Which one is safe for babies? Which of them can we put on our hair?

With this blog, things will be easy. We should learn what cold pressed mustard oil is, what are the advantages of this oil are, and why do people of India continue to trust this oil after many hundreds of years.

What is Cold Pressed Mustard Oil?

Cold pressed mustard oil is believed to be the oil that is extracted off mustard seeds by neither means of heat nor chemicals. This is accomplished in India by means of the old wooden Kolhu (also known as Ghani). The mustard seeds are pressed slowly using the wooden machine which produces oil.

The oil retains its nutrients, colour and natural smell due to the absence of heat treatment. Hence, it is also referred to as wood pressed mustard oil. It is slow and it conserves the oil.

It is quite contrasting to refined oil which is produced by heating the seeds in a high temperature and adding chemicals that eliminate smell. Refined oil might appear to be clean but most of the nutrient is lost.

Why Do Indians Trust Mustard Oil?

Our grandparents always said that mustard oil is not just for taste, it is also medicine. They used it for:

• Cooking curries and pickles.
• Oiling hair.
• Body massage in winter.
• Rubbing on chest when someone has cough or cold.

Even today, in many villages, babies are massaged with warm mustard oil to make their bones strong. This shows how deep mustard oil is linked with our culture.

Benefits of Cold Pressed Mustard Oil

1. Good for Cooking

You should be familiar with the pungent odour of mustard oil has you enjoy Indian curries. It makes food tasty and spicy. Cold pressed mustard oil contains good fats which are readily digestible. It also contains omega-3 and omega-6, which are good for the heart.

That is why a lot of individuals refer to it as the finest mustard oil to cook in. You can fry fish in Bengal, parathas in Punjab and pickles in Rajasthan, but mustard oil will be always in the kitchen.

2. Good for the Heart

Physicians have found that cold pressed mustard oil lowers bad cholesterol. It contains good fatty acids which maintain normal blood pressure. Naturally we must not consume excess oil but in moderation, mustard oil is better than most refined oils.

3. Boosts Immunity

Mustard oil for immunity is good as it has natural compounds that combat germs. That is why people in ancient days were using it as a remedy against cough, cold and minor injuries. Its antifungal and antirectionary ability prevents infections.

4. Benefits for Hair

One of the most popular cold pressed mustard oil benefits is for hair.

• It reduces hair fall by making the roots strong.
• It prevents dandruff because it fights fungus.
• It keeps hair black and shiny.
• It works as a natural conditioner, making hair soft.

Many women in North India apply mustard oil to children’s hair from a young age. This shows how much trust people have in it.

5. Benefits for Skin

Mustard oil is applied on the skin too. It maintains skin softness, prevents dryness and gives a natural glow. Many still bathe with mustard oil in winter time.

You can encounter small villages where a child is running around with mustard oil smeared on his or her body. It is more like a defense against cold winds.

6. Yellow Mustard Oil Benefits

Some say, what of yellow mustard oil? Yellow mustard oil comes out of yellow mustard seeds. It is not as heavy as black mustard oil both in taste and smell.

Yellow mustard oil benefits include:

• Easier to digest.
• Softer flavour, good for salads and chutneys.
• Safe for those who find black mustard oil too strong.

Both types are good, but black mustard oil is more common in Indian homes.

Mustard Oil Nutrition Facts

Here are some simple nutrition facts of cold pressed mustard oil (per tablespoon):

• Calories: around 120
• Good fats: 14 grams
• Saturated fat: very low
• Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
• Has Vitamin E, which is good for skin and hair

This shows that mustard oil is not just tasty, but also healthy.

Best Mustard Oil in India

India has many mustard oil brands. But the best mustard oil in India is the one that is:

• Cold pressed (no chemicals, no heat).
• Made in a wooden Kolhu.
• 100% pure without preservatives.
• Stored in dark glass bottles to keep it safe.

Good oil may cost a little more, but it gives more benefits. Always check the label before buying.

Cold Pressed Mustard Oil for Hair

Let us see how to use mustard oil for hair:

1. Warm 2–3 spoons of mustard oil.
2. Apply on scalp and massage for 5–10 minutes.
3. Leave for 1–2 hours.
4. Wash with a mild shampoo.

For extra strength, mix mustard oil with coconut oil or castor oil. This reduces hair fall and makes hair grow faster.

Many people also use mustard oil as a hair serum. Just 2 drops rubbed on hair after bath can control frizz and add shine.

Wood Pressed Mustard Oil vs Refined Oil

• Wood pressed mustard oil keeps all natural nutrients.
• Refined oil loses most of them.
• Wood pressed oil has real smell and taste.
• Refined oil smells neutral but is less healthy.

Simple rule: If you want purity, always go for wood pressed or cold pressed oil.

Daily Uses of Mustard Oil

• Cooking curries, parathas, fish, and pickles.
• Oil massage for hair once or twice a week.
• Body massage in winter for warmth.
• Applying on chest during cold and cough.
• Mixing with turmeric for cuts and small wounds.
  

Tips to Find the Best Cold Pressed Mustard Oil

• Always smell before using. Good oil smells fresh and sharp.
• Colour should be golden yellow, not too dark.
• Oil should feel light, not sticky.
• Buy from trusted brands that use wooden Kolhu method.
  

Final Thoughts

Cold pressed mustard oil is not oily oil. It is medicine, food and tradition. It makes our food, our hair, our skin soft. It is a trusted product over centuries in India and even, now, it is also one of the best cold pressed oils that we can take.

Whenever you buy mustard oil, you have to buy the purest. Use wood pressed mustard oil produced in the Kolhu. It can be more time consuming to prepare but it invites the real nature to your house.