Description
Mustard essential oil is extracted from Brassica nigra (a.k.a. Sinapsis nigra and Brassica sinapioides) from the Cruciferae family.
Oil Properties
Mustard oil is a hazardous oil because of its high content of allyl isothiocyanate. Mustard powder or seed does not contain allyl isothiocyanate and is only formed durint the production of the essential oil.
Origin Of Mustard Oil
Mustard is an annual plant with a much-branched stem, and lobed, roughly lyre-shaped leaves, 16cm (6inch) long. Bright yellow flowers are produced all summer, followed by small, erect, f-angled pods with dark brown seeds.
In herbal medicine the seeds are used to aid digestion, to promote the appetite, and for colds, chills, coughs, chilblains, rheumatism, arthritis, lumbago, and aches and pains. As an essential oil, Mustard is toxic because of its high content of allyl isothiocyanate and also is a skin and mucus membrane irritant.
Precautions
When Mustard oil is inhaled, it produces an extremely unpleasant sensation in the occipital regions of the head and causes inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eyes and the mucus membranes or the respiratory system.
When applied to the skin, it provokes a burning sensation.
It should NEVER BE USED IN AROMATHERAPY!