There are some irreplaceable things in the Indian kitchen. This is because, not only are they used to cook some amazing regional delicacies, but their advantages are diverse and extend beyond the confines of the kitchen. One such classic example is ‘Mustard Oil’. It has a distinct pungent smell and does take a while to get used to it. Once you get used to it, you will learn to appreciate its quintessential flavour. It is addictive.

In the Eastern and North Eastern parts of India, it is hard to imagine a household that does not use mustard oil. It is believed to have some extraordinary medicinal properties that are used treat fungal infections, cure a cold, boost hair growth, build immunity, provide nourishment to the skin, strengthen the bones, enhance oral health and so on. The list is endless.

Mustard oil is extracted by cold pressing mustard seeds (black, brown or white) and is reddish brown or amber in colour. It is commonly used in North and East India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Nepal. However, it’s now becoming very popular, so much so that even the chefs in some of the finest restaurants in New York City have started to use this oil in their dishes. One could say that mustard oil is Eastern India’s olive oil. Apart from being used in cooking, mustard oil is also used in salads, as a baby massage oil, hair oil, face and body oil, etc.

Apart from being used in the kitchen, mustard oil is being used for various festivals and occasions, that it is safe to say that Indians give the mustard oil a lot of cultural and traditional importance

• In the Punjabi culture, the groom’s mother pours mustard oil on either side of the door as a sign of welcoming the bride.
• It is used in earthen lamps or diyas and they are lit on festive occasions such as  Deepavali
• During the pre-wedding ceremony called maiyan, it is used as one of the main ingredients to make a paste to be applied to the individuals getting married.

Some basic facts about mustard oil:

• Botanical name: Brassica juncea
• Family: Brassicaceae
• Common name: Sarson ka tel
• Sanskrit name: Sarshapataila
• Parts used: The mustard seeds are cold pressed to extract mustard oil
• Native region and geographical distribution: Mustard oil is used for cooking in Eastern India, North India, Bangladesh, and Nepal.

from myUpchar.com के स्वास्थ्य संबंधी लेख
via https://www.myupchar.com/tips/mustard-oil-benefits-and-side-effects-in-hindi/