Is Mustard Oil Inflammatory? Unpacking the Science and Side Effects

November 18, 2025 •

4 min read

Mustard oil contains compounds like allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) and omega-3 fatty acids, which have been studied for both anti-inflammatory properties and potential irritant effects. This dual nature means the answer to "Is mustard oil inflammatory?" is more complex than a simple yes or no.

Quick Summary

Mustard oil has compounds like omega-3s and AITC that offer anti-inflammatory benefits, but excess use can cause irritation. Its inflammatory impact depends on its usage, individual sensitivity, and erucic acid content.

Key Points

Dual Nature: Mustard oil contains both anti-inflammatory compounds (omega-3s, AITC) and potential irritants (high concentrations of AITC, erucic acid), meaning its effect depends heavily on usage.
Anti-Inflammatory Compounds: Omega-3 fatty acids like ALA in mustard oil help regulate inflammatory processes and reduce oxidative stress.
AITC's Double-Edged Sword: Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) has shown anti-inflammatory potential in some studies but is also a known irritant that can cause skin and gastrointestinal inflammation in excess.
Erucic Acid Controversy: High erucic acid content, found in many pure mustard oils, prompted an FDA ban on internal use due to historical animal studies linking it to heart damage, though its effect in humans is debated.
Topical Irritation: Direct or prolonged topical application can lead to skin irritation, burning, and allergic reactions, especially for sensitive skin.
Safe Usage: Always perform a patch test for topical use and consider low-erucic-acid varieties or moderate consumption for culinary purposes to minimize risks.

The Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Mustard Oil

Despite concerns, mustard oil does possess properties that are anti-inflammatory. These effects are primarily attributed to specific fatty acids and bioactive compounds found within the oil. For centuries, it has been used in traditional medicine for its soothing properties, particularly when applied topically for conditions like arthritis.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Mustard oil is a source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid.

Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that regulate the body's inflammatory response.
They help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress within the body.
Higher concentrations of omega-3s compared to the typically higher inflammatory omega-6s in many processed seed oils contribute to its beneficial profile.

Allyl Isothiocyanate (AITC)

This compound is responsible for mustard oil's characteristic pungent taste and aroma. Research indicates that AITC can also have anti-inflammatory effects by modulating immune responses.

Studies, mostly in animals, show AITC can inhibit certain types of inflammation.
It helps decrease cytokine secretion, which are signaling molecules involved in inflammation.

The Irritating and Inflammatory Side of Mustard Oil

While beneficial compounds are present, the high concentration of certain components, particularly AITC and erucic acid, can cause adverse reactions, including inflammation, when misused.

Topical Irritation and Allergic Reactions

For many sensitive individuals, direct and prolonged contact with pure mustard oil on the skin can lead to inflammatory issues like contact dermatitis. The irritant nature of AITC can cause:

Redness and itching
A burning sensation
Blisters in severe cases
Exacerbated symptoms for those with pre-existing skin conditions like psoriasis

Internal Mucous Membrane Inflammation

Excessive intake of mustard oil has been linked to inflammatory responses in the mucous membranes of the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. This can lead to:

Rhinitis, or inflammation of the mucous membrane, causing nasal congestion and sneezing
Gastrointestinal distress and inflammation of the gut lining

The Erucic Acid Controversy

The debate surrounding mustard oil’s healthfulness largely stems from its erucic acid content, a monounsaturated fatty acid. Early animal studies in rats found high doses led to myocardial lipidosis (fatty deposits in the heart muscle), though later research noted rodents metabolize it differently than humans.

Based on these studies, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned pure mustard oil for internal consumption, labeling it for external use only.
In contrast, many countries, particularly in South Asia where mustard oil is a culinary staple, consider it heart-healthy due to its high monounsaturated fat content.
Low-erucic-acid varieties of mustard oil are available, often sold as canola oil, a different variant from the same plant family.

Mustard Oil vs. Other Common Cooking Oils: A Comparison

To understand mustard oil's place in the health-conscious kitchen, it's useful to compare it with alternatives based on factors related to inflammation.


Feature	Mustard Oil	Extra Virgin Olive Oil	Refined Sunflower Oil
Omega-3 Content	Contains ALA, a beneficial anti-inflammatory omega-3.	High in ALA and other omega-3s, highly regarded for anti-inflammatory benefits.	Often very low in omega-3s after refining.
Omega-6 Content	Good balance of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids.	Favorable omega-3 to omega-6 ratio.	High in omega-6 fatty acids, which can be inflammatory in excess.
Antioxidants	Rich in antioxidants, including Vitamin E.	Rich in antioxidants like polyphenols and vitamin E.	Antioxidants are often stripped away during the refining process.
Erucic Acid	Present in varying, often high, amounts, prompting FDA concerns.	Contains none.	Contains none.
Pungent Compounds	Contains AITC, which has a dual anti-inflammatory/irritant effect.	Does not contain these compounds.	Does not contain these compounds.
Topical Irritation	High risk of skin irritation, especially with concentrated or prolonged use.	Generally mild and well-tolerated topically.	Not typically used topically.

How to Use Mustard Oil Safely

Given its complex profile, safe use of mustard oil requires care, especially concerning the type of oil and its application.

For culinary use, choose low-erucic-acid versions or use high-erucic-acid variants sparingly, ensuring good kitchen ventilation.
For topical application, always perform a patch test on a small area of skin before extensive use to check for adverse reactions.
Consider diluting mustard oil with a milder carrier oil, like coconut or almond oil, for massage or skin treatments.

Conclusion: A Balanced Perspective

Ultimately, the question of whether mustard oil is inflammatory depends on context. On one hand, its composition of omega-3s and bioactive compounds like AITC contributes to its anti-inflammatory potential, a benefit noted in traditional medicine and some studies. On the other, the irritating nature of AITC and the controversial erucic acid content can cause or contribute to inflammatory issues, particularly with overuse or improper application. For users, the key is mindful use, understanding the specific oil's composition, and respecting personal sensitivity. A moderate approach, along with prioritizing low-erucic-acid versions where available, allows one to leverage its potential benefits while minimizing risks.

Learn more about different fatty acids and their roles in health at Medical News Today.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can use mustard oil topically for massage to soothe joint and muscle pain, as its warming effect and anti-inflammatory compounds can provide relief. However, always perform a patch test first, as the potent AITC can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Not necessarily. While mustard oil contains beneficial omega-3s, extra virgin olive oil is also highly regarded for its anti-inflammatory effects due to its high monounsaturated fat and antioxidant content, and it lacks the high erucic acid found in many mustard oils.

Pure mustard oil is banned for edible use in countries like the U.S. and Europe primarily due to its high erucic acid content. Historical animal studies linked high levels of erucic acid to heart issues, although human effects are debated and not clearly established.

Yes, mustard oil is a known allergen for some people. Reactions can manifest as skin rashes, hives, itching, or even respiratory issues, and are often related to its pungent compounds like AITC.

Heating mustard oil can release fumes that may cause respiratory irritation in some individuals, particularly those with asthma. However, its anti-inflammatory compounds like omega-3s are relatively heat-stable, especially in cold-pressed varieties.

Cold-pressed mustard oil is typically rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3s and antioxidants, and often has a better omega-3 to omega-6 ratio than refined oils. However, it retains high levels of the pungent and potentially irritating AITC, so the risk of topical or gastrointestinal irritation remains.

It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, infants, and young children due to concerns over erucic acid and other compounds. Individuals with sensitive skin, respiratory issues like asthma, or digestive problems should also use caution.

To reduce potential inflammatory effects, use mustard oil in moderation, ensure good ventilation when cooking, and always perform a patch test for topical applications. For edible use, consider low-erucic-acid varieties or blend with other oils.