10 Amazing Benefits of Mustard Oil Massage For Babies

Did you know that mustard oil has been used since time immemorial for massaging a newborn? So what is it about mustard oil that makes it a good choice for massaging your baby? Our blogger Harleen Gupta, shares 10 amazing benefits that mustard oil offers to infants. Some of the benefits include ranges from strong bones to fighting skin infections for babies.

One such routine that you would be following in the early days of your baby's life would be massaging. It has been proved that massaging not only involves the newborn baby but also provides health benefits.

# Retains body heat

Mustard oil helps to retain body heat and acts as an insulator. Therefore, it is widely popular in cooler regions as it helps to keep the baby warm. In winters, warm a little mustard oil and use it for new born baby's massage, it will keep the little warm.

# Helps to strengthen the bones

Mustard oil is great for infant massage as it helps in the proper growth and strengthening of the soft and delicate bones of your little one. It even helps in the blood circulation that enhances overall well-being of your munchkin.

# Provides relief from Asthma

Mustard oil has been proved significantly beneficial in Asthma. This is due to its strong smell and flavor. If mixed with a little camphor while heating, the oil becomes very effective for treating Asthma in babies.

# Acts as decongestant

It has been observed that mustard oil when heated with a small amount of garlic and used for newborn's massage, proves very successful in treating common cold and cough in small babies, especially in winters. Put one or two cloves of garlic in a container and add some mustard oil. Put it on low heat. The smell of the garlic will blend with the smell of the mustard oil. Turn the heat off, and when lukewarm, use this garlic infused mustard oil to fight cold and cough in babies.

# Has anti-bacterial properties

Yes, you read that right! How could one oil fit all those benefits in one package? Mustard oil has anti-bacterial effects too. It is strong enough to kill bacteria like S Typhi & E-Coli which has been deadly for humans since ages as it can cause major illness that are hard to treat.

# Anti-fungal benefits

Mustard oil contains a lot of anti-fungal properties which inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungus that can be dangerous for little babies if left untreated.

# Mosquito & insect repellent

Mustard oil acts as an insect repellent and can help fight mosquitoes especially during monsoons when they pose a high threat to the little ones. A good massage with mustard oil will ensure that your newborn remains insect and mosquito bite free due to its strong smell.

# Opens sweat pores

Mustard oil can help in opening the sweat pores of your baby and allow the skin to sweat, breathe and release toxins from the body which is quite beneficial during summers.

# Fights skin infections

Since babies are prone to skin infections a lot more than adults, mustard oil can come to your rescue by providing anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effects to the little one's skin by preventing and reducing rashes and redness.

# Promotes hair growth

For small babies with few or lesser hair on their scalp, a regular head massage using mustard oil and light strokes will promote hair growth.