I’ll admit I’m more of a ranch type of girl, but when it comes to soothing a burn on my skin, I go straight for the mustard. Mustard can serve as a natural remedy for many basic aches and pains. Though it may not be everyone’s favorite condiment, it sure does have its perks.
Here are seven reasons why you should have mustard in your kitchen, even if you have no intention of using it for food.
1. Soothing Sore Throats
Have a little too much fun this past weekend singing (or more like belting from the top of your lungs) to the Chainsmokers at the bar? Don’t worry, me too.
Mix a tablespoon of mustard, salt, honey, juice from half of a lemon, and 1 & 1/4 cups of boiling water. Gargle. Rinse. Repeat. You’ll be good to go for Friday night!
2. Cooling Burns
Mom: “Don’t touch the pot it’s extremely hot.”
Me: “Pshh okay.”
*Still touches the pot because somehow I think I can withstand the heat*
Spread mustard onto the affected area and it will dull the pain and help prevent blisters from forming.
3. Relaxing Muscles
Blink 182 couldn’t have said it any better: “Late night, come home, work sucks, I know.” We all know school is stressful, but mustard can help. Fill up a bath with 2 tablespoons of mustard powder, a few pinches epsom salt and your favorite essential oil.
#SpoonTip: Check out this article on how to get rid of that nasty gym shoe odor using essential oils.
4. Conditioning Hair
Rub a generous amount of mustard oil into your hair, especially on your roots. Let it sit for about 8 hours, or overnight, then wash your hair as you normally would with shampoo and conditioner. Your hair will be bouncier and softer than a L’Oreal Paris commercial.
5. Face Mask
Looking for a way to smooth your skin? Look no further. Rub a layer of mustard onto your face and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing.
#SpoonTip: To be cautious for any allergies, first try rubbing mustard onto your wrist to see if you have a reaction before continuing to your face.
#SpoonTipPartTwo: Make a snack out of it and cover your eyes with some cucumbers!
6. Ease Congested Throats
In this scenario, treat mustard like Vicks by making a mustard plaster and applying it to your chest. Bet you never thought you’d be rubbing mustard on your chest, huh?
7. Your Garden’s New Best Friend
It’s blooming season, which means it’s time to keep the critters out of your plants! Hang a piece of foil rubbed in mustard at the corners of your garden — the stench keeps the unwanted bugs out.
#SpoonTip: Plant mustard seeds in your soil to prevent weed growth. Do your research before hand to make sure this won’t have a negative impact on your plants.
Next time you’re at the grocery store maybe pick up a bottle of mustard. You never know when you may need it.
Feeling extra adventurous? Try making mustard from scratch with this recipe!