You may have heard from a friend or read online that adding mustard to your bath water can have benefits for your skin and health. But is this just an odd folk remedy or is there any science to back it up? Let’s take a closer look at why people say you should put mustard in your bath.
The claimed benefits of mustard baths
Some of the purported benefits of adding mustard to your bath include:
- Moisturizing skin – Mustard may help moisturize and soften skin.
- Detoxification – Some claim that mustard baths can draw toxins out of the body through the skin.
- Relieving muscle soreness – Mustard baths are said to help relieve muscle pain and stiffness.
- Boosting circulation – The warmth and compounds in mustard may increase blood flow.
- Killing bacteria and fungi – Mustard contains compounds like allyl isothiocyanate that have antimicrobial effects.
So in theory, adding mustard to bath water could provide a range of benefits from nourishing your skin to detoxing your body. But is there any real scientific evidence to support these claims?
Examining the evidence on mustard baths
There has not been extensive scientific research done specifically on mustard baths. However, we can examine the evidence on the properties of mustard and the effects of hot baths to shed light on whether mustard baths deliver on their promises.
Moisturizing and soothing skin
Mustard does contain oils that may help moisturize skin. However, research has found that mustard applied topically can actually irritate skin and make it drier. Hot baths by themselves have been shown to dry out skin by stripping away natural oils. So a mustard bath may leave your skin feeling more parched than soft.
Detoxification
There is no scientific evidence that mustard or any other bath additive can draw toxins out through the skin. Sweating in a hot bath alone provides minimal detoxification effects. The liver and kidneys filter and remove toxins from the body, not the skin.
Relieving muscle soreness
Warm baths can provide temporary relief for muscle soreness by increasing circulation and relaxing muscles. But there is no evidence that mustard itself provides any special pain-relieving properties when added to a bath.
Boosting circulation
Mustard contains compounds like capsaicin that create a flushing effect and warming sensation on the skin. This may temporarily increase circulation as blood flows to the area. However, these effects are likely short-lived.
Killing bacteria and fungi
Studies have found that mustard seed extract and mustard essential oil demonstrate antimicrobial properties in lab settings. Some research suggests mustard extracts could help treat certain skin infections when applied topically.
However, these effects have not been specifically confirmed in bath conditions. The concentration of mustard compounds that would be released in bath water may not be enough to produce significant antimicrobial effects.
Potential downsides of mustard baths
While mustard baths are unlikely to provide most of the purported benefits, they are not necessarily harmless either. Some potential downsides to consider include:
- Skin irritation – Mustard contains compounds like allyl isothiocyanate that can irritate and burn skin in high concentrations.
- Allergic reactions – Some people may be allergic to mustard and experience rashes, hives, or anaphylaxis from exposure.
- UTIs – The irritation and chemicals from mustard may migrate into the urethra and increase UTI risk.
- Yeast infections – Mustard’s effects on natural skin flora could potentially promote yeast overgrowth.
- Slippery tub – Mustard makes surfaces very slick, increasing the risk of falls.
- Stained tub – Mustard can leave stubborn stains on tubs that are difficult to remove.
- Higher cost – Using mustard for baths means purchasing more mustard more frequently.
So while not guaranteed to cause issues, mustard baths do come with some potential drawbacks to consider.
What concentration of mustard is optimal?
If you do choose to experiment with mustard baths, what amount is ideal? There are no official guidelines, but recommendations typically suggest:
- 2-4 tablespoons mustard powder
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup mustard paste, sauce, or oil
- Mixing mustard with bath salts, oils, oats, etc.
Start with a smaller amount like 2 tablespoons and increase cautiously over time if desired. Measure carefully, as too much mustard can cause stinging and burns.
Are mustard baths safe for children?
In general, mustard baths are not recommended for babies or young children. Young skin is much more sensitive and prone to irritation. Mustard compounds may also be more readily absorbed through a child’s skin.
Exceptions could be made under medical guidance for certain skin infections responsive to mustard’s antimicrobial effects. Very diluted mustard baths may also be considered for some children’s respiratory congestion. But check with your pediatrician before using.
Are there alternatives to mustard baths?
For those seeking the benefits of mustard baths without the negatives, some alternatives to consider include:
- Epsom salt baths – Provide magnesium to relax muscles
- Oatmeal baths – Soothe itchy, inflamed skin
- Baking soda baths – May detoxify and balance skin pH
- Ginger baths – Improve circulation and ease sore muscles
- Apple cider vinegar baths – Kill fungus and bacteria on skin
- Essential oil baths – Use antimicrobial oils like tea tree
These options provide many similar benefits as mustard baths but with less risk of adverse effects. Always dilute oils appropriately and do a patch test beforehand.
The bottom line on mustard bath benefits
Based on the available evidence, mustard baths do not seem to provide most of the purported detoxification, skin nourishment, and pain relief effects. Using too much mustard can also come with downsides like skin irritation, dangerous slips, and bathroom messes.
However, warm baths with dilute mustard may offer temporary benefits like:
- Mild muscle relaxation
- Increased blood circulation
- Antimicrobial effects when skin infections are present
Mustard baths are unlikely to replicate a visit to the spa. But if you enjoy experimenting with home remedies, use mustard in moderation and take precautions to minimize risks. And consult your doctor before using mustard baths to treat any health condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use yellow mustard from my refrigerator?
Yes, you can use yellow mustard or other prepared mustard products like Dijon in baths. However, the mustard seeds and oils themselves will likely provide the maximum benefits. Prepared mustard has added ingredients that may alter the effects.
How long should I soak in a mustard bath?
10-20 minutes is recommended, though some people may choose shorter or longer times. Soak until the water cools down or the benefits plateau. Very long hot mustard baths come with risks like dehydration, overheating, and skin damage.
Should I rinse off after a mustard bath?
Yes, you should rinse your skin thoroughly with clean water after a mustard bath to remove any remnants. Leaving mustard residue on your skin may lead to continued irritation.
Can I add other ingredients to my mustard bath?
You can experiment with adding things like Epsom salts, essential oils, oats, baking soda, etc. But keep in mind this dilutes the mustard and may change the effects. Start with mustard alone first.
Is it safe to add mustard to a hot tub?
No, you should not use mustard in a hot tub. The warmer water, jets circulating the mustard, and longer exposure make skin and mucous membrane irritation much more likely.
Conclusion
While a novel idea, mustard baths may not be the miraculous health treatment some make them out to be. Approach them with realistic expectations of benefits and be aware of the potential risks. Maximizing safety is key if you wish to soak in mustard. And of course, check with your doctor before using mustard baths or any unconventional home remedy.