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Mothers have traditionally relied on elderly advice, collective knowledge, and natural wisdom to care for their babies. Certain baby care methods that have been practiced since ages, such as applying kohl to the newborn’s eyes, giving a newborn some honey, and applying hing to the baby’s navel to relieve colic pain, are still followed by many. Massaging the baby with warm mustard oil is one such traditional practice followed by families. This is because mustard oil acts as an insulator keeping the baby’s body warm. Due to its antifungal and antibacterial effects, it helps fight skin infections leading to healthy glowing skin. It is also rich in Oleic acid, which helps hydrate and lock in moisture. In this article, let us read about mustard oil, why it is a popular oil for massaging the baby, and its benefits.
Why Mustard Oil?
For years mustard oil has been used to massage the baby. This is because mustard oil is known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties that help relieve itching and keep skin disorders at bay. Let us read some of its benefits in detail:
- Retains Body Heat: It acts as an insulator and helps retain body heat. That is why it is widely used for massaging babies during the colder months.
- Strengthens Bones: It helps increase blood circulation and strengthen bones and muscles, making it an ideal massage oil.
- Acts As Decongestant: Mustard oil being a warm oil, helps retain body heat. Heating it with garlic pods and massaging the baby with the same oil is known to help with congestion, cold, and cough.
- Opens Sweat Pores: Massaging with mustard oil helps open sweat pores, helping eliminate toxins from the baby’s body.
- Treats Skin Infections: Known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties, mustard oil helps fight various skin conditions while reducing irritation and rashes.
How Is Mustard Oil Used?
Mustard oil is a natural oil, and its purity can be gauged from its aroma. Mothers are known to heat the oil to add to its benefits, sometimes with garlic pods, nigella seeds, or even cinnamon bark. However, while warming the oil is fine, overheating it can make it lose its properties. The preparation of this massage oil is also laborious and tedious.
What Oils And Herbs Should Your Baby’s Massage Oil Include?
To reap the benefits of a baby massage oil, it is advisable to go for a formulation made specifically for the baby’s delicate and sensitive skin. Himalaya Baby Massage Oil (Mustard) is formulated keeping in mind the goodness of mustard oil while ensuring it is soothing and soft on the baby’s delicate skin. In addition, it includes herbs like winter cherry, aloe vera, olive oil, and vetiver, which makes the oil more beneficial. Mentioned below are the ingredients and the benefits of massaging your little one with this oil.
- Mustard: It is known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and heat-retaining properties, making it perfect for massaging your little one. It helps relieve itching while preventing skin disorders. It also helps open sweat pores, reducing the quantity of waste products and toxins in the little one’s system.
- Winter Cherry: Also known as ashwagandha, it is a powerful herb known for its super-healing properties. It has been used for years in skin care. While its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe the skin, it also helps boost blood circulation and improve muscle tone. Moreover, it helps eliminate impurities and keeps the skin soft and supple.
- Aloe vera: This plant is known for its antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties. It is also one of the most widely used plants, thanks to its numerous benefits for the skin. The extracts of this plant help form a protective layer on the skin, helping retain moisture. In addition, it helps alleviate itchiness and dryness, making it suitable for little babies with dry and sensitive skin.
- Vetiver: Also known as khus, this herbal plant is known for its healing, cooling, and soothing properties. It also helps moisturize and hydrate the skin while helping maintain the skin’s pH balance. Thanks to its cooling properties, it works wonders for sunburns, itchiness, and prickly heat.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil contains vitamins E and K and antioxidants, making it a popular oil for massaging babies. It is also rich in healthy fats, squalene, and oleic acids, making it good for maintaining skin tone and improving bone and muscle health in babies. In addition, it nourishes and softens the baby’s skin making it smooth, shiny, and healthy. When added with mustard oil, the properties of both oil work together to help soften and nourish the baby’s delicate skin while strengthening the muscles and bones.
Massaging your baby with mustard oil is a great way to nourish your baby’s skin while helping strengthen their bones and muscles. It also helps prevent dry skin and improves the skin’s luster. Moreover, massaging the baby helps enhance the baby’s growth and enables the baby to sleep better. You must massage your baby regularly with a natural and chemical-free mustard oil such as Himalaya Baby Massage Oil (Mustard) for effective results.
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