Mustard Oil for Yoga Day

On International Yoga Day, we often focus on the asana—the physical poses. But yoga isn’t just about stretching or meditating—it’s a lifestyle born out of Ayurveda, India’s ancient system of natural healing.

One of the most beautiful ways to honour this holistic lifestyle? Through mindful cooking and sattvic eating, with mustard oil as your guiding golden touch.

What is Sattvic Food?

In yogic philosophy, foods are classified into three categories:

• Sattvic (pure, harmonious, balanced)

• Rajasic (stimulating, fiery)

• Tamasic (dull, heavy, processed)

Sattvic food is light, nutritious, seasonal, and naturally vibrant—designed to nourish the body while calming the mind. Think fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and natural oils, such as cold-pressed mustard oil, used in moderation and cooked mindfully.

Mustard Oil in Ayurveda: More Than Just an Ingredient

In Ayurveda, mustard oil is celebrated for its heating (ushna) and detoxifying qualities. It balances Kapha and Vata doshas and is known to:

• Stimulate agni (digestive fire)

• Support joint health and circulation

• Improve skin health through internal and external use

• Act as a natural antibacterial and antifungal agent

Whether it’s used in abhyanga (body massage) or in cooking, mustard oil isn’t just food—it’s therapy.

Why Mustard Oil Belongs on a Yogi’s Plate

Cold-pressed mustard oil isn’t just a staple in Indian kitchens—it’s a holistic powerhouse:

• Digestive support: Naturally stimulates digestion, making even simple meals more gut-friendly.

• Anti-inflammatory properties: Ideal for individuals practising intense yoga or seeking to reduce joint stiffness.

• Sharpens focus: Its warming nature helps improve circulation and energy levels.

• Sustainable and pure: Kachhi ghani (cold-pressed) mustard oil retains all its nutrients without additives, aligning perfectly with sattvic principles.
  

The Mindful Yogi Meal Plan (Cooked in Mustard Oil)

Here’s what a sattvic, mustard oil-infused plate can look like:

🌞 Breakfast – Moong Dal Chilla

Crisp on the outside, soft inside. Lightly pan-fried in mustard oil with coriander, ginger, and ajwain. Served with mint chutney.

🍛 Lunch – Saag-Sabzi Bowl

Seasonal greens (like spinach and methi), gently sautéed in mustard oil with jeera, hing, and grated ginger. Add a portion of jeera rice or bajra roti.

🌿 Evening Tonic – Warm Water + Lemon + Pinch of Cold-Pressed Mustard Oil

Just a few drops aid digestion and help detox gently.

🌙 Dinner – Khichdi with Sarson Ka Tadka

A comforting blend of rice and moong dal, finished with a tadka of mustard oil, curry leaves, and green chillies. Light, grounding, and perfect for winding down.

This Yoga Day, Honour the Whole You

Unroll your yoga mat, yes—but also honour your gut, your energy, and your ancestry. Cook with clarity, eat with purpose, and reconnect with the roots that gave us both yoga and mustard oil.

Because yoga isn’t just an hour on the mat—it’s a way of living.