Hair20 min
Mustard Oil with Methi for Winter Champi
Mustard oil warmed with a spoon of methi seeds, cooled and used for a warming winter head massage, North Indian style.
Mustard oil in everyday Indian homes
Sarson (mustard) oil is pungent and warming, the everyday massage oil of North Indian winters for joints, soles and scalp.
Sarson ka tel is the classic winter champi oil in Punjab and UP. Warming it with methi seeds adds a nutty smell and a traditional conditioning touch for dry winter hair.
Ingredients
- 100 ml kachi ghani mustard oil
- 1 tbsp methi seeds
How to prepare
- Warm oil with methi seeds on low until the seeds turn reddish-brown; do not burn.
- Cool, strain and store.
How to use
- Massage into the scalp for five minutes on a sunny winter day.
- Wash after one to two hours. Once a week.
Helpful habits
- Use kachi ghani (cold-pressed) mustard oil for massage.
Precautions
- Mustard oil can sting sensitive scalps; patch-test first.
- It can irritate sensitive skin; patch-test first and keep away from eyes.
- Patch-test behind the ear first; skip on broken or inflamed scalp.
- Traditional use; scientific evidence is limited. Do not stop prescribed medicine.
Frequently asked questions
Why mustard oil in winter?
- It is considered warming and spreads well on a dry, cold scalp.
Can I mix coconut oil?
- Yes, half and half makes it milder.
Why warm the oil?
- Warm oil spreads better and feels soothing on stiff areas.
