Black Mustard Seed

Brassica nigra

Black Mustard seed is also known as Mustard, White Mustard, and Brown Mustard.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND INFORMATION:

Black Mustard seed is one of the oldest spices that is known to man and is highly regarded for its medicinal properties. It was even mentioned by Jesus, when he spoke of having faith no bigger than a grain of mustard seed.

There are different colors of Mustard seeds but they basically all have the same properties, just a varying degree of strengths. The white and yellow, being the strongest, black is next in line, then brown.

Black Mustard seed powder is used to relieve stiffness and soreness of arthritis and rheumatism. When taken in small amounts it is an appetite stimulate and helps with digestion.

This herb works well as a laxative due to its oil and fat content. The seeds work well for a soothing footbath, the leaves treat bladder inflammation and the oil from the mustard seed are used for massage therapy.

TARGET AILMENTS:

Take internally for:

* colds

* influenza

* headaches

* laxative

* stimulate circulation

Apply externally for:

* bronchitis

* rheumatism

* muscular pain

* chilblains

PREPARATION AND DOSAGE:

Over the counter: Mustard comes in various forms so it would be best to read the labels and follow recommendations on the label.

At home:

Infusion: Pour one cup of boiling water onto 1 teaspoonful of mustard flour and leave to infuse for 5 minutes. Drink this three times a day.

Footbath: Make an infusion using 1 tablespoon of bruised seeds to 1 pint of boiling water.

Poultice: Mustard is most commonly used as a poultice. Mix 4 ounces of freshly ground mustard seeds with warm water to form a thick paste. Spread this on a piece of cloth the size of the body area to be covered. Lay a dampened piece of cloth over the area first to keep the paste from sticking to the skin. Apply the cloth and remove after one minute. The skin may get reddened by this treatment, if it does, apply olive oil afterwards.

Parts used: Seeds

Collection: The ripe seed pods are collected in the late summer and then the seeds are tapped out and dried in a thin layer.

Constituents: Mucilage, fixed oil, volatile oil, sinigrin

Actions: Rubefacient, irritant, stimulant, diuretic, emetic, carminative, tonic

SAFETY AND SIDE EFFECTS:

* Mustard plants are safe to use because it contains no poisonous parts.

* Mustard taken in large doses can lead to vomiting.