|
| Brassica
alba |
 |
| Name |
| Mustard |
| Biological
Name |
Brassica alba, Brassica nigra, Sinapsis alba
Cruciferae |
| Other Names |
| Mustard, Black Mustard, White Mustard,
yellow mustard, kedlock, yellow mustard seed, white mustard seed |
| Parts Used |
| The Seeds |
| Active Compounds |
Glucosinolates; Black Mustard contains sinigrin, which on hydrolysis
by the enzyme myrosin produces allyisothiocyanate, and White Mustard
sinalbin, which produces p-hydroxybenzyl isothiocyanate
Miscellaneous; sinapine, sinapic acid, fixed oil, protein, mucilage
etc. |
| Remedies
For |
Rubefacient, irritant, stimulant, diuretic, emetic., pungent, laxative,
digestive.
This well known spice has its use in medicine as a stimulating
external application. The rubefacient action causes a mild irritation
to the skin, stimulating the circulation in that area and relieving
muscular and skeletal pain. Its stimulating, diaphoretic action
can be utilized in the way that Cayenne and Ginger are. For feverishness,
colds, and influenza, Mustard may be taken as a tea or ground and
sprinkled into a bath. The stimulation of circulation will aid chilblains
as well as the conditions already mentioned. An infusion or poultice
of Mustard will aid in cases of bronchitis. |
| Dosage |
Poultice: Mustard is most commonly used as a poultice which can
be made by mixing 100 grams (4 ounces) of freshly ground mustard
seeds with warm water (at about 45 degrees C) to form a thick paste.
This is spread on a piece of cloth the size of the body area that
is to be covered. To stop the paste sticking to the skin, lay a
dampened gauze on the skin. Apply the cloth and remove after l minute.
The skin may be reddened by this treatment which can be eased by
applying olive oil afterward.
Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l teaspoonful of mustard
flour and leave to infuse for 5 minutes. This may be drunk three
times a day.
Foot bath: make an infusion using 1 tablespoon of bruised seeds
to l litre (2 pints) of boiling water. |
| Safety |
No information available. Some herbs are known to react with your
medication. Please consult your physician before starting on any
herb. |
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