Medicinal Plants : Brassica alba

Name

Biological Name

Brassica alba, Brassica nigra, Sinapsis alba
Cruciferae

Other Names

Parts Used

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.