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Mustard Herb - Uses And Side Effects

Mustard comes from black and white mustard plants (Brassica nigra and B. alba), which are native to the southern Mediterranean area. Other Brassica species grow in eastern Europe, India, and the Middle East. White mustard is also called Sinapis alba.

One of mustard's greatest health benefits is that it provides tremendous flavor for few calories and little fat. A gram of mustard flour contains just 4.3 calories and simple mustard preparations can be eaten with impunity by nearly everyone. Mustard itself contains no cholesterol, only trace amounts of vegetable fat, and is between 25-32% protein, depending on the variety of plant. Leaf mustard contains calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and Vitamin B.

Mustard's volatile oil, used medicinally, is made by pressing or steam-distilling mustard seeds. Some people grind the seeds for a flour that's made into paste and placed on the body. The German government has approved external application of a white mustard seed poultice to treat respiratory congestion and inflamed joints and soft tissues.

Common doses of Mustard

Mustard comes as a tea, ground mustard seeds (mustard flour), and mustard oil. Some experts recommend the following doses:

• For a footbath, mix 1 tablespoon of mustard seeds with 1 liter of hot water, and soak feet.
• As a topical treatment to coat and redden the skin, make a paste by mixing 120 grams (4 ounces) of ground black mustard seeds in warm water. To ease skin irritation from the paste, apply olive oil after removing the paste.

Uses of Mustard herb

• Fluid retention
• Intestinal gas
• Muscle aches and pains
• Rhspiratory congestion
• Rheumatism and arthritis of the feet
• To induce vomiting

Side effects of Mustard

Call your health care practitioner if you experience severe irritation of the skin or mucous membranes from contact with mustard.

Important paints to remember

• Don't use this herb if you're pregnant or breast-feeding.
• If you have respiratory disease, know that inhaling fumes from mustard may aggravate your condition.
• Never taste or inhale volatile mustard oil in its undiluted form because poisoning may occur.
• If you prepare a medicinal mustard product, wash your hands after working with the herb and avoid contact with the eyes.
• Don't apply mustard preparations to mucous membranes.
• Keep mustard products out of reach of children and pets.

What the research shows

Mustard's unique pungent properties have led some people to use it as an herbal remedy. If not handled properly, though, mustard can cause tissue damage. Although white mustard has been used medicinally in Germany, no studies are available.

Other names for Mustard

Other names for mustard include black mustard, brown mustard, California rape, charlock, Chinese mustard, Indian mustard, white mustard, and wild mustard.

Medicinal products containing mustard are sold under such names as Act-On Rub and Musterole.