Mustard
Parts Usually Used
Brassica nigra L. Seed Sinapsis alba L. Seed
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Brassica nigra L. Black mustard is an annual plant; the many, erect, branching, angular stem grows 2-7 feet tall and bears large, alternate leaves, the lower ones lyrately pinnatifid and somewhat bristly, the upper glabrous, entire, and lanceolate. Yellow flowers grow in elongating clusters in terminal racemes from June into November. Each has 4 petals. The black seeds develop in upright, bulgy, cylindrical, beaked pods which are held on stalks closely pressed to the stem.
Sinapsis alba L. Very similar to black mustard.
Where Found
Brassica nigra L. Widely cultivated and also found wild in many parts of the world, including the fields and waste places of North America, except the far northern parts. Sinapsis alba L. Widely cultivated and also found wild in many parts of the world, including the fields and waste places of North America, except the far northern parts.
Medicinal Properties
Brassica nigra L. Appetizer, digestive, irritant Sinapsis alba L. Pungent, stimulant, condiment, emetic, laxative, irritant, digestive Seeds are analgesic, carminative, stimulant, expectorant
Biochemical Information
Sinapsis alba L. Sinalbin, sinapine, myrosin
Legends, Myths and Stories
Both black and white mustard have similar properties, although most herbalists say the black mustard is the stronger. Culpeper recommended an external use to treat joint pain and backache. To be taken internally with honey for coughs. Today, mustard is generally used externally. Never use the undiluted oil. In Nevada, several members of the mustard family develop orange colored seeds, which are carefully collected and ground to make gravy by the Native Americans.
This gravy is made by adding hot water to the meal. One variety of wild mustard seldom sets on seeds. ” Grows on hillsides and is ripe in late June. The seeds are small and red. Brassica nigra L. Use of the seed is thought to have dated back to the time of the Greeks, who also used the plant’s green leaves as a potherb and salad. Some references say Black Mustard belongs to the mustard family, but Webster’s dictionary and the majority of references claim the crucifer family.
The reader knows best. Black mustard seed is used for giving a biting sensation to cordials and wines. Sinapsis alba L. This is the common yellow (white) ground mustard that is used with food, even though some herbalists claim it is harmful used in this way. The leaves of the white mustard are quite tasty in salads.
Uses
Historically, herbalists employed black mustard, *Brassica nigra*, externally as a counter-irritant intended to draw blood to the skin's surface for conditions such as rheumatism, sciatica, neuralgia, and various internal inflammations. Folk traditions also utilized it in external poultices for colds, fevers, bronchitis, chills, stiff necks, chilblains, headaches, toothaches, and constipation, as well as to stimulate kidney activity.
Ground seeds were sometimes taken as a snuff for headaches, while the oil, combined with alcohol, was applied as a topical wash for lumbago, gouty complaints, and rheumatic discomfort. Internally, traditional practitioners administered it in small measures to stimulate the appetite and digestion, while relying on larger quantities to induce vomiting. Beyond medicinal applications, it served as a spice, pickling seasoning, and culinary green.
Similarly, white mustard, *Sinapsis alba*, was traditionally used as an emetic to prompt vomiting and was prepared as a poultice for chest colds, bronchitis, and respiratory congestion. Folk medicine also utilized white mustard seeds with the intention of addressing joint pain, persistent sores, coughs, excess phlegm, and digestive sluggishness.
Warning
Brassica nigra L. Allyl isothiocyanate (responsible for mustard flavor) is a strong irritant. May blister skin, red, burnlike skin blotches, sometimes developing into ulcers. Large amounts or prolonged use of black mustard, internally or externally, can cause serious irritation and inflammation; never let undiluted mustard oil contact the skin. Black Mustard must be used in small quantities and for short periods.
Never use the undiluted oil. Sinapsis alba L. Mustard seeds should not be used if there is a fever condition. Never use the undiluted oil.
Bibliography
The Herb Book , by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974. Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants , by Steven Foster and James A. , Loma Linda, CA 92354, Original copyright 1939, revised edition 1994 Chinese Medicinal Herbs , compiled by Shih-Chen Li, Georgetown Press, San Francisco, California, 1973. , Simon & Schuster/Fireside, Rockefeller Center 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020 The Nature Doctor: A Manual of Traditional and Complementary Medicine , by Dr.
A. , 27 Pine Street (Box 876) New Canaan, CT. 06840-0876. Copyright Verlag A. , Pantheon Books, Knopf Publishing Group, New York, 1994, first edition Indian Herbalogy of North America , by Alma R. , Lotus Press, PO Box 325, Twin Lakes. , 15 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10023 The Yoga of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine , by Dr. David Frawley & Dr. Vasant Lad, Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, Second edition, 1988.
An Instant Guide to Medicinal Plants , by Pamela Forey and Ruth Lindsay, Crescent Books (January 27, 1992). The Rodale Herb Book: How to Use, Grow, and Buy Nature’s Miracle Plants (An Organic gardening and farming book) , edited by William H. Hylton, Rodale Press, Inc. , 1974