These pretty yellow flowers are on the plant that produces Black Mustard (Brassica nigra). The seeds, sprouts, stems and leaves are all edible. Leaves can be eaten raw or cooked and the sprouts are typically eaten raw on salads, both have the hot pungent flavor that you will recognize as mustard. As the name implies, this plant is related to other Brassica family members, sometimes also called cruciferous vegetables. The immature stems can be cooked and eaten like broccoli.
However, the seed is what most people are familiar with for both medicinal and culinary uses. Foodwise, the seed becomes more pungent when ground and added to cold water for 10-15 minutes. This causes a chemical reaction involving the myrosin enzyme and the sinigrin glycoside. If the seed powder is mixed with vinegar, hot water or salt is added, the enzyme is inhibited and results in a milder condiment. Black mustard is spicier than white or brown mustard.
Mustard is a Digestive Aid
Similar to other cooking spices, mustard is an all around digestive aid. It stimulates peristalsis and all of the digestive compounds made to help break down foods. It increases appetite, soothes the stomach, is diuretic, and dispels gas and bloating. In higher quantities, it can induce vomiting if needed. When the whole seed is mixed with with molasses it can be used as a laxative.
Additional Actions of Mustard
In addition, mustard has the following actions: anodyne, counterirritant, rubefacient, stimulant, and vesicant. The definition of vesicant is a compound that can cause blisters, which means that great care should be taken to avoid burning the skin when it is applied topically. The most common topical application is a mustard plaster on the chest, which is used for any congestion such as those caused by bronchitis, pneumonia, or pleurisy. Mustard works by being a rubefacient, bringing circulation to the area, and along with it white blood cells to fight off infection. The same process can also be used on musculoskeletal ailments such as arthritis, low back pain, neuralgia, chilblains, and sciatica.
Treats Enlarged Liver, Spleen, Carcinomas, Neck Lymphomas, Herpes, Visceral Tumors, Dandruff and Scurvy
Black mustard seeds have also been recorded as being able to treat enlarged liver or spleen, carcinomas, neck lymphomas, visceral tumors, herpes, dandruff, and scurvy according to Dr. James Duke’s Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases. As a member of the Brassica family, it’s no surprise that it has been reported as being helpful in treating cancers. A quick search of “Brassica nigra and Cancer” on PubMed resulted in 71 articles. My little writing here is not deep enough to cover all of the wonders of black mustard seed.
Mustard Plaster Recipe and Instructions
Mix together ½ cup mustard powder with 2 cups flour and enough water to make a paste. Cover the skin with salve or olive oil to help protect the skin. Using wooden spoon, spread out between two layers of cloth and place on chest. Twenty to thirty minutes is about the longest it should stay on the chest, but check the skin every two minutes for pink/redness which is normal, or blistering, which is not. If the person for whom you are doing this states that it feels like it is burning, take it off immediately.
Jen Williamson, ND is a native of Buffalo, New York who earned her Bachelor of Science at Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania and a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona. While in medical school, she became very involved in the student community, most notably as the President of the Student Government Association. For her service, upon graduation she was given the Outstanding Leadership Award.
In the spirit of Docere, the Naturopathic principle of the doctor’s role as teacher, Dr. Williamson was an adjunct professor in the Complementary and Alternative Therapies program at Daemen College. She has had articles in a variety of publications, includingNaturopathic Doctor News and Review, SheKnows.com, local Buffalo magazines and papers, as well as her own newsletter, blog and website. While practicing in Buffalo, she also offered over 30 different classes to the public at various events and locations.
In 2012, Dr. Williamson moved to Vermont to expand her practice of Naturopathic Medicine as well as provide an atmosphere that resonates with her medicine for her son, Victor, and husband, David. As a Primary Care Physician at Avalon Natural Medicine, Dr. Williamson focuses on mental/emotional, gastrointestinal, and endocrine disorders. Most of her treatment plans include a combination of nutritional, herbal and homeopathic remedies, but she has also received additional training in Hair Trace Mineral Analysis and Bowel Nosodes.