Brassica nigra

Brassica nigra
Family:Brassica nigra; Appetizer; Digestive; Diuretic; Emetic; Rubefacient; Stimulant.
Common name:Black mustard
Mustard seed is often used in herbal medicine especially as a rubefacient poultice. The seed is ground and made into a paste then applied to the skin in the treatment of rheumatism as a means of reducing congestion in internal organs. Applied externally mustard relieves congestion by drawing the blood to the surface as in head afflictions neuralgia and spasms. Hot water poured on bruised seeds makes a stimulant foot bath good for colds and headaches. Old herbals suggested mustard for treating alopecia epilepsy snakebite and toothache. Care must be taken not to overdo it since poultices can sometimes cause quite severe irritation to the skin. The seed is also used internally when it is appetizer digestive diuretic emetic and tonic. Swallowed whole when mixed with molasses it acts as a laxative. A decoction of the seeds is used in the treatment of indurations of the liver and spleen. It is also used to treat carcinoma throat tumours and imposthumes. A liquid prepared from the seed when gargled is said to help tumours of the sinax.. The seed is eaten as a tonic and appetite stimulant. Hot water poured onto bruised mustard seeds makes a stimulating foot bath and can also be used as an inhaler where it acts to throw off a cold or dispel a headache. Mustard Oil is said to stimulate hair growth. Mustard is also recommended as an aperient ingredient of tea useful in hiccup. Mustard flour is considered antiseptic.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 01:50 []