Mustard
(Brassica nigra)
Also know as Black mustard
Botanical Information
A common, highly-branched annual from the Mustard family with yellow flowers.
Working with Mustard
Part(s) Used
Seeds
Herb Forms
Essential oil, bulk seed, ready-made plasters.
Affects
Mustard seed is mainly used medicinally in plaster form for bronchitis, rheumatism, and lumbago. It is sometimes added to a bath or used in foot baths for colds and flu. Internally, a decoction of mustard seeds is taken for lung problems, such as coughs and excess phlegm, and to warm and improve the digestion. Commercially-made mustard plasters are sometimes available in drugstores and herb shops or natural food stores.
Mustard has a taste of SPICY and a temperature of HOT.
Cautions
Do not use for longer than two weeks. Do not use externally for children under six years of age. Mustard plasters that are left on the skin for too long can cause deep burns. Don’t fall asleep with the plaster on–make sure someone is monitoring the ti
