Ayurveda – Health Care

Mustard Seeds (Brassica Nigra)

Dr. Sangeeta Pahuja

Brassica Nigra or Black Mustard is commonly used as spice in different cuisines. Well known as Sarshapa in Ayurveda. Varieties of mustard are mentioned on the basis of colors. They are Shveta (white), Gaura (yellowish white), Pita (yellow) and Asita (black) and Rakta (red).

Mustard has been used as both food and medicine. For medicinal purpose, the seeds and oil of mustard are used in various Ayurvedic formulations.

Mustard is katu (Pungent), Tikta (bitter) Ras pradha (taste) , laghu (lightness), snigdha (oily) Guna (qualities) pradhan. Vipak (After digestion taste)is pungent. Virya (potency )is ushna (hot) and it balances Vata and Kapha. It is antiseptic, warming, carminative, antibacterial and anti-viral.

In Ayurveda, mustard seeds are considered Digestive and helpful in alleviating stomach discomfort such as gas and cramps.

Mustard seeds have compounds like glucosinolates and myrosinase, which prevent the growth of cancer-causing cells in the body. According to researchers, the seeds may have chemo preventive potential and may protect against the effect of carcinogens.

Mustard seeds are also effective in case of migraine, the seeds are packed  with magnesium that soothes our nervous system and relieves the pain.

The seeds are also beneficial for cardiovascular problems. It helps to manage the cholesterol level in the blood, which is necessary for heart health. They also have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help in relieving pain in the gum, bones and teeth.

Mustard has minerals like selenium, which makes the bones stronger and strengthens the nails, hair and teeth. The seeds also hydrate the skin, remove all the impurities and protect the skin from acne.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory auto immune condition that causes a rapid buildup of dead skin cells and mustard seeds are well known to treat inflammation and wound related to psoriasis.

Mustard seeds are beneficial in the menopausal period. As in this period there is reduction in the bone mass due to reduced oestrogen levels. As mustard seeds contain high content of magnesium and calcium which strengthen the bones.

The Seeds are packed with vitamin A, K and C, which reduce ageing in person and are a good source of dietary fiber, that improves the digestion in the body.

Presence of minerals like copper, magnesium, iron and selenium in the mustard seeds are helpful in the prevention of Asthma attacks. Mustard seeds have sulphur in it which is known for its anti-fungal properties and hence is used to treat skin infections.

Mustard oil is a good source of Vitamin A, E, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Therefore mustard oil is being used for increasing the strength of hair which leads to faster hair growth. It works as good hair conditioner also and gives hair shine and bounce.

Mustard seeds are very helpful in relieving muscular pain. Add some mustard seeds in lukewarm water in a bath tub and take bath and it will relieve pain. Mustard is used to relieve congestion caused by bad cough or cold.

Mustard seeds induce heavy sweating which is helpful in fever patients. It helps to eliminate toxins from the body and helpful in treating cold and flu.

 Since the seeds also have some side effects, so one should use carefully for therapeutic purpose. Uncooked mustard seeds contain goitrogens which are harmful to the thyroid glands.

Follow Ayurveda and stay healthy.



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