Brassica juncea(Brassicaceae) - Brown mustard

Scientific Name: Brassica juncea

Family: Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)

Genus: Brassica

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Brassica nigra (Black Mustard): Used identically for its pungent and rubefacient properties.

• Raphanus sativus (Radish/Mooli): Used in Ayurveda for digestive and respiratory conditions (Kaphahara).

• Armoracia rusticana (Horseradish): Used in Western traditions as a pungent stimulant and decongestant, sharing the "heating" quality of mustard.

2. Common Names: Scientific Name: Brassica juncea | English: Brown Mustard, Indian Mustard | Sanskrit: Sarshapa, Rajika | Hindi: Rai, Lal Sarson | Tamil: Kadugu | Telugu: Avalu | Kannada: Sasave | Malayalam: Kaduku | Marathi: Mohari | Bengali: Shorshe

3. Medicinal Uses: Rubefacient (increases local blood flow), Stimulant, Counter-irritant (relieves deep pain), Appetizer (Deepana), Carminative (Pachana), Antibacterial, Antifungal, Anti-rheumatic.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Glucosinolates (e.g., Sinigrin): The primary bioactive compounds. Action: When crushed and mixed with water, the enzyme myrosinase converts sinigrin into Allyl Isothiocyanate (AITC), which is responsible for the pungent aroma, Rubefacient, and Counter-irritant actions.

Volatile Oils (AITC): Action: A powerful irritant that stimulates blood flow to the surface of the skin, creating a warming sensation and relieving deeper muscular and joint pain. It also has Antimicrobial properties.

Fatty Acids (Omega-3 & Omega-6): Action: Present in the fixed oil, they contribute to skin health and have anti-inflammatory effects when consumed.

Minerals (Selenium, Magnesium): Action: Contribute to its role as a nutritive seed when consumed in small amounts.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Rubefacient & Counter-irritant (for Muscle and Joint Pain)

Formulation: Mustard plaster or poultice.

Preparation & Use: Mustard seed powder is mixed with warm water or a bland oil (like coconut oil) to make a paste and applied to the chest for bronchitis or to sore muscles and arthritic joints.

Reasoning: The AITC causes mild irritation and dilates capillaries on the skin surface, creating a warming sensation. This increased blood flow to the surface helps to draw blood away from deeper, inflamed tissues (counter-irritation), thereby reducing pain and stiffness.

Appetizer & Carminative (for Poor Digestion)

Formulation: Seeds used in tempering (Tadka), Pickles.

Preparation & Use: Mustard seeds are fried in oil or ghee at the start of cooking (tadka). This infused oil stimulates digestion and helps relieve flatulence.

Reasoning: The pungent (Katu) taste and heating (Ushna) potency kindle the digestive fire (Agni), promoting the secretion of digestive enzymes and reducing Ama (toxins).

Respiratory Decongestant (for Cold and Cough)

Formulation: Mustard plaster, Steam inhalation.

Preparation & Use: A mild mustard plaster is applied to the chest to relieve congestion in bronchitis and pneumonia. Mustard powder can also be added to hot water for steam inhalation.

Reasoning: The Rubefacient action and the pungent vapors of AITC help to break up and expel mucus (Kapha) from the respiratory passages.

Antimicrobial (for Fungal Infections)

Formulation: Seed paste.

Preparation & Use: A paste made from the seeds is applied topically to manage ringworm and other fungal skin infections.

Reasoning: The Allyl Isothiocyanate has proven Antifungal and Antibacterial properties.

6. Culinary uses- Decoction, teas, juices and Healing recipes.

Mustard is a foundational spice in Indian cuisine, used for its flavor and digestive benefits.

Mustard Poultice for Backache and Pain

Purpose: To relieve deep-seated muscular and arthritic pain.

Preparation & Use:

1. Take 100 grams of mustard seed powder.

2. Mix with enough lukewarm water to make a thick paste.

3. Spread on a clean cloth and apply to the affected area.

4. Remove after 15-20 minutes or if a burning sensation is too strong. Do not use on broken skin.

   
   

Digestive Tadka (Tempering) for Legumes

Purpose: To make beans and lentils more digestible and prevent gas.

Preparation & Use:

1. Heat oil or ghee in a pan.

2. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds and allow them to splutter.

3. Add this flavored oil to cooked dal or vegetables.

Mustard Seed Pickle

Purpose: A condiment to stimulate appetite and aid digestion.

Preparation & Use:

1. Whole mustard seeds are soaked in vinegar, lemon juice, or oil with spices.

2. The fermentation process enhances their probiotic and digestive properties.

3. Consumed in small quantities as a side dish.

Steam Inhalation for Sinus Congestion

Purpose: To clear sinus and nasal congestion.

Preparation & Use:

1. Add 1 tablespoon of mustard powder to a bowl of hot water.

2. Lean over the bowl, cover your head with a towel, and inhale the steam for 5-10 minutes.

3. Be careful to keep eyes closed as the vapor can be irritating.

7. Disclaimer

Mustard is safe in culinary quantities. For external use, a poultice should not be left on for too long (max 15-20 minutes for adults, less for children) as it can cause blistering and severe skin irritation. It should never be applied to broken or sensitive skin. Internal consumption of large quantities of mustard seeds is toxic and can cause severe gastroenteritis. Avoid therapeutic use during pregnancy.

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Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

• The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Wintergreen Oil. Source: Gaultheria procumbens. Family: Ericaceae. Similarity: The active compound, methyl salicylate, provides a very similar Rubefacient and Counter-irritant action, creating a deep warming sensation used in balms for muscular pain.

2. Ginger. Scientific Name: Zingiber officinale. Family: Zingiberaceae. Similarity: Fresh ginger, when made into a paste and applied as a poultice, acts as a Rubefacient. Internally, it shares the deep digestive stimulating (Deepana) and Carminative properties of mustard.