Sinapis alba (Brassicaceae) White Mustard

Quick Overview:

Mustard increases blood flow to the skin's surface (Rubefacient) and act as Counter-Irritant. Used in plasters and poultices to relieve deep-seated muscle pain, rheumatism, and chest congestion by creating a warming sensation that increases blood flow to the skin's surface, thereby reducing underlying inflammation and pain.

Its secondary role is as a digestive stimulant and antimicrobial preservative (as a condiment), helping to alleviate bloating and support appetite.

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Sinapis alba L. (Syn. Brassica alba)

Family: Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)

Genus: Sinapis

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Brassica nigra (Black Mustard/Rajika): Seeds are hotter and more commonly used as a spice and rubefacient in Ayurveda.

• Armoracia rusticana (Horseradish): A potent stimulant and antimicrobial root used for sinus and respiratory congestion.

• Lepidium sativum (Garden Cress/Halim): Seeds used as a nutritive tonic, galactagogue, and for fracture healing.

• Brassica juncea (Indian Mustard/Rai): The common brown mustard used in cooking and as a medicinal plaster.

The Brassicaceae family is known for plants containing pungent glucosinolates, which provide stimulating, rubefacient, and antimicrobial properties.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Sinapis alba | English: White Mustard, Yellow Mustard | Sanskrit: सिताश्वेतसर्षप (Sitasveta-sarshapa), पाण्डुसर्षप (Pandu-sarshapa) | Hindi: सफ़ेद सरसों (Safed Sarson) | Tamil: வெள்ளை கடுகு (Vellai Kadugu) | Telugu: తెల్ల ఆవాలు (Tella Aavalu) | Kannada: ಬಿಳಿ ಸಾಸಿವೆ (Bili Saasive) | Malayalam: വെളുത്ത കടുക് (Velutha Kadugu) | Marathi: पांढरी मोहरी (Pandhri Mohari) | Bengali: সাদা সর্ষপ (Sada Sorshop) | German: Weißer Senf | French: Moutarde blanche |

3. Medicinal Uses:Rubefacient (reddens skin), Stimulant, Counter-irritant, Appetizer, Digestive, Emetic (in large doses), Antimicrobial.

Medicinal Parts:The seeds are the primary medicinal part.

• Seeds: Used whole, powdered, or made into plasters and poultices.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Glucosinolates (Sinalbin): The primary, non-pungent precursor. When crushed and mixed with water, the enzyme myrosinase converts it to p-Hydroxybenzyl isothiocyanate. This compound is less volatile and penetrating than the allyl isothiocyanate from black mustard, providing a milder, more sustained Rubefacient, Counter-irritant, and Antimicrobial action.

Fixed Oil (20-30%): A bland, non-drying oil used as an edible oil and a base for medicated oils.

Proteins & Mucilage: Present in the seed coat, contributing to its demulcent property when used internally in small amounts.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Shoola (Pain) & Stambha (Stiffness) - External

Formulation: Sarshapa Lepa (mustard plaster/poultice).

Preparation & Use: Mustard seed powder is mixed with lukewarm water or Eranda Taila (castor oil) to make a paste. It is applied as a thin layer on cloth and placed on the chest for bronchitis, or on joints for rheumatic pain, arthritis, and stiffness. Removed before blistering.

Reasoning: The rubefacient action causes mild irritation and redness, increasing blood flow to the area (counter-irritation). This soothes deeper pain and reduces stiffness. The antimicrobial vapors may help in bronchitis.

Agnideepana (Digestive Stimulant) & Aruchi (Anorexia)

Formulation: Seeds as a spice in food or as a condiment (mustard sauce).

Preparation & Use: Used in cooking to stimulate appetite and digestion. A small pinch of seed powder can be taken with buttermilk before meals.

Reasoning: The pungent taste (Katu Rasa) and mild heat stimulate digestive fire (Agni), promoting secretion of digestive enzymes and bile.

Vamana Karma (Therapeutic Emesis)

Formulation: Seed powder with warm water (in classical Panchakarma).

Preparation & Use: Under strict medical supervision, a large dose of mustard seed powder in warm water is administered to induce therapeutic vomiting for Kapha-related conditions.

Reasoning: The strong irritant action on the gastric mucosa triggers the emetic reflex. White mustard is considered milder than black mustard for this purpose.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

A primary culinary spice used in pickling, as whole seeds in tempering, and ground into mustard paste/sauce.

Mustard Plaster for Chest Congestion

Purpose: As a counter-irritant for bronchitis or muscle pain (use with caution).

Preparation & Use:

1. Mix 1 part mustard powder with 4 parts all-purpose flour.

2. Add lukewarm water to make a spreadable paste.

3. Spread on a thin cloth, fold, and apply to chest (over a thin layer of oil to protect skin).

4. Check every 5 minutes. Remove after a maximum of 15 minutes or if burning is intense. Do not use on broken skin.

Digestive Stimulant Before Meals

Purpose: To ignite weak digestion.

Preparation & Use:

1. Take 1/4 teaspoon of white mustard seeds.

2. Chew them thoroughly followed by a sip of warm water, 10 minutes before a heavy meal.

7. Disclaimer:White mustard is safe as a culinary spice. However, external use as a plaster can cause severe burns, blistering, and skin damage if left on too long. Always mix with a diluent (like flour) and apply over a protective layer (oil or cloth). Never use on broken skin, sensitive areas, or on children. Internal use as an emetic is a clinical procedure and must only be performed by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner. Excessive internal consumption can cause gastric irritation. This information is for educational purposes.

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8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

• Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Sanskrit Text)

• The Complete German Commission E Monographs

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

1. Brassica nigra (Black Mustard, Rajika)

• Species: Brassica nigra | Family: Brassicaceae | Genus: Brassica

• Similarities: Both are used as rubefacient plasters and digestive stimulants. Black mustard contains sinigrin, which produces allyl isothiocyanate—a hotter, more volatile, and faster-acting compound than white mustard's, making it a stronger counter-irritant.

2. Capsicum annuum (Cayenne Pepper)

• Species: Capsicum annuum | Family: Solanaceae | Genus: Capsicum

• Similarities: Both are powerful counter-irritants and stimulants when applied topically. Cayenne, through its capsaicin content, depletes substance P for a longer-term pain relief effect, while mustard works through immediate irritation and increased blood flow.

3. Zingiber officinale (Ginger, Shunthi)

• Species: Zingiber officinale | Family: Zingiberaceae | Genus: Zingiber

• Similarities: Both are pungent (Katu) digestive stimulants that enhance Agni. Ginger is more balanced and can be used fresh for nausea, while mustard seeds are hotter and more specifically for heavy, Kapha-aggravating foods and external pain.

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