We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Black Mustard?

Sara Schmidt
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 9,657
Share

Black mustard plants are cultivated for medicinal use. Their seeds have been used to create healing oils used for chest colds, inflammation, bronchitis, and other conditions. The flavorful black mustard seed is also used in Indian cooking.

Seeds of the plant often have their coats removed before being used in herbal remedies. They are very small at only less than half an inch (one millimeter) in diameter. Brown or black in color, the seeds are hard and nearly scentless, though they do have a nutty flavor.

Ancient Greeks used the medicinal plant for treating lung congestion. When traditional medicine calls for mustard plaster, black mustard is the mustard referred to. The paste is made up of wheat flour, water, and powdered mustard seed. This treatment has been applied to patients' chests to ward off bronchial infections and chest colds. Folk medicine practitioners have instructed caregivers to provide this treatment to their family members when ill.

Research indicates that the mustard plant may be effective in treating skin inflammation. It can be used to treat skeletal and muscular aches and pains. The seeds may also help increase one's circulation. As a tea or bath additive, mustard can help lower a fever and treat the flu. It can also be used as a stimulant and diuretic.

Mustard seeds should be handled very carefully. They contain myrosin and sinigrin compounds, which are considered some of the most caustic herbal substances known to humans. When mixed with water, a small drop of the resulting oil can cause a burning sensation or blisters on the skin. If plaster is left on the skin for too long, blisters can appear. For this reason, only professional health care providers should prescribe the paste.

The most common use of the remedy is within an herbal poultice. If the traditional mustard plaster is used and causes irritation, olive oil or another soothing substance may be applied for relief. Black mustard infusions are made by mixing a small amount of the seeds with boiling water. Foot baths made with the same ingredients are another common remedy featuring the herb.

When ground with honey, black mustard seeds may be used as a cough suppressant. As a food, black mustard can be found nearly everywhere. Table mustard contains the substance as its primary flavoring. The black mustard plant is sometimes cooked or added to salads as a nutritious meal. In Ethiopia, the plant is cultivated as a vegetable.

An annual plant, the black mustard can reach up to six feet (two meters) in height. It features pinnate leaves, yellow flowers from May to July, and black pods from June to October. The plant's mustard seeds are found within the pods. Native to Europe and grown in many countries of the world for thousands of years, the plant can be found growing wild throughout North America.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Sara Schmidt
By Sara Schmidt
With a Master's Degree in English from Southeast Missouri State University, Sara Schmidt puts her expertise to use by writing for WiseGeek, plus various magazines, websites, and nonprofit organizations. She published her own novella and has other literary projects in the works. Sara's diverse background includes teaching children in Spain, tutoring college students, running CPR and first aid classes, and organizing student retreats, reflecting her passion for education and community engagement.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By Hazali — On May 14, 2014

Great article. It's amazing how many things we use for everyday cooking can be prescribed for medicinal use. However, maybe it's just me, but black mustard seeds don't seem all too common in the U.S.

By Krunchyman — On May 13, 2014

@Chmander - They aren't sold in stores. In fact, if you read the article again, notice how in the fifth paragraph, it says that only professionals should prescribe them, mainly due to the fact that the seeds can cause blisters if they're not handled carefully. Sometimes if you have a question regarding a topic, it's always good to go back and re-read the article and see if you missed anything. Some articles have a lot of material, and you won't catch it all on first glance.

By Chmander — On May 13, 2014

Does anyone know where I can buy black mustard seeds at a nearby store? These sound very beneficial, and the next time I get a cold or a flu, I'm thinking about buying them.

Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt
With a Master's Degree in English from Southeast Missouri State University, Sara Schmidt puts her expertise to use by writing for WiseGeek, plus various magazines, websites, and nonprofit organizations. She published her own novella and has other literary projects in the works. Sara's diverse background includes teaching children in Spain, tutoring college students, running CPR and first aid classes, and organizing student retreats, reflecting her passion for education and community engagement.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-black-mustard.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.