Mustard

Botanical Name: Brassica Nigra

Family Name: Cruciferae/Brassicacae

Description: Mustard is native to Europe and Asia, but it has been cultivated as a condiment and for medicinal purposes for around 2,000 years. Mustard is a member of the cabbage family and Brassica means cabbage in Latin. There are a few varieties of mustard plants but the black mustard is the one usually used in aromatherapy. The active properties of mustard oil are glycosides, sinigrin, sinapin and fatty oil.

Healing Properties: Relieves tension, stiffness and muscular pain. Stimulates circulation and helps to promote warmth. Mustard oil has antibiotic effects. Helps with bladder inflammation, abscesses, colds, lumbago, rheumatism, stomach disorders, lung congestion, gout and catarrh.

Cautionary note: Mustard oil has been known to cause an allergic reaction on sensitive skins.

by: Karen Morgan