Kitchen Herbs and Medicinal Uses - Mustard Seed powder -

A tiny black seeds, widely used in condiments and cuisine, is the mustard seed.  Mustard powder is also known as Sarson ka Powder or Avala Podi. Mustard powder only contains 1 mg of sodium but is high in thiamin and riboflavin. In addition, mustard contains minerals like iron, zinc, phosphorus and calcium. It is said that adding mustard powder to your food can add mineral deficiencies and assist in formation of red blood cells, thus preventing anaemia.

The history of mustard seeds for medicinal uses has been documented for thousands of years. It was once known to the Greek physician Hippocrates, who used mustard packs to treat lung issues. Medicinally mustard seeds are shown to work by increasing circulation by dilating the blood vessels because of the warming effect on the muscles. Research shows mustards seeds, powdered, commonly called plasters contain sinigrin, which is responsible for the spicy flavor. When the mustard plaster is mixed with water, sinigrin breaks down and releases allyl isothiocyanate. A review on the activity of this compound shows anti-cancer, antibacterial, anti fungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and other healing properties.

Mustard plasters can be used for congestions, colds, headaches, inflammation of chest, like pneumonia, bronchitis, back pain, muscle aches and cramps as well as for arthritis. Caution needs to be taken as the spicy action of mustard, which causes the warmth on the skin can also burn the skin.

Other suggested uses are for nervous issues like stress and anxiety, general aches and pains, maintaining glucose levels, elimination of ringworms, menopausal issues, itchy scalp, exfoliation and reducing blemishes are possible.