Sinapis arvensis is an annual or winter annual plant of the genus Sinapis in the family Brassicaceae. It is commonly known as charlock mustard, field mustard, wild mustard or charlock. Pieris rapae, the small white butterfly, and Pieris napi, the green veined white butterfly are significant consumers of charlock during their larval stages.
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Uses
- Mustard seeds and its oil has traditionally been used to relieve muscle pain, rheumatism and arthritic pain.
- In India, mustard oil is applied over scalp and is believed to stimulate hair growth.
- Its ground seeds act as a laxative, stimulant to gastric mucosa and increase intestinal secretion. (Disclaimer).
Benefits
The health benefits of mustard are innumerable and have been proved by different researches conducted in different parts of the world. The plentiful amount of phytonutrients, minerals, antioxidants and omega-3 fats present in mustard seeds have made them highly beneficial for maintaining a good health.
- Benefits against Cancer : Mustard seeds are rich in phytonutrients like glucosinolates which are further converted to isothiocyanates with the help of myrosinase enzyme. These isothiocyanates are defensive against gastrointestinal cancers. Various researches and studies have shown that isothiocyanates restrain the growth of the present cancer cells and successfully fight further formation of such cells.
- Benefits for heart : Mustard is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are helpful in reducing the cholesterol levels which in turn is beneficial for the heart. It also contains dietary fiber that helps in maintaining cholesterol levels and helps in weight reduction. The mustard seeds are also a good source of niacin which helps in lowering the cholesterol levels. Regular consumption of mustard is also known to lower blood pressure, speed up metabolism and guard against atherosclerosis.
- Benefits against inflammation : Mustard is a rich source of selenium and magnesium which possess anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps in reducing the symptoms for such diseases.
- Benefits for the immune system : The anti-fungal and antiseptic properties in mustard provide a boost to the immune system. The body becomes better equipped to fight against disease causing germs.
- Benefits against migraines : Regular consumption of mustard seeds is excellent protection against migraine headaches5. It has been found that frequency of migraine headaches are reduced when seeds are used regularly in cooking.
- Benefits against respiratory problems : When paste of mustard is applied on the chest, several respiratory and lung problems such as bronchitis and pneumonia can be cured. On application, the paste burns a little. If the burning sensation is excess, the paste can be removed.
- Benefits in healing wounds : The antiseptic properties of mustard make it an excellent remedy for healing wounds. Mustard paste can be applied on the wound and the wound can then be covered with gauze. Wound heals early and there is no risk of any other kind of infection too after applying mustard paste on them. In addition, mustard is used in the preparation of cold compress, which is very useful in relieving aches and pains in different parts of the body.
- Benefits against asthma : The minerals selenium and magnesium are present in mustard seeds in abundance. These minerals are highly beneficial for asthma patients as they considerably reduce the severity of this disease.
- Benefits for digestion : Being rich source of magnesium, the mustard seeds speed up the metabolism process, thereby, improving the complete digestion process.
- Benefits for women suffering from menopause : The selenium and magnesium present in the mustard seeds helps in stabilizing the disturbed sleep patterns of women undergoing menopause.
- Benefits against rheumatism and arthritis : With the presence of certain health benefitting minerals like selenium and magnesium, it becomes highly beneficial for patients suffering from rheumatism and arthritis.
- Benefits against flu : When hot water is poured over crushed black mustard seeds it is said to ward off any signs of flu and also relieves headaches.
- Benefits against Hair fall : Oil extracted from mustard seed is beneficial in conditioning hair, attaining longer tresses and preventing hair fall. Its antioxidant property due to presence of high selenium protects hair from environmental damage, thus preventing hair loss. Mustard seed oil is said to be rich in proteins, which thus aids in hair growth.
- Other Health Benefits
Mustard seeds also possess anti-fungal and antiseptic properties. The presence of certain B-complex vitamins helps in enzyme synthesis, proper functioning of the nervous system and boosting up the metabolism process. It is also instrumental in healing common diseases like cold, chest congestion and headaches. It is also used to induce vomiting for patients who have been accidentally poisoned.
Cautions
In general mustard seeds and its oil consider being safe for human consumption when used in small amounts. Large quantity of mustard may cause gastric irritation, bleeding from stomach and intestinal mucosa. It may cause skin burn when applied over skin for longer time. Erucic acid in musatrds has been found to have possible genotoxic and carcinogenic effects in laboratory animal studies.
Interactions
None are recorded.
Other names
charlock mustard, field mustard, wild mustard or charlock
References
Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinapis_arvensis#Uses
The researchpedia, http://www.theresearchpedia.com/health/health-benefits-of-foods/health-benefits-of-mustard
Practicalplants, http://practicalplants.org/wiki/Sinapis_arvensis
NutritionAndYou, http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/mustard-seeds.html