Mustard Seed

Mustard seed (E):

These little black or brown seeds have a warming and stimulating effect on the digestion and lungs. A wonderful home remedy for nipping the onset of a cold in the bud.

Digestion Mustard seed clears accumulations of food caused by low agni, high kapha and ama. It warms the digestive system, stimulates agni and clears sluggish congestion due to excess intestinal mucus. It is also used to kill worms. Lungs It is a great expectorant; clears white, sticky phlegm from the respiratory tract due to aggravated avalambaka kapha. Mustard seeds are beneficial in kapha-vata breathing problems—asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia. Also useful in colds where a mustard 'plaster' on the upper chest and throat can clear an imminent cold within a few hours (do not apply directly to the skin, place the poultice on a gauze first to prevent blistering) (Tierra 1992). Joints Useful in arthritis caused by a cold, wet, damp environment and lifestyle. Clears ama and regulates vata. Can prevent pain and swelling. Commonly used as a massage oil for constitutional kapha conditions.