Health Benefits
Prevents Cancer
Treats Psoriasis
Relieves Contact Dermatitis
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Relief from Respiratory Disorders
Cures Aches and pains
Poisoning treatment
Antifungal Effects against Ringworms
Skin & Hair Care
Healing Effect on Nerves
Controls Diabetes
Prevents Cancer
Being a member of Brassica family, the seeds of a mustard plant contain generous amounts of healthy phytonutrients called glucosinolates which can prove valuable against various cancers such as the bladder, colon, and cervical cancer. Various studies have suggested that the anti-cancer effects of these components inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and even guard against the formation of such malignant cells.
Treats Psoriasis
The tiny mustard seeds are effective against psoriasis, which is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder. Research studies have validated its effectiveness in curing the inflammation and lesions associated with psoriasis.
Relieves Contact Dermatitis
Mustard seeds offer therapeutic relief in contact dermatitis. Investigative research has suggested that consumption of its seeds helps in healing the symptoms associated with contact dermatitis such as healing of tissues and reduction in swelling.
Improves Cardiovascular Health
The cardioprotective properties of mustard oil possibly attribute to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids among other helpful components. Studies conducted to assess its effects on the patients suspected of a heart attack demonstrated positive results with respect to reduction in the rate of cardiac arrhythmia, decrease in the ventricular enlargement and the chest pain associated with it.
Relief from Respiratory Disorders
Mustard seeds have been valued for their therapeutic effects in curing cold and sinus problems. It is a wonderful decongestant and expectorant which helps in clearing the mucus in the air passage. In Ayurveda, its seeds are considered as a food with the warmer tendency and are prized for its healing effects in calming vata and kapha. Since ages, different home remedies have involved the usage of mustard seeds or oil for treating a range of sinus related ailments. They include an addition of ground mustard seeds in a foot soak for releasing the congestion in the respiratory organs and gargling with tea made of mustard seeds for soothing a sore throat to name a few. The heating qualities of this plant penetrate deeply inside the tissues and clean the excess mucus buildup.
The seeds have also been found effective in curing chronic bronchitis. Plaster or poultice made of its seeds has been used since olden times for treating bronchitis and to stimulate healthy blood circulation in the body.
Cures Aches and pains
Poultice or plaster made from mustard seeds helps in curing pains and spasms as well. Mustard has rubefacient properties and hence when applied as a plaster, exercises analgesic effects and provides relief from the paralysis of limbs, rheumatism, and other muscular aches. Another important advice to note here is that mustard plaster has warm effects and may cause sore blistering if applied directly on the naked skin. To avoid that, linen sheet should be used amidst the skin and the plaster.
Poisoning treatment
Mustard seeds possess protective emetic qualities which resist the effects of poison on the body. A decoction made with its seeds helps in cleansing the body especially if the poisoning is caused by narcotics or excess intake of alcohol.
Antifungal Effects against Ringworms
Anti-bacterial properties of mustard seeds have been proven effective in curing the lesions caused by ringworm. Topical application of a paste made of mustard seeds on clean skin washed with warm water helps in soothing the symptoms associated with ringworms.
Skin & Hair Care
Mustard seeds can be used for skin and hair care. Here are some ways you can enjoy the benefits they offer.
- Natural scrub: Mustard seeds are a natural scrub. You can add it to either lavender or rose essential oil. Use this mix to scrub your face and exfoliate dead skin.
- Hydrates skin: Mustard seeds, used with aloe vera gel, can act as a great combination to hydrate your skin. It removes all impurities from your face and nourishes it from within (10).
- Slows ageing: Mustard seeds make for a great source of carotene and lutein. It is also a great power house of vitamin A, C and K. Together these nutrients make for an excellent antioxidant.
- Fights infections: These seeds contain a good amount of sulphur which is known for its anti-fungal properties. They help ward off skin infections.
- Hair growth: Mustard seeds, are a good source of Vitamin A, a great nutrient for hair growth. It is also a great stimulant which leads to faster hair growth
- Strengthens hair: Mustard seeds contain protein, calcium, vitamin A and E, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. All of these together strengthen your hair from within.
- Conditions: Mustard seeds contain fatty acids. These are known to condition your hair from deep within. It also gives hair a good shine and bounce.
Healing Effect on Nerves
As mentioned above, the mustard plant has heat inspiring nature which may benefit some individuals suffering from nerve damage. It helps in stimulating the healing process by arousing the impulses and has an invigorating effect on the nerves.
Controls Diabetes
Mustard is excellent for diabetics. Studies have demonstrated the anti-oxidation activities of a mustard plant which helps in neutralizing the effects of oxygen free molecules and protects against the damages caused by oxidative stress in diabetics.