There are two species of mustard: with white seeds (Sinapis alba), which has a milder effect (but it is weaker in terms of treatment) and one with black seeds (Sinapis nigra), with an extremely strong spicy taste, which is usually preferred in therapy. Both are widely used in folk medicine, especially in external applications for broncho-pulmonary diseases, where can do wonders.
Therapeutic indications with mustard:
Chronic constipation – Take 1-2 tablespoons daily of white mustard seeds on an empty stomach, swallowing water after. It is an effective treatment, but contraindicated fo irritable bowel sufferers.
Poisoning – mix one tablespoon of black mustard flour in a glass of water and take on an empty stomach. This causes vomiting almost instantaneous and so will eliminate toxic materials in the stomach.
Lack of appetite – put a teaspoon of black mustard flour in a glass of milk. It is administered with 30 minutes before meals.
External application of mustard:
Bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia – a poultice of black mustard flour is applied on the chest. Keep it burning as long as it is not very strong, then remove and cover the treated area with a warm material like wool.
Rheumatic pain, neuralgia – use hot water to make a bag with 100-200 grams of black mustard seeds. Hold it on the affected areas for about 10 minutes, then remove. It is a valid treatment in chronic asthma, and can cure pains in various locations caused by prolonged exposure to cold.
Mustard flour and meal preparation:
It is produced by grinding with an electric coffee grinder. Store in closed containers in a cool place. Usually, it is preferable that mustard flour to be used in the first 2-3 weeks of preparation, because after this period, its curative properties are gradually diminishing.
Mustard poultice
Mix 3-4 tablespoons of mustard flour with water until a paste is formed, then place the paste on a soft cloth and apply on affected area. Keep it for 10 to 15 minutes.
Precautions and contraindications in treatment with mustard:
Children under 6 years are extremely sensitive to treatment with mustard, so application with mustard are contraindicated. Even for adults, prolonged administration of mustard, black or white, becomes irritating and toxic, especially in people with dyspepsia, stomach or colon sensitive, and people suffering from urinary tract irritation.