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BLACK MUSTARD
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(Brassica nigra)
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Other Names
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Mustard.
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Description
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Black Mustard is a hardy annual plant native to North
America. It grows from 3 - 8 feet, with feathery leaves and yellow flowers
that bloom July through August, then producing long dark pods of
seeds.
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Classification
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Taste
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Pungent
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Balance Yin/Yang
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Humor
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Uses/Applications
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Black Mustard is mainly used as a stimulating external
application. Use in the bath or as a tea to stimulate circulation,
relieve
muscular and skeletal pain, fever, flu, and colds. As a poultice it is excellent
for bronchitis, rheumatism, and lumbago.
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Combinations
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None
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Constituents
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Mucilage, Fixed Oil, Volatile Oil, Sinigin.
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Action
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Stimulant, Diuretic, Emetic, Tonic, Carminative.
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Food Values
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Mucilage.
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Part Used
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Seeds.
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Collection
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Harvest and dry the ripe pods.
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Preparation
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Footbath
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Add 1 Tbsp. seeds to 1 lt. boiling water. Pour into the
bath.
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Infusion
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Pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 Tsp. Mustard flower. Infuse for 5
minutes. Take
three times per day.
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Poultice
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Mix 85 gr. of freshly ground Black Mustard seeds with warm
water. Form a
thick paste, then spread evenly on gauze cloth.
Place poultice on the skin for 1 minute then
remove. If
the skin reddens use olive oil to ease the redness.
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Growing Directions
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Black Mustard likes rich soil and full sun. Sow seeds in early spring about
¼ inch deep. Space seedlings 6 inches apart.
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History
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The ancient Greek physicians held this plant is high esteem because of the
medicinal value of the seeds. The Romans brought Mustard, as a condiment, to
Britain. Mustard gets its name from mustum (the must). It was originally eaten
whole or slightly crushed.
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Additional Information
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1. Black Mustard is listed in the British Pharmacopoeia as very useful for
chilblains and colic because it is a powerful irritant and ruebacient.
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Cautions
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1. Be careful not to burn your skin when applying a
poultice.
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Magick Information
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There is no magical value.
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