Evidence supporting the use of: Black Mustard
For the health condition: Boils
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Black mustard (Brassica nigra) has been used in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurveda and folk remedies, for the management of boils and other skin infections. The seeds are known to possess rubefacient (skin-reddening) and counterirritant properties, which are believed to stimulate local blood flow and promote the resolution of superficial skin abscesses or boils. Traditionally, mustard poultices or plasters are applied externally to the affected area. These applications are thought to help "draw out" pus and reduce inflammation, although such effects are primarily anecdotal and based on long-standing use rather than scientific validation.
From a scientific perspective, black mustard seeds contain glucosinolates, which can be hydrolyzed to produce allyl isothiocyanate, a compound with mild irritant and antimicrobial effects. However, there is limited direct clinical evidence supporting the efficacy or safety of black mustard for treating boils specifically. Existing studies have focused more broadly on the antimicrobial activity of mustard extracts, with only modest results. No high-quality clinical trials have been conducted to establish its effectiveness in boil management. Therefore, while traditional use is well-documented, scientific support remains weak, and application of mustard poultices can sometimes cause skin irritation or burns if not used carefully.
Other ingredients used for Boils
activated charcoalajoene
allspice
aloe vera
bayberry
black walnut
burdock
bасора
chamomile
clove
cowage seed
turmeric
curcumin
garlic bulb
goldenseal
Japanese sophora
lavender
LH01-myoviridae
magnesium
oregano
oregon grape
parsley
plantain
purified silver
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin E
zinc
bentonite
squawvine
typhonium
xanthium (cockleburs)
shen-chu
mugwort
Indian bael
neem tree
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
ferula assafoetida
punarnava
commiphora
paederia foetida
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
rubia cordifolia
boxthorne
buckthorn
myrrh
siler root
amber
fern
hyacinth bean
morinda
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
wintergreen
camphor oil
stillingia
paw paw
white oak
herbal blend (proprietary)
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
geranium
arnica
Ash
Avens
Aquilegia viridiflora
Anthraquinone
Ardisia
acacia
Agave
Agrimony
Allicin
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Aconite
Andrographolide
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Aquilegia formosa
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Alkanet
Alsonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
Asteracea
Alliin
Abuta
Alkanna
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Bermuda Grass
Babchi
Bai Ji
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black-Eyed Susan
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Butea monosperma
Black galingale
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Brazillian peppertree
Bael
Bloodroot
Benzoin
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Banyan
Bletilla
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Black root
benzyl isothiocyanate
Bassia scoparia
Boerhavia diffusa
Borneol
Coconut
Curry leaf
Calendula
Croton seeds
Calotropis gigantea
Colloidal Silver
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Carry Me Seed
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cynoglossum grande
Cedar
California Pitcher Plant
Centipeda
Cedrus libani
Castile Soap
Cynodon dactylon
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Copaiba Oil
Celosia
Clerodendrum indicum
Chrysophanics
Dianthus
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Dragon's Blood
Devil's Club
Davilla rugosa
Dichrostachys glomerata
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Erodium cicutarium
Eclipta
Echinacea
Emu Oil
Essential Oil Blend
Elephant's Head
Eupatorium
Euphorbia
European-Five Finger Grass
Embelia
Eugenol
Garlic
Iris
Little ironweed
Mallow
Oak
Poppy
Spikenard
Other health conditions supported by Black Mustard
Abdominal PainArthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bites and Stings
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Bruises (prevention)
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Chest Pain
Circulation (poor)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Dandruff
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Ear Infection or Earache
Emphysema
Fever
Gingivitis
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Influenza
Injuries
Jaundice (adults)
Laryngitis
Mastitis
Menstrual Irregularity