Evidence supporting the use of: Black Mustard
For the health condition: Chest Pain

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Black mustard (Brassica nigra) has a long history in traditional medicine, including use as a topical poultice for chest pain and respiratory ailments. In various folk practices, mustard plasters—made by mixing mustard powder with flour and water—were applied to the chest to produce warmth, stimulate circulation, and relieve pain or congestion. The warming sensation is due to allyl isothiocyanate, a compound released when mustard seeds are crushed and mixed with water. This compound can irritate the skin, increasing local blood flow and creating a sensation of heat that may distract from underlying discomfort (a “counterirritant” effect). Despite its traditional use, there is very limited scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of black mustard for chest pain. Clinical studies are lacking, and most modern medical literature does not recommend this practice due to the risk of skin burns and irritation. The available evidence is mostly anecdotal or based on historical records rather than controlled research. Therefore, while black mustard’s use for chest pain is well-documented in folk medicine, it is not validated by robust scientific research, and its safety profile is questionable. Medical professionals generally advise against this treatment, especially given the potential for adverse skin reactions.

More about Black Mustard
More about Chest Pain

Products containing Black Mustard

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.