Evidence supporting the use of: Black Mustard
For the health condition: Colds (decongestant)

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Synopsis

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

Black mustard (Brassica nigra) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, including in Ayurveda and folk remedies, as a decongestant to support the treatment of colds. Traditional applications often involved making mustard plasters or poultices, where ground mustard seeds were mixed with water and applied to the chest or back to produce a warming sensation believed to help open up airways and relieve congestion. The pungent compounds in black mustard, primarily allyl isothiocyanate, can cause local irritation and increased blood flow, which was thought to "draw out" congestion or stimulate the respiratory tract.

However, there is minimal scientific evidence to support the efficacy of black mustard as a decongestant or as a treatment for colds. Most modern research has focused on its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro or in animal studies, not specifically on cold symptom relief or decongestant effects in humans. Thus, while the traditional use is well-documented, high-quality clinical trials are lacking. The evidence rating is low due to the absence of robust scientific validation.

More about Black Mustard
More about Colds (decongestant)

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