Evidence supporting the use of: Indian Mustard
For the health condition: Congestion (bronchial)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea) has a long history of traditional use in various cultures, particularly in Ayurveda and traditional European medicine, for alleviating bronchial congestion. The most common application is in the form of mustard plasters or poultices, where ground mustard seeds are mixed with water and applied externally to the chest. The rationale behind this remedy is mustard's pungent, warming, and irritant properties, which are believed to stimulate local blood circulation and produce a counterirritant effect. This may help loosen mucus and provide temporary relief from chest congestion.
While these practices are well documented in herbal and ethnobotanical sources, there is limited scientific validation. Some laboratory studies have shown that mustard seeds contain compounds like allyl isothiocyanate, which can cause irritation and moderate vasodilation when applied topically. However, well-designed clinical studies confirming the efficacy and safety of Indian mustard plasters for bronchial congestion are lacking. The use is therefore primarily justified by tradition rather than strong scientific evidence, and potential skin irritation or burns are notable risks with improper use.
In summary, Indian mustard's use for bronchial congestion is supported by traditional practices with modest anecdotal evidence, but lacks robust clinical backing. Use should be approached cautiously, especially in sensitive individuals or children.
Other ingredients used for Congestion (bronchial)
allspicealoe vera
alpha-pinene
waterhyssop
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
bасора
caffeine
capsaicinoids
chamomile
chen pi
Chinese salvia root
clove
Coptis chinensis
cowage seed
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
ethanol
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
onion
green tea
horseradish
Indian tinospora
licorice root
lovage
mustard seed
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
spruce
ophiopogon root
oregano
perilla
phellodendron amurense
platycodon root
pomegranate
quercetin
rosemary
scrophularia root
shiitake mushroom
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
yellow root
squawvine
boneset
mullein
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
capsicum
mugwort
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
inula racemosa
anise
blackboard tree
lingusticum wallichii
buckthorn
fritillaria
lemongrass
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
chrysanthemum
juniper berries
siler root
sweet flag
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
abies spectabilis
horehound
Sichuan pepper
cayenne pepper
soursop
Alcohol
Agastache
Anamarrhena
Alpha-terpineol
Ardisia
Angelica
Allicin
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Asafoetida
Andrographolide
Adrenergic amines
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
Adenophora
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Alantolactone
Atractylone
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black spruce
Bicarbonate
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bisabolene
Bael
berry
Boswellia
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Bee products
Bombax
Buddha's Hand
Borage
Bupleurum
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Chinese Silkvine
Curry leaf
Chinese Mountain Ant
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Citrus
Cineole
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Curcumen
Cistus
Curcuma
Calamus
Cinnamaldehyde
Carthamus
Culvers Root
Chondrus
Dragonhead
Diterpenes
Ephedra
European Elder
Eclipta
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Ephedrine
Galangal
Ivy
Mustard
Mallow
Sandalwood
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Indian Mustard
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Arthritis
Backache
Bites and Stings
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Chest Pain
Chills
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Cuts
Dandruff
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Eye Infections
Fever
Fungal Infections
Gas and Bloating
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)